For this DIY Electronic Drum Pads Homemade Cowbell project, I used an old Latin Percussion Deluxe Black Beauty Chrome Cowbell, a Pulse Trigger ( discontinued ), some rubber pads, a velcro strip and an old washcloth.
Making your own electronic drum pads and triggers can be fun, easy and save you a lot of money. In my last post, I made the quietest electronic drum pads I own out of Remo Roto Toms and some Simmons single-zone drum triggers. Today let’s take a look at a homemade cowbell drum trigger. If you’re using electronic drums you may also want to check out The Best Drumsticks For Electronic Drums Zildjian Anti Vibe Drumsticks Review.
For this DIY Electronic Drum Pads Homemade Cowbell project, I used an old Latin Percussion Deluxe Black Beauty Chrome Cowbell, a Pulse Trigger ( discontinued ), some rubber pads, a velcro strip and an old washcloth.
You can find some less expensive cowbells on Amazon if you don’t want to use one you have or pay a higher price. The Pulse Trigger I used is now discontinued but most other drum triggers will work or use a piezo trigger. As you can see in the video I stuffed the cowbell with a cloth and added some rubber pads to the hitting surface to dampen the sound but there are many others ways to control the volume if needed.
I plan to remove the rubber pads and replace them with one solid piece of rubber for a better look. Check out the video below….
My current setup is a Roland TD11 kit with Roland and homemade triggers and an Alesis Sample Pad Pro. The DIY Cowbell Tigger is attached to one of the Alesis’s sample pad pro’s Pad Inputs. In this video, I’m using the MIDI out of both the Roland TD11 Sound Module and the Alesis Sample Pad Pro to control EZ Drummer. You may also use an EZDrummer Free Alternative.
Last summer I came across some used Remo Roto Toms for $29.99 at Sam Ash music store in New York City. They were beaten up and the stand was broken but I always though Roto Toms would make great electronic drums, so I decided to get them. After cleaning them up, adding mesh heads and Simmons single zone triggers, they turned out to be the quietest electronic drums I own. My top pick for best drumsticks for electronic drums also helps keep the volume low and saves your wrist and arms. Have a listen……
Quietest Electronic Drums Video
In this video, I compare the sound levels of my homemade Remo Roto Toms electronic drums with a Roland PD-125 pad, a Roland PDX-8 pad, a Roland PD8 pad, and a 13in snare with a mesh head.
Aside from looking cool, you will hear the Roto Toms are much lower in volume than the other e drums.
Adding roto toms to your e drum kit is a less expensive way to add more drum to your setup.
Cleaning Up Used Roto Toms & Making eDrums
Here’s a video playlist of me cleaning up Roto Toms and making eDrums out of them.
Video One: “$30 Remo Roto Toms Clean Up Baking Soda & Vinegar Part 2 of 2” In this video, I clean up these super dirty Remo Roto Toms with silver polish, water, backing soda and vinegar.
Video Two: “Simmons ST1 Triggers TEST mesh heads Remo Roto Toms to E Drums” In the second video I add mesh heads. drum triggers, make some adjustments to my drum module and demo the newly made drums.
Where To Get Roto Toms
You may not be as lucky as I was to get used Roto Toms for $29.99 but looking out for used ones will save you money. Also buying the non-remo brands will also save you some cash.
Rosewood exterior Sonor drums are scarce. – A friend of had a set and then ordered the same set in different size. Here’s just a quick unboxing video.
Rosewood exterior Sonor drums are scarce. – A friend of mine had a set and then ordered the same set in different size. Here’s just a quick unboxing video.
More details:
Rosewood over 6 plies of beech.
The snare drum has the 100th Anniversary, 1975 tag. The other three wood drums have tags that just say “Sonor – Made in Germany” and they seem to be from the slightly earlier “Champion” line.
Sizes are 14×22, 16×16, 9×13, 5.75×14.
A few sound demos of The Vintage Sonor Rosewood Champion Drum Set:
Calling all drummers out there. I’m starting this post early (June 2017) to get some ideas for The Best Stocking Stuffers For Drummers. Make your wishlist and put it the comments below. If you’re looking for great gifts for your drummer friends or some good gadgets for yourself check out Top Gift For Drummers.
