Dukeboy Posted September 14, 2002 Share Posted September 14, 2002 Hey guys, Call me stupid if you want. But what are the main differences between the key of G Bugles an the Bb Sopranos? Why would a corps choose one or the other? Are there any advantages either way? Main playing differences? ~DB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blaringbrass Posted September 14, 2002 Share Posted September 14, 2002 First off the main difference of the Bb soprano compaired to a G soprano is the Key of the instrument. Bb being a concert pitched instrument is said to have better intonation than the G bugle but is also said to lack in projection. Some of the visual differences betweent the 2 are the amount of tubing one contains. Bb having less tubing and G having more, making it a longer instrument resutling in the lower pitch, the G bugle usually has a larger bore, but many bb horns are coming out wuith just as large bores as well. As for the corps picking one over the other, tuning, tone quality, availibility, and cost are some of the major factors when chossing what a line should play on. As for todays brass lines, the majority have switched to Bb just to stay competitive with other corps that are using Bb as well. Personally I dont think it is that big of difference to me who plays on what. I think it is a matter of who is playing on the horn which determines where they place in a competition. Hope that is of some help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dukeboy Posted September 14, 2002 Author Share Posted September 14, 2002 Is there any difference in the range? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADBRASS Posted September 14, 2002 Share Posted September 14, 2002 as far as I know the range depends on the player. I could be wrong though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orpheus Posted September 14, 2002 Share Posted September 14, 2002 Well ... the G bugles are pitched a third lower than their Bb counterparts, right? In the days of two-valve bugles, one way you could get used to playing a G horn was to tape down the third valve on your Bb instrument. (That essentially did the job, although intonation was terrible, of course.) The main benefits of Bb horns over G horns are more in the area of cost, availability, and quality of the instruments. Intonation tends to be better from a line using Bb and F horns, as well. That said, whereas the G mellos, baris, euphs, and contras are almost exactly identical to their Bb and F counterparts, except for a few inches of tubing ... there are some differences between a soprano bugle and a trumpet. Namely, a sop has a larger and more conical bore. (I think.) I play euph, myself, but from what I understand, a soprano bugle in G is actually closer to a cornet than a trumpet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geneva Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 from what I understand, a soprano bugle in G is actually closer to a cornet than a trumpet. I think that is a fair statement with the possible exception that the soprano bugle in the key of G seems more free blowing and easier to project the sound with. I first learned to play brass on a cornet then played first G-D then G-F valve/rotor soprano for years. I play B flat trumpet now. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dukeboy Posted September 15, 2002 Author Share Posted September 15, 2002 Thanks for all the clarification. I'm just trying to decide if i want to pick up a G bugle from Phantom that they are selling pretty cheap. You think it would be a good thing to have considering I already play Bb? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel Tyrrell Posted September 16, 2002 Share Posted September 16, 2002 If you get a g, you'll generally be louder, or should be in most cases. The only reason you would ever need it while soloing is in a lating piece or you might use if for lead, if you so choose, and a Bb is traditionally called a trumpet and a G is a sop. Hope I helped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitn0926 Posted September 16, 2002 Share Posted September 16, 2002 Bb being a concert pitched instrument is said to have better intonation than the G bugle but is also said to lack in projection. Just for clarification, the key of Bb is not concert pitch, which is the key of C. Another advantage of Bb/F instruments is to ease the transition for members from their regular instruments to the marching brass. Other than Drum Corps, I can't seeing any reason for needing a G bugle. Maybe for memorabilia, I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crownmember Posted September 16, 2002 Share Posted September 16, 2002 I'm just trying to decide if i want to pick up a G bugle from Phantom that they are selling pretty cheap. You think it would be a good thing to have considering I already play Bb? oh, i just heard about that. Is PR changing to Bb this year, or have they already?? Whats the deal??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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