Using the G Soprano Bugle as an Orchestral Trumpeter
1 min read
The 3-valve G soprano bugle was originally built for use in DCI drum corps, but has been obsolete in that world for decades. Now, you can find them pretty often for not much money, and they are a perfect instrument to use for those few orchestral trumpet excerpts that go below the Bb trumpet’s low F#. With a .470″ bore and a large-throated bell (too large to accept most trumpet mutes), it is essentially a beefy trumpet in low G.
Although the soprano bugle is known for being a screamer with a great high range (which is true), it has lots of untapped potential as a G alto trumpet in concert music. Since many were made and the only people who want them are drum corps alumni bugle collectors, there are a lot to go around. The two manufacturers that made 3-valve G bugles are Dynasty (like mine) and Kanstul. The Dynasties usually go for cheap, while the Kanstuls command a higher price. Good places to search are eBay and the “”G” Bugles For Sale-Wanted-Trade” Facebook group.
If you do choose to pursue a G bugle (of any type), make sure it does have 3 valves, as 2-valve G bugles show up more often than the 3-valvers do.
