Best Bugle & Best Bugle Brands
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The music industry is growing fast and more people are taking interest in learning various musical instruments. Among the widely used instruments, the brass category is particularly popular and its various kinds of tools are used in band performances.
Among the brass family, the simplest tool is a bugle. It is a simple, handy and beautiful tool and is known to be a natural, small horn. A traditional bugle is without any valves and the players’ embouchure controls its pitch.
Bugles don’t have any pitch control mechanism and offer limited features. In appearance, these are like small-sized trumpets. These are traditionally used in boy scouts and for military purposes.
The bugles are majorly used in bugle corps where trained and professional bands perform in different festivals and civic functions.
With time, there has been an evolution in its design and now some of its kinds feature valves and pitch control system. Different modifications have made bugle an interesting music tool. It is a wonderful thing to learn.
Many people including kids love to get training. Even those who don’t aim to play professionally like to learn it as their hobby. If you are interested in playing this wonderful instrument, you should first do some research on it. Bugle comes in different kinds and you should go for one that is more appropriate for you.
What are the Best Bugle to Buy?
Following are its basic types:
B Flat Bugle
It is the most popular and widely used type and plays 5 notes which are: c4,c5,g4,g5,e5.
It comes in a number of variations including Stomvi, Getzen American Heritage, and Bach Stradivarius.
G Bugle
This one plays 6 different notes including ;b3 ,b4 , d4 ,d5 ,g4 ,g5.
G-bugle features low pitch and generates fast and relatively simple notes.
F Bugle
As the name indicates, this one has the Key of F and the notes that it can play include:a4,a5,c4,c5,f4,f5
Some Tips for playing Bugle
For the starters, what is more important than the type of bugle is the right technique. In order to learn it skillfully, professional guidance is important. Other than a daily practice of about half an hour on daily basis would be very fruitful. Practicing with a group would also be helpful in learning team play. Always clean your tool after practice and keep it clean.
The most difficult part for the beginners is to learn the right breathing technique. The nose alone cannot draw air rapid enough, so breathing through the mouth is important. The lips should be moist for perfect vibration and you should hold them tightly against bugle’s mouthpiece so that no air can escape.
6 Best Bugle Reviews 2017 and the Best Bugle Brands
Now let’s review some famous bugles and have a look at their features.
1) U.S. Regulation Bugle
U.S. Regulation Bugle features a completely conical bell and has a brass lacquered finish. It is well-polished and gives an appealing outlook. This one comes complete with a traditional old-style mouthpiece.
The set of instructions provided with it makes it care and handling easier for the users. A bag is also provided which makes it easier for the players to travel with their bugle. It functions in the key of G and F(with tuning slide) and delivers a beautiful, mellow tone.
This is a high-class instrument with great metal work and well-crafted sling rings.Thus it is a good choice for both the new and experienced users.
2) Regiment Regulation Bugle, Band-4500
Regiment Regulation Bugle is one of the top and best selling bugles. This is a full-size bugle and is beautifully made with lacquered brass. It includes nickel-plated mouthpiece which is detachable. This one is light in weight and comes with a carrying bag which makes it convenient for users to carry the bugle around.
Regiment Bugle produces strong and wondrous sound and the best thing is, if you don’t find this tool satisfying, you can return it within a half month for full refund, provided the condition of the instrument is as good as new.
3) Regiment WI-800-BG Bugle
Regiment WI-800-BG Bugle has a clear Lacquered brass body and its shiny clear outlook makes it look attractive. This bugle features separable mouthpiece which is nickel-plated. It operates in the key of G and slide F and generates a commendable quality tone. Furthermore, this is a very handy and easy one for kids. The adjustable slide makes it more desirable.
4) Getzen M2003 American Heritage Series Bb Field Bugle
The Getzen M2003 is the USA-made bugle and has a good reputation because of its durability, solid structure, and attractive outlook.
This elegantly designed bugle is made to deliver high-quality sound with commendable tonal qualities. The product specifications include a key of Bb, a yellow brass standard size leadpipe, the bore size of .459-inch. The bell is made of Gold brass and measures 4 ¾-inch. It is seamless and aids in performing well. This is beautifully constructed and has a lacquer finish.
This is specifically crafted for perfectly sounding taps in order to tribute the late veterans and the output features a pure and clear sound. Moreover, the easy playability makes it more desirable. It has a robust structure and one can keep playing it for a long time.
5) Brass and Copper Bugle – Cavalry US British Army
The Brass and Copper Bugle has a solid brass body and looks amazing. It is heavy and weighs 1.95lbs. It is strongly constructed and is known to be robust. Kids may find it difficult to handle but for the adults, this one is a good choice. It features anchor bell which is fully operational and produces appreciable, deep tone. The best part is, it is very economical and one can easily afford it.
6) Contemporary Plastic Bugle
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The Contemporary Plastic Bugle is fifty centimeters long. It is very light and made of plastic. The high-class finish of brass makes the from robust. The tone it generates is just amazing and impeccable.
This one operates in B flat Key. It is well constructed and is best for the new learners. A simple design and easy play make it more preferable. The mentors usually recommend this one for better learning and a great experience.
It is also more appropriate for using in the rough and harsh environment. The beginners able to take their start with this affordable tool and gives a good performance.
Choosing the Best Bugle from the Best Bugle Brands
If you are a fresher and want to learn how to play this classic instrument, you should go for the plastic one. It is an appropriate choice especially for kids as this is lightweight. Being attractive in appearance, it can attract the little ones.
Furthermore, many people prefer this because of its affordable price. Despite having a toy like outlook, it gives a fantastic performance. The sound it plays boosts up the confidence of the starter and develops their interest in learning skillfully.
Furthermore, the new learner should try G bugle which features lower pitch and easy and simple tones.
Those who have practiced a lot and know the basics should go for some advanced tool. They should try the ones with two keys. There are many varieties available that operate in two keys and allow the user to play the variety of tones. Try these and enjoy playing different tones.
There are multiple options and a diverse variety available out there for the experts and professionals. Those who know how to play and have passed the initial learning stages can go for some high class and expensive tools. If you are skilled, you know how to handle the tool and won’t damage it so you can choose to have a costly one.
Tip for starters: If you buy the model that comes with a carry bag, it is well and good. If you purchase the one that doesn’t include a bag, you should buy that yourself. This way, it will be easy for you to carry your instrument.