Topic: Recommendations for a good all-purpose cowbell

[Smitty]

I need to buy a cowbell that will serve me well in a band that plays some covers that feature cowbell – Moby Dick; Good Times, Bad Times; We’re not Gonna Take It.   

I don’t think I want a big clanger.

Thanks!

[Bart Elliott]

If you need the "classic rock" sound and only plan to use it within the drumkit, I would recommend the LP Ridge Rider Cowbells.

The Ridge Riders have the built-in dampening, so you don't have to duct tape the instrument (a la Gadd) in order to get that classic rock sound that we're used to hearing in the songs you mentioned.

If I was going to only own ONE cowbell, but use it on the drumkit AND percussion set-up, I would not get an LP Ridge Rider. I would want a cowbell that allowed me to dampen the instrument or not, plus get all the nuances one can achieve by playing the instrument a variety of ways and techniques.

If you should decide to not get a pre-dampened Cowbell, like the Ridge Rider, you can cut the toe out of an old sock or use a sweat wristband to slide over the Cowbell, dampening it as much as you want. This way you don't put duct tape on the Cowbell, which is hard to get off when you need it off ... like playing percussion, using it with a Timbale set-up, etc. I've even taken an old sock, rolled it up, and shoved it inside the Cowbell to dampen it ... but eventually, due to playing the Cowbell, the sock falls out.

[Smitty]

Sounds like the Ridge Rider is the ticket. Thanks!

[Donald Mcnany (boomerweps)]

A cheaper, good quality cowbell I found is the Pearl ECB5. Got one fairly cheap and it came with a stand clamp mount.

The "classic" cowbell in sound and size is the LP Black Beauty.

Don't forget the easiest way to dampen/undampen a cowbell, the refrigerator magnet (business card size) inside the cowbell. Much less obtrusive compared to an old sock or duct tape 

Boomerweps

[Bart Elliott]

The "classic" cowbell in sound and size is the LP Black Beauty.

Don't forget the easiest way to dampen/undampen a cowbell, the refrigerator magnet (business card size) inside the cowbell. Much less obtrusive compared to an old sock or duct tape 

Completely disagree about the LP Black Beauty with respect to being the "classic" sound used on the tunes discussed. The Black Beauty is a small "cha-cha-cha" bell. Nice cowbell, I own two, but not as the primary cowbell on a drumkit.

I've tried the refrigerator magnet, and I agree, better than the sock or duct tape, but the magnet doesn't always stay put ... and I've had it fall off, inside and out. Although you can move the magnet, I have found that it doesn't give me all the varying degrees of dampening that I get with the other options. You could use more than one magnet. Just be aware that the instrument produces sound all around the bell, not just the side you strike.

Experiment and use what works best for you.

Be aware of the sound too. Cheapest, although sometimes necessary budget wise, is not always the best choice ... especially when the sound is, well, lame.

[Smitty]

Picked up the Ridge Rider.  I like. 

[Bart Elliott]

Picked up the Ridge Rider.  I like. 

Cool. 

[Rylie]

Day late, dollar short here, but I agree. I have the Black Beauty and it's not suited for Mississippi Queen, but it works for Play That Funky Music in a pinch. ;o)

[Chip Donaho]

I have two. A Ridge Rider plus an old chrome one from I'm guessing the 1960's....That old one is much smaller but has a great sound. Even with a crack in it the thing sounds great. It's got to be an original used in so many of those old tunes. 

[Bart Elliott]

Just goes to show that often times one version of a particular instrument just isn't enough. If possible, get yourself a cha-cha bell (like the LP Black Beauty) and a mambo bell ... which the LP Ridge Rider is, with exception to the added (plastic) dampening section.

I think I own around a dozen different cowbells.