Stocking Stuffers For Drummers
Zildjian Drummer Survival Kit
CruzTOOLS GTDMT1 Groove Tech Multi-Tool Drum
Meinl Cymbals MCT Magnetic Tuners for Dampening Effects
Latin Percussion LP204C-MC Black Beauty Cowbell, More Cowbell
Promark Broomsticks
Meinl Percussion CRING 6-Inch Ching Ring Tambourine Jingle Effect for Cymbals, Steel
Promark S22 Sizzler, 22″ or Smaller
Ahead Switch Kick Quick Release Two Way Kick Beater System
Gifts you may not be aware of for the drummers in your life.
Shopping for the drummers in your life can be difficult, If you don’t play drums you may not know what to get your drumming friends, there are probably 100’s of gifts you’re not even aware of. Here are some gift ideas to help you out. I included gifts in different price ranges starting at Gifts For Drummers Under $20, $50, $100 and so on. I’ve also thrown in a few novelty gifts for the drummer who has everything. Feel free to check out a few reviews I did on The History of the Drumset, History of Jazz, Bluetooth Page Turner, Donner drumstick holder, and the best drumsticks for electronic drums too, as these aren’t listed here but would make great gifts.
Drums take a beating. Literally. Such abuse means ongoing adjustment and repair – The GrooveTech Drum Multi-Tool to quickly remedy problems on virtually all makes and models of drums.
Meinl Cymbals MCT Magnetic Tuners for Dampening Effects
The Meinl magnetic cymbal tuners offer an easy way to tweak the sound of your cymbals. Simply place the magnets on the cymbal (top and bottom sides) to dial in the amount of dampening you desire. By positioning the cymbal tuners in different spots on the surface, you can control the sustain, dampen the tone, adjust the volume, and optimize the sound of your cymbal to just the way you like it.
Tip: Drumsticks come in many sizes and are labeled with letter and numbers like 7A, 7B, 5A, 5B. Every drummer has his or her personal preference when it comes to sticks. It’s best to find out what size he or she prefers before buying drumsticks. Top Brands include Pro-Mark, Vic Firth.
If you’re not able to find out what kind of sticks to get, try some of these alt options like Broomsticks and P-Rods.
Promark Broomsticks
ProMark Broomsticks are a hybrid between brushes and ProMark Rods made from actual broomcorn. Broomsticks offer greater volume than brushes, though less attack than rods. Adjustable O-rings allow the player to change the spread of the bristles much like one would with a pair of brushes. ProMark “Alternative Sound Sources” offer a wide variety of alternatives to traditional drumsticks. Everything from brushes, to rods, to broomsticks. Achieve the sound you’re looking for!
Pro-Mark Lighting, H, C, and other Rod sticks create fresh new dimensions of sound. Rod drumsticks are a Pro-Mark original handmade in the U.S.A. from select birch dowels. Rods have a lively, natural rebound. Pro-Mark developed. Rod drumsticks for drummers who want a lighter sound than conventional sticks, but with more attack than brushes.
Big Fat Snare Drum The Original Big Fat Snare Drum 14″
The Big Fat Snare Drum was engineered to effortlessly transform any snare drum into your very own vintage, beefy, thumpy ’70s-inspired big fat snare drum. Equipped with a thumb cut out for quick removal, a rubberized gasket for weight, balance and stability, the Big Fat Snare Drum was designed for the drummer’s convenience and makes it easier than ever to achieve that signature sound with no need to retune or bring a second drum. Created for the drummer, by the drummer.
The ProMark S22 cymbal rattler is the perfect alternative to putting permanent rivets in your favorite cymbal. Achieve the same classic sizzle sound without the hassle of drilling holes and inserting rivets. The S22 features smaller metal beads for more of a classic jazz sizzle. The cymbal rattle comes with a cymbal felt and fits conveniently on the cymbal post above the bell of the cymbal.
Meinl Percussion CRING 6-Inch Ching Ring Tambourine Jingle Effect for Cymbals, Steel
Incorporate a “ching” into your backbeats by placing the MEINL Ching Ring directly on your cymbals! Ideal for hi-hats, these steel jingles will add a different touch to your playing by delivering a shimmering sound that will blend perfectly with your beats. Place the Ching Ring on crashes and rides as well for some truly innovative sounds.
