Firstly, apologies if this question has been asked in this sub before.
I recently graduated from university (May 2026) where in my final year, I played bass trombone in both concert ensembles that were offered. I played on a YBL613H and for my first experience on bass trombone, it was good. Currently, I play euphonium (my main) and an old, small bore Bach tenor trombone just to try to maintain some trombone chops.
I live around the Boston area and was wondering what people thought about visiting the Shires factory just to kind of hone in on what I would potentially want in a new horn. My only qualm about going is that because I haven't played on a bass bone in a while, I won't be able to really pinpoint something that would be the best fit. (also not really sure what I should play when I get there haha)
If anyone has any other recommendations of places to go to find a horn or are willing to share their own experiences at Shires, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
(Also by no means am I anywhere near being a professional. Music has always been just a hobby.)