The Meinl company has just released the new Cowbell, which was created in cooperation with one of the most famous drum educators in the world, which is Mike Johnston. This instrument has been specially designed to sound best with the drum kit!
- The Product
The groove Bell series we tested was created in cooperation with one of the most famous drum educators in the world, which is: Mike Johnston. This cow bell is made very neatly, and his appearance really is lacking nothing. Mounting system is intuitive and does not cause any problems. In the set with Groove Bell we receive two magnetic dampers, which were created on the basis of silencers for cymbals signed by Benny Greb. They are used to suppress unwanted noises and obtain the sound that suits us.
2. Basic specs:
- Manufacturer: Meinl
- Material: Vintage Steel
- Finish: Vintage Steel
- Designed in cooperation with Mike Johnston
- Designed specifically for playing with a drum kit
- Two Magnetic Tuners For Controlled Muting (based on Benny Greb’s Cymbal Tuners)
3. The test
We tested Mike Johnston Signature Groove Bell in our recording room. The instrument records well, the signal is so strong that it can be extracted in the mix. The sound characteristics are very classic, neither too high nor too low, and pleasant to the ear. Thanks to the magnetic dampers we can regulate the sound in any way. The set includes two silencers: smaller and larger. You can stick them anywhere on your instrument.
4. Summary
Meinl Groove Bell signed by Mike Johnston is a great-sounding instrument that can be easily used in the studio and during the concert. Every drummer should be pleased. Cowbell is not the cheapest, but we think that every investment in an instrument is a good investment :).
OUR VERDICT: 5/5
Advantages:
- Well crafted
- Looks great
- Easy to mount
- Quite loud, projects in the mix
Disadvantages:
- None
