c.1980's DEG Dynasty II Soprano

This is a DEG Dynasty II Soprano "bugle" in G. Model D950 made sometime between 1978 and 1988. A two valved horn, this was the workhorse of Drum Corps and DCI in the 80's and 90's before three valves were allowed. Check out this video for a demonstration and explanation of a very innovative mechanism for hitting the high Ab without a third valve. Enjoy!
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[@charlesgerlach7059]

have the same one sitting in my case. grew up in drum corps marched from 67 till 79 last two years with BAC nothing lke the power of a g bugle

[@charlesgerlach7059]

nothing like the sound of an Olds Ultratone 2 valve rotary into their 2 valve.

[@volveraempezarricardomonro9183]

Linda demostración maestro! Una consulta tengo una trompeta carabelle DEG muy antigua ,¿Que gama o nivel es ? Asi veo la forma de invertir en una restauración de la trompeta.

[@ericroethe6944]

Hi Buddy, this video is a little more than 6 years old now, and in it, you said you wouldn't pay $300 for one of these. I played one in 87-88, and it would be fun to have one again, but the only ones I see are listed at almost $500 (or are in really bad shape). Post-pandemic inflation, what do you consider a fair price for one of these today?

[@preuph]

This was a throwback for me. I defiantly remember the G Sopranos being referred to as dy-nasty, but in a good way.

[@brianperry8429]

Wanna sell it?

[@AaronGallardo11]

me being a very young person and not able to find much information is this by chance the type of horn that the blue devils used in 1989?

[@ericroethe6944]

Yep. And I'm still pissed that DCI let the 89 Devils put their semi-finals show on the recordings. Sure would have loved it if other corps had been allowed that privilege, I know there's several fracks I wish I still didn't have to listen to. But when you're the Blue Devils, apparently you get to literally name your own tune.

[@holton345]

It is not called a bugle due to the key it is in. It is a bugle because it does not have the fully chromatic scale of a normal, three-valved brass instrument that is used in bands or orchestras. That was why there was such a huge stink when the DCI Rules Congress voted to legalize fully chromatic instruments (still in G) and then trying to do Damage Control with the fan base, because essentially DCI became G-pitched, brass marching bands at that time - drum and bugle corps ceased to exist at that point. Nice, old soprano, there, sir… and you sound great on it. Keep posting!

[@txman276]

Cool. I've actually been learning the second movement of Carnival de Venice on a horn almost exactly like this one (mine has the more common water key). They're not as hard to play as everyone claims imo, just more "honest" :)

[@BuddyCooke]

Great to hear txman! (Who says these are hard?)

[@antoniotorres5397]

Quick question what Corp did you march?

[@samsignorelli]

The corps jacket matches the one I got from BD in 84 -- back before they went with black -- but he's not on the 1990 member list. Maybe Bluecoats?

[@antoniotorres5397]

@@samsignorelli thank you for this info at least there's an idea of what Drum Corp he could of marched in :)

[@samsignorelli]

@@antoniotorres5397 Could be Blue Knights also...or any corps with Blue in the name. Since he didn't show the back of the jacket...

[@BuddyCooke]

Ha! I wish I could say it was Blue Devils! (Im not that awesome) Hudson Valley All Stars- down in the A-60s. Best I can say is- we scored better than expected.

[@armynurseboy]

@@BuddyCooke nothing wrong with having marched in Div II and III. In some ways it was a bit harder. No where to hide in a 20-40 man hornline.

[@samsignorelli]

I played a DEG in Sr corps (Empire Statesmen, SoCal Dream) and a King K-20 (Blue Devils)....I found the K-20 to be a better soprano. Another reason for the 1st valve trigger was that 1st valve notes -- particularly the D right above middle C -- were inherently flat....you'd push the slide in to tune it up. not all the way in like for the high Ab, but enough to tune it.

[@johnflorio3576]

I marched with The Cavaliers in the two-valve bugle days and we switched from Olds to Dynasty; I far preferred the Olds Ultratone II. The high register was ridiculously easy and I thought the tone was more consistent in every register.

[@ES_ETP]

God I wonder the strings I need to pull to get one today cuz I don’t see any examples online

[@charliewhiskey4four]

Is there such thing as a soprano trumpet in E? I know of the E flat trumpet but is there one specific to drum corps? I have recently started playing horn again and I remember way back in high school I rehearsed with a drum and bugle corps and a handful of leads played this, looked like a cornet with third valve pipe further out than lead pipe but gave players higher range, playing high E was basically same embouchure as high C...any thoughts?

[@rifle2563]

Got a link to that bugle manual ?

[@BuddyCooke]

chris schmitz I got it direct from Peg at DEG/Dynasty USA. They are friendly and helpful. I sent a message asking about redistributing it. Give me a few days.

[@BuddyCooke]

Manual of Practical Knowledge: drive.google.com/file/d/1eMQk5dik5Apys92-rOhrCI-JXaDxhxd8/view?usp=sharing Sales brochure: drive.google.com/file/d/1sKkdl7Bh7q4qY3-B0ZnP5coqH4MDToWT/view?usp=sharing

[@rifle2563]

Thank you!

[@RocketRay]

Freelancers Alumni has some Dynasty 3 valves and they play horrible. When you try to hit a high A, good luck on what pitch actually is achieved. I got a Kanstul direct from them a few years before they went out of business. Plays much, much better.

[@gitrmn1]

1978 We had them brand new in The Spirit of Atlanta. It is in G.

[@richardzellers]

Even with 3 valves, key of Bb, electronics and amplification....trombones, French horns,.....they are BORING!!!!!!!! DCI 82 BEST year for great music and entertaining shows. Yeah, they march better today....but boring.

[@trapjeuxzi]

its not as boring as walking around and playing and having really basic visuals and music.

[@kRod200]

Richard Zellers I agree

[@kRod200]

JUNIOR THREAT what’s wrong with that?

[@AComplexMex]

The sound of these horns are so much larger than today’s, but I understand it’s better to make the intonation more reliable.

[@ericroethe6944]

After seeing the DCI article in the New York Times last week, I started to post a comment along similar lines to this one...but then stopped myself. I already have enough bruises on my forehead.