which bugle is more versatile

[82ndreddevil]

I got a Bugling bull which I am starting to develop an opinion that it is nothing more than a $30 wiffel ball bat with openings on each end. I have tried different diaphragms from Carltons, to Primos Imperial and Ivory plates. I feel like grunts, and other such noises outside of location bugles do not sound good. Is it me, or are there others out there that feel that way? Or is the issue that I have not found the right diaphram? Or should I just remind myself most people will not sound as good as Paul in his videos (vol 4) and that what I am doing is probably good enough?
Part of my issue is that my bugling experience with elk really is really limited. Most of the elk bugling I have done is in the rifle season in order to locate them. Then for the past two years I have bow hunted elk in areas where elk were thin and you were never sure if an elk was within ear shot of anything you threw out to them. Thanks for any info!

[ElkNut1]

In a nutshell, it's you! (grin) Yes, a bugle can make a difference in ones sound quality but first you have to be good enough to utilize its maximum performance. At this stage of your calling career all bugle tubes will sound about the same to you with your limited experience. Make sure you use a mouth reed that fits! I would suggest a narrow frame reed that is a 1/2" wide at the opening of the latex & go with a single reed. It will take lots of practice, (weeks) to achieve quality cow sounds & bull sounds, once you have them down now start on polishing up your sound quality! Your reed fit & sounds from it are more important than your bugle at this stage. Once you get both down you will find that realistic elk sounds are now achievable!

Type of Bugle - 20%

Reed choice - 30%

User using both effectively - 50%

Total - 100%

ElkNut1

[Swede]

No doubt the diaphragm and grunt tube are the most versatile. Some grunt tubes resonate better than others. Why do you want the most versatile bugle? If you are not skilled at using them, then you may be better off with a good bite and blow bugle. Elknut offers one that allows for both. It is like a bicycle with training wheels. When you are practiced up enough, you can remove the bite and blow part, or you can use it as a bite and blow only at times.

[82ndreddevil]

Paul, my reeds are double, so I'll try out a single like you mentioned. Thanks for the feedback!

Swede, I'm not the training wheels type of person. I can't really explain why I don't want to use a bite and blow. All I can say is that I got a kick out of it when I went from the "Mac Daddy" and Primos "Bull horn" to actually firing off a location bugle with a diaphragm and bugle. Elk season is over and now I got about 11 months to get ready for next season. So this is the time to start learning/acquiring, and improving skills at archery and calling. I enjoy the challenges of trying to learn these sounds. If September comes and I have not gotten proficient at this than I'll just revert to the level I do well, which is simple mews, estrus sounds with my Matriarch, and location bugles. Thank you as well for the feedback!

[Swede]

To me it does not matter. I can get a quality bugle from a bite and blow type, and a good one from a diaphragm. Certainly you can get more variety of sound from a diaphragm, but the bite and blow type work fine also. I have a very successful friend that only uses a bite and blow bugle and no cow call.