Obviously, you can’t afford to miss the approaching scout event and a bugle is something you will not only need but one you can easily have trouble obtaining. You may have gotten several
travel necessities for the event, but because this is something you will be using for years to come, and probably pass it down to later generations, nothing can stand in for this instrument.
Now, for the camping enthusiasts, the bugle is absolutely a must-have. From creating cool symphonies on a calm evening by the fire to waking your comrades at the break of dawn without the use of a
travel clock, the use and value of this item cannot be understated. Aside from a bugle and a
camera to capture those priceless moments, what more do you really need?
Getting the best bugle on the market packed with a wide variety of features can be a daunting task, but using a poor quality one is far more frustrating. The good news is you can look out for such factors; from the right keys, a slide, an ideal bell, a decorative cord or a tassel, and a strap for carrying to spare yourself an unnecessary headache. The best thing about the bugle is that it works well for either professional or learning purposes.
We reviewed five of the best bugles in the market to help you decide wisely, but first, check out these cool features that you should look out for.
Price
One awesome thing about bugles is their fair price tag. If you are looking for a good bugle, you can get one at a price range of between $25 and $150. Unfortunately, the market is streaming with cheap bugles that you might confuse for the real ones, but they’re not difficult to spot and, for the music die-hards, these will likely stop you right on your tracks. Most of the low-cost types lack important features such as proper keys, slides, or durable finish, which are essential for a quality bugle.
Features
One of the things that make bugles stand out is their diversity of unique features with a wide range of diverse and interesting qualities.
Here are some of the things you need to check out:
- User – Bugles come in a wide range of options, from the simplest to the complex ones. Whether you need one for studying or professional use, you will always find a match for your needs.
- Design – The design in different bugles comes in a wide range of options for varying functions, not to mention the wide variety of material used to make each of them suit the intended use.
- Key – Whether you are looking for a particular key or ready-to-work type, these instruments are tailored to different key functions to cater for everyone’s preference.
- Bell – Different bugles feature different bell sizes, enhancing the of sound that the instrument produces. As such, you can determine what you want and go for the bugle with the right bell for that purpose.
- Size – Whether you are a beginner or a pro in using a bugle, you can always count on the wide range of sizes out there to find one that you can handle without difficulties.
Construction and Design
When it comes to the construction and design, bugles never disappoint. From various colors to the different modules and materials, these instruments have something for everyone.
Natural brass - These do not feature manual tone controls, but instead, have straight or coiled tubing with only a in-built harmony series. In earlier days, these instruments were handcrafted, but with the increased demand for these instruments and the need for accuracy, it’s far more common to find machine made options.
Vintage brass - Vintage brasses were usually crafted from animal horns before the metal ones started coming into the market. The industry has evolved for well over a century, but some of them are still available, with most of the instruments made from horns being natural and ideal for both learning and heavy-duty use, providing outstanding sound.
The bugle finish - Although bugles feature different finishes, they are usually designed for the best appeal possible and which one to choose all boils down to personal preference. The lacquered ones have a shiny exterior but require consistent maintenance to retain the initial appearance. On the other hand, silver plating is usually a bit costlier, but it retains its shine for longer and is easy to clean.
Performance and Ease of Use
Bugles are built to perform, and in most cases, they beat their counterparts at this. The secret in these instruments comes down to several unique aspects that are rare in most types of musical tools.
Key slide - Slide functions are essential for controlling sounds and eliminate the conventional use of valves. Slides are far reaching when it comes to setting the pitch of the notes, making this an ideal option for users who prefer extensive sound and various harmonies.
The key - Keys in bugles make all the difference in the type of sound the instrument produces, as different keys produce different notes. Whether you are a novice or a professional bugler, using the keys is not a challenge. Boy scouts traditionally used the G and F keys, with the G key being an ideal note and a half step lower than the B-flat key of a trumpet, making the bugle easier to use for beginners. This key plays b3, b4, d4, d5, g4 and g5 notes, whereas F options produce a4, a5, c4, c5 and f5 notes, and the B flat bugle plays c4, c5, g4, g5 as well as e5 notes.
Durability - The material used is very important for both durability and performance of any bugle. Most of these instruments are made of different types of brass, and others are made of copper, however, some bugles also feature other types of materials, from natural ox horns to plastic, although they are all built to deliver the same results.
The good news is there are plenty of bugles in the market, therefore choosing the right one for you might be a daunting task. But we are here to help you. Since you are aware of the key features to look out for in a bugle, lets jump to our review.
After reading our review, we believe by now you can make an informed decision on selecting a good bugle from the lot. However, if you are yet to find what you are looking for, no need to worry. You can always browse more from these reputable brands for some of the best bugles around. You will not be disappointed, go for it!
