The keyed bugle, a British invention of 1810, was very popular in the first half of the 19th century and was adopted as a melody instrument by the first all-brass bands. Its tone quality is most nearly approached by the flugel horn.

• Pictures
• Talk by the player
• The sound of the keyed bugle
• History
• Technical details

The mouthpiece in these pictures and recordings is (3025), keyed bugle or cornopean mouthpiece by Gisborne, Birmingham, mid 19th century.

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Pictures

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Talk by the player

Hear Crispian Steele-Perkins talk
• about the keyed bugle

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The sound of the keyed bugle

• traditional, `The British Grenadiers' (British)

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History

• Maker: Charles Pace
• Place: London.
• Date of making: c 1842.

Previous ownership: ex- Crispian Steele-Perkins collection.

Current ownership: On loan to the Collection.

EUCHMI Acquisition number: (3024)

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Technical details

• English name: Keyed bugle
• Type: 8 keys.
• Nominal pitch: C, with crook for Bb.
• Overall size: 447mm (not including crook); bell 163mm.
• Diameter of mouthpiece receiver: m.r.t. 12.6mm - 12.1mm (both on crook and instrument body).

Technical description: Copper body with brass keys, mounts and garland.

Keyhead type: flat round.

Inscriptions: inscribed on garland "IMPROVED / & MADE BY / CHAS PACE / 4? KING ST / WESTMINSTER" (number could be 40 or 49).

Playing accessories: Bb crook.

Usable pitch: Plays c 40 cents above A₄ = 440 Hz in C, similarly in Bb.

Performance characteristics: Plays well with mouthpiece (3025) and crook; gives warm, mellow sound.

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All material on this website is copyright.
© Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments, 1999-2003, 2008.

This page updated: 29.10.08