Hi. guys,
I just purchased a vintage Ludwig gold tone five inch cowbell which sounds great! I'm just curious though. I have researched it a bit with conflicting results. Does anyone know from what metal this was made? I have seen replies that indicate everything from brass plating to an alloy of some sort. Thank you very much.
Brian
Brass plating over steel. Just put a magnet near it, it'll stick like ugly on an ape. Magnets don't stick to brass.
Best sounding cowbells period. Mine is from the 60's and it still sounds killer. Don't kill yours with tape, some guys do. These cowbells sound best un-muffled.
John
Thanks, John! I just spent about three hours removing masking tape and duct tape from this old cowbell! You are so very right!!! Leave these things alone! Mine sounds good as it is. Like the adage, "If it ain't broken, don't fix it" I really appreciate your advice and expertise as usual ,my friend.
Brian
Not trying to hijack the thread, but in our small band jam space or at home at night, I just stuff an old sock inside the cowbell to tame it down and roll the cuff over the rim so it stays in place. When I want to hear the cowbell in all it's glory, I just pull the sock out and throw it on my spare "Buddy Rich" sock/towel holder. Could use a rolled up pair for more muffling, a thinner sock or nylon for less, etc. Better than taping the heck out of it.
Not trying to hijack the thread, but in our small band jam space or at home at night, I just stuff an old sock inside the cowbell to tame it down and roll the cuff over the rim so it stays in place. When I want to hear the cowbell in all it's glory, I just pull the sock out and throw it on my spare "Buddy Rich" sock/towel holder. Could use a rolled up pair for more muffling, a thinner sock or nylon for less, etc. Better than taping the heck out of it.
When I want to tame the sound a bit I play it with the tip of the stick instead of the shaft. When I need volume I just turn my stick around and whack it with the butt end of the stick. Keep your socks on your feet... practice using different dynamics on the bell.
John
Yeah playing soft is something I struggle with at times for sure. Toning it down for parts of a song in the moment is no issue, but playing a whole night at a reduced volume while keeping the same dynamics and feel is a different story for me.
Wes
QUOTE=Purdie Shuffle;419183]When I want to tame the sound a bit I play it with the tip of the stick instead of the shaft. When I need volume I just turn my stick around and whack it with the butt end of the stick. Keep your socks on your feet... practice using different dynamics on the bell.
John[/QUOTE]
Yeah playing soft is something I struggle with at times for sure. Toning it down for parts of a song in the moment is no issue, but playing a whole night at a reduced volume while keeping the same dynamics and feel is a different story for me.Wes
Me too! Took a lot of practice, but if you work at it it'll be there for you whenever you should need it. Worth the hassle...
John
