The Bugle can only play a limited number of notes, or harmonics. This is done by altering the breath pressure and the tautness of the lips. The bugle originally developed as a military signaling instrument. It is still used in this role today, as well as for a variety of military ceremonies.
Family |
Brasses |
Pitch range |
Limited notes, or harmonics, within a two octave range. |
Material |
Copper or brass. |
Size |
Variable : the total length of unwound tube of this example is 4 ft 6 in (1.40 m) long. |
Origins |
A semi-circular hunting horn was used in battle during the European Seven Year s' War (1756-63). By 1800, the bugle had acquired its looped shape. |
Classification |
Aerophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of a column of air. |
And also... |
A keyed bugle appeared in the 19th century. The revised instrument was a great success but was eventually replaced by the flugelhorn. |