Does anyone know anything about Military Bugles, and the wraps or ropes that go around the instrument itself?

2025-10-08T17:02:06-04:00

I would like to acquire a proper wrap or formal rope that goes around the Bugle while playing Taps.
Military Funeral Services are my bread and butter with extra duties in the USAR.
I personally play Taps with a trumpet.

I have since acquired a Getzen made "Field Trumpet in Bb, and have a G Slide coming to me in the mail (if you know what I'm talking about you'll understand how cool this is to finally have my hands on).

Anyway, it is lacking the wrap or rope flair that would go around it, and finally getting my hands on the absolute ideal instrument (short of buying the bugle make and model that Arlington literally uses) I would like to completely balance it out.

Yes, I have an inquiry to Arlington about this and gave them my Mil Mail. Hopefully they say:
1) XYZ is what you want, 2) This is where you buy it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2025 5:07 PM

2025-10-08T17:07:40-04:00

Also, the internet is VERY lacking in the specifics I am looking for.
1) I want the wrap correct for a funeral service
2) I want to make sure I follow the style for the USA, and not some commonwealth protocol.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 8 at 2025 7:29 PM

2025-10-08T19:29:14-04:00

I assume you are referring to the "Bugle Cord" ... if you search using that term, you'll find a host of information. Being 'historically accurate' apparently depends on which era you want to be accurate to - Historically accurate back to the Civil War? WWI? WWII?

A couple of resources that bear further looking into for information:
• Civil War - Magazine for collectors & historians - vol 29 No. 4 - Civil War Bugles - https://www.tapsbugler.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Nelson-Bugle-Article.pdf
• Taps Bugler (Bugles for Performing and Collecting-Bugles for Use at Funerals, Ceremonies, and Civil War Events) - https://www.tapsbugler.com/bugles-for-use-at-funerals-ceremonies-and-civil-war-events/

Nelson-Bugle-Article.pdf

Response by SGM William Everroad made Oct 9 at 2025 9:16 AM

2025-10-09T09:16:51-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member That is a fine trumpet, Bb with a G Slide is perfect for TAPS. On a side note, I have not seen a Bugler at Arlington with a wrap, except for one time, when the bugler was dressed in a Civil War era uniform.

Personally, if I were making my own bugle strap, I would use two cords braided in branch colors. Wrap fixed with clove hitches, braided short drop (decorative, not for slinging) with short tassels.

Response by LTC Matthew Schlosser made Oct 9 at 2025 9:52 AM

2025-10-09T09:52:11-04:00

Arlington may know a thing or two, but the authoritative answer would come from CMH:

https://history.army.mil/

U.S. Army Center of Military History

The official website for the U.S. Army Center of Military History

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2025 2:28 PM

2025-10-09T14:28:13-04:00

I’ve always thought the Arlington bugler cords corresponded to the Burial Ceremony. Yellow for Calvary, red artillery etc. But I thought I’ve seen a pale blue in videos also. I’m not sure what that color represents. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m completely wrong also. Good luck on your search and congratulations on acquiring your bugle.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2025 11:15 PM

2025-10-10T23:15:45-04:00

UPDATE!!!!
This is my end result. Basically told spouse my dilemma, and welp OFF TO THE CRAFT STORE WE GO. My G-slide came in this afternoon as well. Tomorrow I'll be able to use it for it's first funeral detail.

It's really a TRUMPET without valves, but sounds SOOOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER with an orchestra quality trumpet bell than a bugle.