6 Best Cowbells for Drummers in 2022 Reviewed

By A Mystery Man Writer

Last updated 03 Jun 2024

6 Best Cowbells for Drummers in 2022 Reviewed

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A drum set cowbell adds a unique dimension to any percussion sound. In American popular culture, it’s become something of an iconic instrument with crowds shouting for more cowbell! You’ll hear it in all sorts of music, from The Beatles’ “You Can’t Do That” to Van Halen's “Dance the Night Away.” Still, if this is new territory for you as a drummer, it can be hard to work out just the right cowbell for your kit. Cowbells come in various metals, which impact sound and tone. Also complicating your decision is where you will put the cowbell and how it will mount onto your kit. Read on for our full review of the six best cowbells for 2022. Our guide has something for everyone, whether you are a hobbyist or a professional drummer. Our top picks Best and most affordable: LP Black Beauty Cowbell Best for all music styles: Meinl Mike Johnston Artist Series Groove Bell Best for pro drummers: Rock Ridge Rider Cowbell by LP Best chrome plated: Latin Percussion LP228C Black Beauty Senior Best overall: Pearl Horacio Hernandez Signature Cowbell Best mounted: LP NY Cowbell with Gibraltar Bass Drum Mount 1. LP Black Beauty Cowbell An absolute classic cowbell, this is an excellent design for newbies as the slightly rounded playing surface means every hit makes a great sound every time for total consistency. The Latin Percussion Black Beauty pitch is high and bright with a moderate overtone. Available in two sizes, 5” and 5.5”, the larger version is called Black Beauty Senior. These are louder and tuned a full note below the regular-sized version. One of the best and most affordable cowbells available, the LP Black Beauty is also very versatile and has enduring popularity amongst all kinds of drummers. PROS Easy to mount – Fitted with a forged eye-bolt clamp assembly for easy mounting on 3/8” rods, the oversized wingnuts make tightening and loosening easy, and the eyebolt is auto aligning. Quality steel construction – The quality material—stainless and cold-rolled steel—means this cowbell will last the course for studio sessions or live performances. Available in two sizes – Choose the note to suit your drum kit. CONS Small size is limited – The small size is not suitable for wider drum setups. Shop Now 2. Meinl Mike Johnston Artist Series Groove Bell This piece comes from the world-famous drum set instructor and percussion guru. Mike Johnston wanted to offer drummers a cowbell that works perfectly in a band mix and doesn’t dominate with overtones and volume. Two magnetic tuners muffle unwanted ringing, providing a more focused sound than other cowbells. It is the perfect choice for a whole host of musical styles. PROS Versatile for all music styles – The design and tone of this cowbell suits many music styles with an integration that keeps it right in the middle of the mix. Two magnetic tuners – Two magnets muffle unwanted ringing for a dialed-in sound and dampen the sustain for ultimate versatility. Attractive aesthetic – This cowbell has a vintage steel finish with a classy look for live music. CONS Packs a punch for a beginner – A novice drummer won’t necessarily need the sophistication of this cowbell. Shop Now 3. Rock Ridge Rider Cowbell by LP Handmade in the USA following a specification that has stood the test for forty years, the Rock Ridge Rider from LP features premium quality steel and specially developed tooling. Invest in this to enjoy a cowbell that won’t look like a corrugated iron sheet after just a few sessions! This cowbell features a patented red Jenigor plastic bar mounted on the top edge with rivets. The purpose of the bar is to have a dampening effect on the sound. Plus, it resists the denting from striking the bell with a drumstick. The perfect choice for pro drummers with exceptional tone, LP bells offer a range of different sound characteristics and pitches, and this cowbell is higher on the scale. PROS Quality, robust steel - The premium quality construction means this cowbell can take the wear and tear of regular usage but, despite its design, doesn’t have too much ring. Patented plastic bar to enhance sound and longevity – This dampens the sound and protects the bell from dents. Exceptional sound and tone – The output is stellar, delivering across a range of musical styles and genres. CONS Higher in pitch – The higher pitch is not suitable for all musical genres. Shop Now 4. Latin Percussion LP228C Black Beauty Senior – Chrome With all the attention to detail that you can expect from LP