Starting to get into some Cuban grooves and wondered if you guys had a good recommendation for a cowbell for that authentic Cuban sound! I have a really
old Ludwig model , but the metal is really thin and 'clonky' - when I play it sounds more like a field of Alpine cows than the Buena Vista Social
Club 
Any thoughts?
Cowbell of choice
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 David Rowe |
Cowbell of choice |
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Posts: 2 (10/28/09 08:58:09) |
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RJ |
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Posts: 131 (10/28/09 09:05:42) Regular Member |
I don't know much,
I think the best cowbells are usually dented and rusty. and often i like to duct-tape a sock way up inside at the top.... then you'll get that AUTHENTIC rusty sock sound! |
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David Rowe |
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Posts: 4 (10/28/09 09:14:53) |
I think duck taping the Ludwig might help damp remove the clonk - will try it out.
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CrusherDestroyer |
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Posts: 303 (10/28/09 09:56:25) Senior Member |
for true authenticity you will need two bells, one small, high pitched bell called the cha cha bell and one larger, lower bell called the mambo bell.
as indicated by RJ, for an authentic sound quality it helps to have bells that are somewhat imperfect in their manufacture and/or well worn. i'm not really on board with the tape or sock ideas though.
Whoever sees clearly what's diseased in himself begins to gallop on the Way. -- Rumi
you just watch and listen and think and decide. then you test it out. -- Deb
Last Edited By: CrusherDestroyer
10/28/09 16:40:13.
Edited 1 times.
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billy ward |
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Posts: 8010 (10/28/09 13:59:35) |
I don't know too much about this. I used an LP cowbell with the Knack for one song (Rocket Of Love) and it had tape on the inside to "tune " it.
One thing I know for sure - and that is there is this guy (Akbar) that heads Gon Bops and all the heavy cats adore him and adore what he makes. So maybe check into whether there are any Gon Bops bells. |
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The Mad Basher |
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Posts: 293 (10/28/09 14:45:46) |
I really like my LP Salsa cowbell: http://www.lpmusic.com/Product_Showcase/Cowbells/lp_salsa_up_down.html
I usually leave it wide open but sometimes apply a not too sticky tape. |
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TTNW |
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Posts: 17 (10/28/09 15:23:48) |
I use the Meinl Kenny Aronoff 8" bell. It's steel, hammered and sounds great.
It cuts live and with a wrist sweatband and a pencil mic it records beautifully. It's worth a listen.
Philippe Jenney - TTNW
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RJ |
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Posts: 132 (10/28/09 17:03:16) Regular Member |
this is the STRANGEST cowbell available..........
http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/anarchy_cowbell |
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The Mad Basher |
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Posts: 294 (10/29/09 07:55:06) |
TT,
Wrist sweatband=genius! Thanks for the tip! Mad |
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TTNW |
Accidental Genius | ||
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Posts: 19 (10/29/09 10:08:31) |
I stumbled upon this when I wanted a place to stash my wristbands. Moving them forward or back changes how much honkiness you take out of the bell. Also it
allows me to use just one larger bell and be able to tone it down so it doesn't overpower everything in a smaller club setting.
Philippe Jenney - TTNW
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RJ |
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Posts: 135 (10/29/09 10:19:05) Regular Member |
thats a slick trick TTNW!!!!!
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ledmaiden |
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Posts: 151 (11/01/09 14:38:30) Regular Member |
If you only buy one, I would recommend the LP ES-5 Salsa cowbell. It's a great one.
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David Rowe |
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Posts: 5 (11/02/09 00:24:19) |
Thank for the tips and advice guys - much appreciated. Will add your suggestions to my Christmas list
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MustangMick |
LP mostly | ||
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Posts: 942 (11/02/09 03:34:48) |
For kit I have either an LP Black Beauty (Cha cha) bell or the Red LP Ridge Rider. Yellow Ridge Rider is nice as it has a lower pitch.
Would love to try some of Akbar's Cowbells, he's done an excellent job in revitalising Gon Bops. Mick |
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