Welcome to the Garage Sale
Needless to say, when selling these types of instruments, a few items of variable quality starts building up. This page will be used to sell items that can't or shouldn't be sold for new. Everything on this page is as is and described that best I can. They may be a return, dented, out of tune, etc and again read the description. Think about using these for craft projects such as making lamps or as an interesting wall display. EVERYTHING IN THE GARAGE IS AS-IS NO RETURNS CAVEAT EMPTOR ETC:
QUICK Index:
Garage Cadet (Probably unplayable G/F style bugle)
"Dobbs" Bugle (G/F bugle with imperfections of tone and/or finish)
The Cadet Style Bugle (Key of G/F)
When a horn doesn't quite meet testing play standard, it becomes a "Dobbs" when it has a major flaw, it goes into the "Garage" A garage horn can be:
a) A horn that has been laying around opened for whatever reason, some of these might be perfectly good but can't be reasonably sold as "new".
b) A horn that fails play testing below Dobbs standard
c) A horn with major cosmetic flaws or solder breaks.
d) A returned horn - this may be shipped out unopened from the return just to keep things interesting.
These can be used to make awards, use as props, makes a great lamp, etc. Some might be adequate for playing, others are not. If you tell me what you plan to use it for I'll try to match the horn to your needs, but will not WARRANT that request. Needless to say, there are NO returns on the garage. Plus, since I don't have automatic inventory control (low budget operation) I may have to refund a garage order if I don't have one in stock, which also means you might want to send some e-mail before ordering 10 garage bugles for a large project.
Putting on a Play? Putting On Dance? Arsenic and Old Lace? The Nut Cracker?
The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Dance Studio Special
What a disaster, a whole set of CHROME bugles failed play test. This is like the garage sale above, however these are ALL chrome and shipped as a unit to save on shipping. Price isn't much different, but usually I can't assure shipment of a single type. So if your dance troop is doing the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and wants some great props, this should fit the bill. Will Sparkle under the stage lighting. Also great for Gypsy "You Gotta have a gimmick" "bump it with a trumpet" (not as heavy as a trumpet to help with dance routines). Of course, you don't HAVE to be a dance studio to order these, but remember, these are REALLY BAD PLAYERS. Don't buy them for "group lessons", instead look at the Gunga Din 6 packs for that purpose. (While many times these go to business address, PLEASE order with a credit card that matches the shipping address or we might not be able to ship.)
Our Picture here is of Cliff Macke. He played the part of Teddy in Arsenic and Old Lace, at Community Theatre of Terre Haute (Indiana) in September, 2008.
(All Dobbs are considered Factory Seconds)
This bugle is modeled on the original RexcraftTM Boy Scout Bugle which was supplied to the manufacturer by SCOUTBUGLE.COM. The boys Scout bugle was based on the Model 1892 Bugle. Which was specified by the Army, in, well, 1892. Also known as the "G" model since it plays in the key of "G" The tuning slide can be pulled out in order to also play in the key of "F." You could play in the key of F-Sharp if you have a sudden urge to do so.
This horn, in theory should be the same as our Cadet model. However, the manufacturer sent us a slightly different horn and mouthpiece and it's simply not up to our Cadet Standards, thus it is being sold for the purposes of trying out bugling, low cost group training, for used in rough environments where it can be "sacrificed", and for use in making plaques, lamps, etc. Since in theory, it should be the same as the Cadet, the description remains the same. The difference is that the intonation (the ability to accurately hit the center of the note) is not as exact as the Cadet, nor is the overall tone as centered. For the beginning player this might not be a problem, and in most of the more complex bugle calls the difference will be hard to pick up (let's say To the Colors because the notes zoom by so fast. On slower calls like Taps it'll be more obvious. Note we use the same pictures for both models since they essentially look alike.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THE DOBBS MODEL FOR MILITARY FUNERALS. DUE TO THE NATURE AND LOW COST OF THIS ITEM, THE DOBBS BUGLE IS NOT RETURNABLE! We know that you're trumpet teacher isn't going to like it, if you have a trumpet teacher you should probably be buying a Cadet or probably a BRIGADIER. If you're a music major, you need to move up to the Brigadier. in summary, if you have any concerns, please upgrade to the CADET or especially a Brigadier model.
Playing this bugle gives the classic military bugle sound, not as "throaty" as the Cavalry model. It may take some getting used to by someone who already plays a B-flat trumpet. This is more due to the fact that the brain wants to hit one note, but the horn wants to hit another. This just has to be worked on a bit to get them working together. For the new player however THE LOWER PITCH MAKES IT EASIER TO PLAY THEN THE B-FLAT INSTRUMENTS SINCE THEY DON'T HAVE TO HAVE AS DEVELOPED LIPS TO PLAY A STANDARD BUGLE CALL. Paradoxically this actually makes it a better gift for the younger player then the lower priced Cavalry and Gunga Din models.
The standard version comes with a polished brass finish. We also have a chrome plated version allowing from a more durable finish and less maintenance. It keeps an outstanding mirror finish. We've just received some COLORED bugles. These are the first round and don't quite have the finish quality we were planning on, however, to make up for it we're selling them at the same price as our brass finish. Despite the finish imperfections, the kids LOVE 'EM.
A mouthpiece is included but you can also use a trumpet mouthpiece. The length without mouthpiece is 14 1/2 inches. Click here to learn more about finish. Note instruments may require polishing on arrival and since they are hand made you'll may find very small imperfections in finish and shaping, but in general these are perfect horns. See below for a comparison of these with our beat up RexcraftTM bugle.
Case is not included but a "gig bag" is available,
check here.
FINISH: We've just received some COLORED bugles. These are the first round and don't quite have the finish quality we were planning on, (example dull finish, some touch up paint, and some unevenness) however, to make up for it we're selling them at the same price as the DOBBS. Despite the finish imperfections, the kids LOVE 'EM. No one watching the player will notice any problems and they look COOL. So here is your chance to get a decent playing bugle (Cadet quality) at a great price. It's a killer, that most of these I tested are the better players. Note the finish may have lot's of imperfections, it may be pitted paint, the bag it came in might have partially melted onto the horn, well, you get the idea. You might even be able to remove the paint and have a shiny brass horn underneath (hint, hint). However this was a great idea that went bad and you guys might as well take advantage of it. This is also applies to all you folks who want to "try out" playing the bugle without investing a whole bunch of money. Needless to say these are sold no warranty/no return.
Click Here for ordering by mail
Pictures of our Cadet bugle comparing with an old RexcraftTM Official Boy Scout Bugle along with our Gunga Din and Cavalry bugle
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We get e-mail asking if we have mouthpieces to go with this bugle or that bugle. I can't assure you that mouthpiece "A" goes with instrument "B" but I do have a few "laying around" so if you want one, $7.50 includes postage for one or $10/for two. will get you a couple to try out. these MIGHT be slightly used, though I do have a supply of new ones. Not the easiest thing to photograph due to the size, but here goes (note Earl and Jules fighting over the mouthpiece) Mouthpiece sent may vary from picture. No returns on these.