Ahead Switch Kick Quick Release Two Way Kick Beater System
Revolutionize the bass drum with the Ahead Two-Way Switch Kick Starter quick release bass drum beater system. Enabling drummers to switch beaters F.A.S.T: Flip from a felt head to a hard head in seconds, Adjust to 9 different heights, Switch to over 10 different beater heads with a Tool-less design. The Two-way kick beater head provides a classic felt sound or a bright attack sound.
4 Pairs of Drumsticks + 2 Pieces of Drummer’s Tape + 2 Resonance Pads + 1 Drumstick Bag
This Jazz drumstick set by Moozikpro is ideal for all jazz music lovers regardless of whether they are beginners or seasoned professional musicians. The set has different types of drumsticks: 5A, 5B and AJ6 that feature premium shock-absorbing hickory wood handles, and a black color WB model drum brush that features rubber handle for comfortable grip, brush made of steel wire and hanger at the end.
ProMark MT3 Multi-Purpose felt mallet is a great all-around mallet with a semi-hard felt head and oak handle. The MT3 is ideal for cymbal swells. Soft felt head for use on timpani, concert toms and suspended cymbal
For over 50 years, ProMark has been one of the world’s leading manufacturers of drumsticks, mallets, and percussion accessories. Owned and operated by D’Addario & Co., the Houston, Texas based ProMark produces products used globally by the greatest drummers and percussionists in the world, including Neal Peart, Phil Collins, Simon Phillips, Ringo Starr, and many more. ProMark – Make Your Mark.
The LP Vibra-Slap was the first of numerous patents granted to Latin Percussion. It has appeared in more recordings, soundtracks, and advertisements than any sound effect ever made. As with many other LP products, the Vibra-Slap was conceived as a dependable replacement for the original delicate rattling horse jawbone.
Latin Percussion LP204C-MC Black Beauty Cowbell, More Cowbell
5″ high, mountable bell with white Powder-coat finish. Custom “More Cowbell” graphics. The most widely recorded cowbell in history. High pitched, bright sound with a moderate overtone. Slightly rounded playing surface makes it easy to get a good sound every time. LP forged eye-bolt assembly provides a sure grip to any ³⁄8″ diameter rod. Premium quality steel made from specially developed tooling. Made in USA.
The M80 Stick bag keeps you armed and dangerous with a slim profile, smart features and rugged materials that feel as good as they look. The perfect compliment to the M80 Cymbal case, this is must-have gear for the professional drummer.
3 separate pockets keep your sticks organized, and the zip-through design allows the stick bag to open flat on the floor or against your floor tom. Reinforced bungee loops slip over the floor tom’s lug bolts, staying out of harm’s way during play. The specialized drum key sleeve keeps you ready for those on-the-fly adjustments. And the expanding outer pocket fits your wallet, keys and cell – or whatever else. High-tech materials and triple reinforced stitching make for an extremely durable product. The M80 Stick bag features a waterproof outer shell, a “ski pole” grip of wide webbing, industrial rubber piping, and oversized ergonomic zippers. Holds about 10 pairs of sticks comfortably.
PDP stands will get the job done when it really counts. A wide range of thrones, cymbal, snare, and hi-hat stands are available to suit every gig and every musical situation.
A new type of effects cymbal with a distinctive colored tint and an equally trashy voice. Explosive on its own. Stack it on another cymbal for a signature trashy sound. Mike Mangini assisted Zildjian in the birth of this trashy special effects cymbal that stands alone or sizzles piggybacked on another cymbal. Like Mike, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Its sound is as outrageous as his personality. Well…almost.
Latin Percussion LP-CPB1 Complete Foot Cowbell Package with DW 2000 Pedal
This is everything you need to add a foot bell when playing your drum set, Cajon, or percussion. Includes the Gajate Aspire adjustable mounting bracket, a City Cowbell and DW 2000 pedal. The mounting bracket can also be used to hold any LP Cowbell.
The new DW Tambourine pedal (Tambo pedal) was designed by drummer Greg Bissonette for the most recent Ringo Starr tour. Great for those multitasking drummers and percussionist that want to replicate the sound of the hand tambourine. It is built around the 2000 series pedal that comes with the beater hub assembly so it can be used as a stand-alone or back up single pedal as well.
