How to get a reputable bugle

[jmaibauer]

I'd like to try getting a reproduction civil war bugle, but I can only find the super cheap wall hangers for like $40. The amazon reviews indicate that they are not really capable of playing an accurate song. Anyone know where I can find one that might play well?

I'm not looking for the super high end realistic ones, just something that isn't trash.

 

[Sowbelly and Hardtack]

@jmailbauer this is outside my wheelhouse. With that said you might try Maller Brass. Click on the following link and you can hear what it sounds like.

https://www.mallerbrass.com/maller-brass-american-civil-war-bugle/

 

[Sowbelly and Hardtack]

Impressions - Accurate bugle for camp use | Reenactors Forum - Join, Drill, See the Elephant

Hi, Anyone tell me where i can buy a reasonably accurate bugle, please? The Amati ABG 201ii looks pretty much the same as some in photos, but i can't find one anywhere. Stay well, Ed

civilwartalk.com

 

[Sowbelly and Hardtack]

 

[captaindrew]

Paging @Claude Bauer is our musician around here, I'm sure he can point you in the right direction.

 

[7thWisconsin]

I´ve been playing the one Fall Creek sells for 30 years. With a replacement mouthpiece, it´s a reasonable first instrument.

 

[drezac]

[note: my background - I have a bachelors degree in music education, low brass]

I have only seen 2 modern bugles that have the correct form - Amati ABG 201II Series Bb Bugle ( about $330) and Jean Baptiste JBBUGL1XX ( I paid about $150 on sale). I have played both, and both are excellent instruments. free blowing, great sound, and consistent through the range. However, I don't think either are currently in production, but you can always look for a used one. whatever you buy, he first thing to do is throw out the mouthpiece that comes with it and buy a good one. While I love Bach mouthpieces, their bugle mouthpiece won't fit either of the above - for some reason Bach uses an odd sized mouthpiece shank. A fluglehorn mouthpiece should fit both of the above - either make sure you can return the mouthpiece if it does not fit or take the bugle with you when you purchase one so you can check the fit. Many are surprised at the difference a good mouthpiece can make in both the play-ability and sound of an instrument.

Most of what you see at sutlers are cheap imports from india - mostly wall decorations. Few I have seen have been assembled in a manner that would make them playable instruments.

 

[Pollaco]

I recall Dixie Gun Works selling them some years back. I really can't say what they are offering lately. Nor can I say what sort of quality they were.

 

[Claude Bauer]

I'd like to try getting a reproduction civil war bugle, but I can only find the super cheap wall hangers for like $40. The amazon reviews indicate that they are not really capable of playing an accurate song. Anyone know where I can find one that might play well?

I'm not looking for the super high end realistic ones, just something that isn't trash.

Hi--suggest you talk to Jari (click on his name). He may have one or can certainly give you some great advice on what to get and where to find them. @Chris Troiano on this forum is another good source of information on brass instruments. Best of luck!