M1892 Modern “Boy Scout” Bugle in G
These are the M1892 bugles on which all modern bugles are based. They are usually marked Regulation Bugle or with a manufacturer’s name. For many years these instruments were manufactured by King, C.G. Conn, Buescher, York, Holton, Ludwig, Millard, and Weymann. These horns are quite easy to find on internet auction sites and are still manufactured. A company called Buglecraft was making them for a long time and selling them under Rexcraft an Rex and US Regulation. Recently a company called Regulation Bugle started selling the M1892 pattern They can be found HERE I do not believe the instruments sold by this company are made in the US.
The bugles are in the key of G which is pitched lower than modern trumpets so it is easier to sound all the notes. The problem is that these horns are mostly of cheap construction and play rather poorly. The term US Regulation does not imply it was manufactured in the US. It simply means it is of the US regulation (the specification of 1892). Better quality ones were made during the 1930s or 40s by instrument companies like Conn, Wurlitzer, Holton or Ludwig.
Clairon in C or B Flat for Civil War Use
This is the most common type of bugle used in the Civil War. It is a big-belled instrument that is in the key of C but can be lowered to B flat with the use of a crook. There are good modern reproductions made by Amati and Andrew Naumann. There are also hundreds of French-made (Coueson) instruments that are period correct. The Amati andFrench-made models are in the key of B flat. They can be found on internet auction sites and at relic shows.
Good Civil War Reproductions are being sold by
Jan H. Berger
Bentingstraße 10
49477 Ibbenbüren
Fax 05451/896331
Email: j.h.berger@lederarsenal.com
M1894 Bugle in B Flat
This is the M1894 bugle in B flat, also referred to as a “Trench” bugle. These small WWI triple twist bugles can be found without much problem on internet auction sites and at antique or relics shows. They are identified by the writing on the bell which marks the manufacturer, specification number (Spec. 1152), and date of production. They have no tuning slides and the pitch is not consistent between horns.
British Duty Bugle in B Flat
This is a double twist bugle in B flat. They were introduced in England in 1855 but the model they are based on can be traced back to 1810. This is the model that all Civil War sutler (“Gunga Din”) bugles are based on . These horns were probably not used during the Civil War and there are no known pictures of a musician with one during that period.
“Gunga Din” Bugle in B Flat
This is the cheap Pakistan or Indian made instrument. Civil War sutlers sell them with a USA or CSA marking on them and also with crossed sabers and a “7″ and “A.” There are no known photos of a Civil War bugler with one of these horns.
Tags: bugle, collecting
We are in need of someone to play TAPs and someone to echo TAPS at our statewide program “Freedom Is Not Free” being held in Leesburg, Florida May 19th.
For the first time Rolling Thunder® Inc., FLAME OF FREEDOM®
will stop in FLORIDA on its Annual Cross Country pilgrimage
to Washington D.C. for Memorial Day. All Veterans, Active Military and Patriotic Americans, are cordially invited to join the Florida Chapters Rolling Thunder® Inc. in this honor recognition program. For more details see http://www.rollingthunderfl6.com or call me at 352-816-7864. Thanks Kat, Pres.
Us made bugles can be foud at :
http://www.kanstul.net/detail.php?pass_search=50.0000&pass_instrument=Specialty%20Brass
I recently purchased a CG Conn “G” bugle. I paid less than $50 and had some small repairs done. It plays great. I would love to know what it is worth and the year it was made. No serial number.
I bought a Regiment Bugle from the music store. 99 dollars. It is made in China. I looked for one made in the USA but couldn’t seem to find any. I didn’t care to risk buying the “original” ones found all over EBay. So I went for what I knew I was getting. The bugle does make a pretty sound. I’m still working on learning how to make it sound off proper. It is an art form in my book. If any of you who can play have any tips I would love to hear them.
Perse those lips and spit away boys! A scene from MASH seemed to give me a clue. I sound like a traffic jam but I am making bugle noise now.
I finally bought a Boy Scout Bugle like the one at the top of the page. It is in “G”
I have always like the sound of a bugle. Learning to make noise on this thing has been an adventure. It is noise right now. But it sure brings the dogs running. It is etched Regiment, made in China. 99 dollars at the music store. I wonder if any can share their technique of making a bugle sing? I’m getting better at it but still sounds like a traffic jam. Funny part is when I first got it and tried to make it sound it did nothing. My mind for some reason thought of Radar O’Riely from MASH, “I’m out of spit” Pucker those lips.
I just purchased an m1892 ludwig regulation bugler can anyone out there tell me what it may be worth, it is in good condition.thank you for your help.
I just purchased an old “Bel-Air” bugle (# 880) from a local auction. It sounds great and seems to be in an OK shape – It is brass, one piston. I’m looking for more information on this type of bugle. Someone told me it is quite old (perhaps the 1920′s or 30′s) but I have no clue.
Can anyone help?
I am a “LIVE” bugler with the ” All Veterans Honor Guard “. We perform services at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado including full rifle squad, Caplin and Bosn’s Pipe for Navy Funera’s. 90% of all bugler requests are for LIVE buglers. I have heard the “pre-recorded” version at the internment shelters, the “electronic ” bugles most military teams send out to “Logan” and Live buglers. There is no doubt, live bugles are best – especially when performing “Echo Taps”. Our team did a commemorative service for Frank Buckles, the last certified U.S. Vet of WW I. I added the first fifteen notes of George M. Cohans ” Over There” first, then went into regular Taps. It was great! Can anyone tell me where I can buy a new silver plated bugle NOT made in China? Call 303-690-4394 ask for Joe
Anthony, you are correct, they do use bugles that have a pre recorder taps used, such as say an IPOD, not real. I don’t think that should be allowed, it should be real.
Our veterans gave all for us, it would be the least we could do to have it played real, not some recording. That to me, cheapens it..
Unfortunately due to the lack of buglers available an electric bugle has come to bear on military funerals. This is not to say that it is less of an honor by any means. Those who volunteer to take part in the honor guard do so out of pride of service and dedication to those who have gone before us. The call of Taps was there for your uncle as your uncle was there for our country.
What’s your take on the Centennial Bugle, and how does it compare to Regulation Bugle? http://www.scoutbugle.com/Centennial.htm
I recently attended my Uncle’s funeral, He was a WW2 Navy Veteran. Two members of a Navel Honor Guard were there at the cemetary. One stood at attention at the head of the casket while the other played Taps. It didn’t seem he was actully “playing” taps, but there seemed to be some type of device in the bell end of his Bugle. Is there such a pre recorded type of bugle being used at Veterans private funerals?
Years ago I had my Fathers funeral (Koeran War Vet) at Arny National Cemetary in New Jersey. He also had a Bugler play Taps and you can see his chest rise and fall, not the case with the Naval Bugler.
Can you let me know if my suspisions are correct!
Son of a Vet,
Thank you.
How does the “Centennial” by Scoutbugle compare?
HOW MUCH IS THE COST ON ONE A THOSE NOW?