DCA Corps Still Using G Bugles

[Brad T.]

The only thing I've noticed in regards to the 2 piston + rotor setup on the USMC Contras is that the valves function exactly the same as on any other two valved horn (ie. valve one is a full step and valve two is a half step) while the rotor is also set up like a traditional rotor (ie. half step). So this would mean that these contras are still non-chromatic, but they can be lowered by: half step, full step, step-and-a-half, and two steps.

[randomnoise]

I remember reading on the DCI forums that Renegades were considering switching to Bb/F.

Hmm - I never heard that. And I am the guy who would make the call for our corps. Would very much like to get our horns fixed up, but no plans to change in the foreseeable future.

If anything, we would switch to vuvuzelas!

Edited September 7, 2010 by randomnoise

[HornsUp]

what about the Salvation Army?

The SA, the 200 or so British-style brass bands in North America, the ~3000 brass bands in the UK, and thousands more worldwide all use an Eb soprano cornet, Bb cornets, a Bb flugel, Eb tenorhorns, Bb English-bore baritones, Bb trombones, euphoniums, and Eb and BBb basses.

Edited September 8, 2010 by HornsUp

[G-horns]

If anything, we would switch to vuvuzelas!

Your upper leads would still sound good! Good to see you and the rest of the 'Gades in Rochacha.

[K2SMA]

Yes... there was an interview with him in the 1976 DCA championship yearbook/program book.

His basic point was that G instruments of that day were, for all intents and purposes, trumpets (and whatever) keyed in G, as opposed to a "pure bugle"... and he advocated the use of three valves, but with the key remaining in G to maintain that "drum corps sound."

Hmmm... Funny, I remember that article, too...

[BigW]

Unfortunety Kanstul is not a major player like Yamaha,King,Dynasty and Jupiter/Quatum.Compare Bugle prices with the internet prices of these horns and they are not close and get even higher the lower you go in the voices.

Yes, true-- BUT....

You may pay a lot less for the Yamaha and Jupiter...

Unless Yamaha has done anything, their B-Flat Baris are unresponsive, tubby, and downright woofy. Taught a band using them, wondered why the kids were struggling to play cleanly and lightly, played the horns myself and was really appalled. My personal intrument's a Yamaha Euphonium I use for Brass Quintet work and even it's FAR better in those terms. Much more agile and easy to play.

Jupiter is a bargain basement el-cheapo brand. Are they made in China? Seruiously help me out there- All I know is my expriences with Chinese-built brass instruments with students have been abysmal in terms of their build quality. Perhaps that cash you save... goes into having the horns taken in for repairs left and right, or having to buy more spares to have on the equipment truck when a horn goes down. Valves needing replated after 3 months of use... is what I've seen out of Chinese-manufatured brass. I tell any new students to never rent or purchase such instruments, to get one from a reputable manufacturer. You buy them- it may make for a negative experience that causes the kid to quit....

IIRC, PR went to Jupiter, and some think it played a certain part (not everything mind you!) in their not sounding as good as they have been. No suprise!

Kings tend to be a lot better in terms of low brass response and agility. I'd hope they're still good.

The problrm with the Kanstuls are that you really have to work with them, build chops, and practice a lot with them to get the mastery of the horn. Found that out this spring for Alumni Corps. Once I got the handle on it, they're rather nice horns, and lemme tell you, a darned sight better than anything Yamaha and Jupiter's putting out on the market.

Go cheap- SOUND cheap.

Edited September 12, 2010 by BigW

[mchromik]

The newer Jupiter marching brass (Quantum) are light years ahead of their previous efforts. I had a chance to try one of their Quantum mellos and found is strikingly similar in design to the current Yamaha 204. The 204 would still be my choice, but more out of familiarity then any issues with the Quantum. The Quantum was a fine mello and I would rate it superior to the current King and Kanstul designs. Personally I think Regiment still sounds like the Regiment we all know and love despite the Taiwanese built brass.

I think the development of the Quantum line by Jupiter points to one of the main advantages the Bb/F horns have over the G horns. Due to the amount of sales potential they are still under active development, particularly since the switch to concert pitch by the drum corps activity. For example since 2000 or so we have seen four mello designs from Yamaha, each markedly better then the previous. The Bb/F marching brass is getting better and the lines and arrangers are really getting a grip on their potential.

The G horns are stuck in time now, and I would guess that is what their enthusiasts like. The bright penetrating G horn sound defined 'drum corps' for a long time. And if that is the sound that a group wants then that is the way to go. But I wonder if enough lines will stay on the horns to make a business case for their continue manufacture let alone improvement. Personally I hope so for a variety of sounds makes the activity better. But given the competitive nature of the activity I think the majority will follow the winning units and with the majority of leading groups being on Bb/F the future of G horns doesn't seem to be as bright as their sound.

[CANDRUMMER]

I figure if a 2 valve G Kanstul is good enough for the US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps it should be good enough for ALL!!

[Hrothgar15]

Bump for corps that may be switching to Bb/F for the 2011 season.

[camel lips]

I figure if a 2 valve G Kanstul is good enough for the US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps it should be good enough for ALL!!

Finally a smart response :)