u/Volleymaster81

I’m a cadet bugler and I’ve been having issues with my issued Bb bugle. It has no visible brand markings, appears to be a brass/copper mix, and only seems to play about 4 notes. The sound is very weak—almost like I’m just playing on the mouthpiece without the bugle attached.
I’ve also noticed what looks like a bent inner tube and a mouthpiece receiver that may have been repaired or soldered oddly. I’m able to get a full, normal sound on my trumpet, so I’m wondering if the bugle itself has a problem.
Has anyone seen this before with older cadet bugles? Does this sound like a leak, damage, a bad repair, or is it normal for some military bugles?
Any advice would be appreciated.

I’m a cadet bugler and I’ve been having issues with my issued Bb bugle. It has no visible brand markings, appears to be a brass/copper mix, and only seems to play about 4 notes. The sound is very weak—almost like I’m just playing on the mouthpiece without the bugle attached.
I’ve also noticed what looks like a bent inner tube and a mouthpiece receiver that may have been repaired or soldered oddly. I’m able to get a full, normal sound on my trumpet, so I’m wondering if the bugle itself has a problem.
Has anyone seen this before with older cadet bugles? Does this sound like a leak, damage, a bad repair, or is it normal for some military bugles? Also, would it make sense to ask to use my trumpet until the bugle can be inspected or repaired?
Any advice would be appreciated.