Cowbells, the LP228C Black Beauty Senior will not disappoint. It delivers a unique and bold tone created by the plated chrome construction. This cowbell has a dry sound distinct from the other versions of this bell, with a different finish and a slight alteration to the pitch. The higher pitch and rich tone created by the plated chrome makes it a superb fit with a companion cowbell, but it is also good enough to stand alone. This cowbell is super easy to mount, featuring the LP’s patented self-aligning eye-bolt design. PROS Superior bold tone – The chrome plating creates a rich and full sound. Easy mounting with a unique bolt design – LP’s patented system handles mounting and installation. Attractive aesthetic – The cowbell is eye-catching and will enhance any drum kit. CONS Higher pitch – The higher pitch will not be to everyone’s musical taste or requirements. Shop Now 5. Pearl Horacio Hernandez Signature Cowbell, Chabella Great sound, great look, the Peral Horacio Hernandez Signature Cowbell delivers it all, but at a price. The copper-finished bell has one curved and one flat surface, the former for when the bell is perpendicular to the player and the latter when the bell is facing the player. The Chabella has a mid-pitch tone and avoids that predictable cowbell sound so that you can have a cowbell but avoid sounding like everyone else. A rubber muting band helps to mute any overtones if desired. PROS Enjoy a unique sound – The tone on this cowbell is slightly different from the rest, so if you want a standout sound, this bell will deliver. Innovative mounting bracket – This rotates the bell by 90 degrees, allowing the player to stack multiple bells on one post without the tightening bolts being too close together. Convenient and swift detach mechanism – If you change musical styles, then it's super easy to detach this bell. The clamp will not damage the drum kit ring, unlike others. CONS Price – This cowbell is top dollar, as you might expect with its classic provenance, but cheaper alternatives are available. Shop Now 6. LP NY Cowbell with Gibraltar Bass Drum Mount Based on the legendary Black Beauty Cowbell, this classic version from LP comes with a mount and represents excellent value for money for a player just starting. The rock-solid Gibraltar mount attaches to the bass drum counter hoop post with a ‘U’ clamp and wing screw for top or bottom mounting. Enjoy all the sound and tone of the LP NY classic USA-made cowbell, perfect for a wide range of musical styles and genres. PROS Quality and brand – This is not an inferior cowbell with a mount thrown in; LP is a top make. Flexible mounting – Attach this cowbell to the top or bottom of a drum or cymbal with clamp and wing screw included. Budget-friendly – A mount comes included for the price so that starters can get a great bell and a mount all-inclusive. CONS Inferior mount – There are better cowbell mounts out there available to purchase separately Shop Now What to Look for When Buying a Cowbell for Your Drum Set Material Modern cowbells come in a range of metals, some more durable than others. Steel is probably the toughest material. Copper and tin are softer, which means the cowbell will dent more easily and is not so durable. Some cowbells are wood, but these lend themselves more to handheld instruments. Fitting If you want to mount the cowbell permanently, look carefully at the fitting and how easy it is to install and adjust. Consider whether you want a top or bottom fitting. Some fittings will leave a mark on the drum ring. Some cowbells are suitable for foot usage and rod mounting. A cowbell that can detach quickly and easily is important if you regularly change musical styles. Some manufacturers like LP have invested in premium designed and patent-protected fitting systems. Size The larger the bell, the louder the sound, but size also matters if you intend to rod mount the cowbell as part of your drum kit. Some cowbells will mount better than others, and this will depend upon the diameter of the rods. Cowbells are available in sizes from 1.5”-11” tall. Price Price is a reflection of material, size, and brand. If you are a beginner with your first drum kit, you may not need a top-priced cowbell. As well as new bells, there is a market for antique cowbells, which tend to attract premium prices. Conclusion Cowbells are a great addition to any percussion set and appear in various genres. Drum Center of Portsmouth stocks a great selection of cowbells to suit every musical style, taste, and budget. We offer friendly advice to help you make the right choice for your kit. Get in touch today!

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