DW Drum Workshop CPPADTS5 Go Anywhere Pad Set with Stand
The DW complete Go Anywhere Practice Set includes two 8″ drum pads for tom and cymbal, two 10″ drum pads for snare and floor tom, one bass drum pad, stand, and all mounting hardware (pedal not included).
The aluminum tubular bells produce a long-lasting sound rich in overtones. A fascinating wah-wah effect can be created by opening and closing the small opening. Tuned on a pentatonic scale: f2, g2, a2, c3, d3
The M80 Cymbal case is the lightest, strongest, most versatile carrying solution for the professional drummer. A hybrid case featuring an ultra light laminated foam shell with strategically placed ABS panels, providing an unmatched level of comfort and protection for your most prized investments. The M80 Cymbal case features a waterproof outer shell, steel riveted handle and shoulder straps, industrial rubber “sole” and piping, and oversized ergonomic zippers. Wear it well.
Remo ROTOTOMS are built with a rapid-tuning system unlike any other drum. Their unique sound is a result of the implied shell designed which allows the ROTOTOMS to be tuned in a range of over one octave. ROTOTOMS are furnished with a convenient locking lever to facilitate attachment to Remo ROTOTRACS or adapters. These ROTOTOMS come in a black powder-coat finish and with PINSTRIPE heads. Set includes 6, 8 and 10 inch rototoms and double braced stand. Remo ROTOTOMS have been used by Billy Cobham, Bill Bruford and Steve Smith. Time tested ROTOTOMS are heavily used in schools and by professional players.
ddrum DECCABON F 2224 Fiberglass Drum Set, 22-24 with Stand
When enough is not enough, we give you Deccabons! Black-finished, fiberglass shells, 6″ in diameter and in lengths from 6″ to 24″… the perfect accent to your kit. Deccabons’ pitch are determined by shell depth, rather than diameter. Mount them in traditional descending order, or place them around the kit for unexpected accents. Expand your sonic palette!
Grab the Roland SPD-SX percussion controller, and get ready to unleash some powerful rhythms! With over 900 drum and percussion sounds, and the ability to sample your own sounds from the 1/4″ line input, you’ll be making beats for days. Whether you play the nine velocity-sensitive pads with your hands or with sticks, you’ll love how dynamically the SPD-SX’s sounds respond to the details of your playing. It’s ideal for your studio, whether you want great hands-on control of your drum sounds, or even if you just want an amazing set of sounds to trigger with your MIDI sequences. And the SPD-SX rules onstage, with bright LEDs making it easy to see your settings and the different pads. No matter how you use it, or how you play it, you’ll love creating awesome rhythms with the Roland SPD-SX percussion controller.
Meinl Cymbals CC4680-TRB Classics Custom Pack Triple Bonus Cymbal Box Set with FREE 8″ Bell, FREE 10″ Splash and FREE 12″ Trash Splash
Included in the Classics Custom Triple Bonus set with three FREE cymbals are 14″ medium hi hats, 16″ medium crash, 18″ medium crash, 20″ medium ride, 16″ trash crash, 18″ china, plus a FREE 8″ medium bell, FREE 10″ splash and a FREE 12″ trash splash. These commonly found cymbal sizes will not only complete a drum set but will maximize your sound with the variety of sonic alternatives.
What if there was a travel kit that didn’t sound like a travel kit? What if that kit was just small enough to be travel-friendly, but also substantial enough to sound like a ‘real’ drum set should? DW has it! After literally, years of research and development and discussion, the sizes were agreed upon and the Design Series Frequent Flyer drum kit became a reality. As is the case with all Design Series drums, the shells consist solely of North American maple with no reinforcement hoops giving your kit a sound that’s much bigger than meets the eye. With all the spoils of a full-size kit – STM tom mount system and MAG throw-off to start – the Frequent Flyer drum kit gives you all of the DW playability and tone with portability you never dreamed possible.
Hope this helps. If you have any questions or comments, or just want to say hello, leave me a comment. If you’re a drummer and want to add some gifts here, place your ideas in comments. Feel free to share with friends.
I will update this post from time to time as I find new things, and new items come out. So bookmark this page for easy reference.
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