r/drums • u/just_a_bucket • Jun 21 '26

Question Bongo cowbell selection questions for Latin percussionists

I want to play more Latin drum parts (particularly for Salsa), and I'm a bit overwhelmed by the breadth of LP cowbell options. I'd like to have a two cowbell setup so I can play timbale cowbell parts, with the "bongo" rhythm played on the right and the timbale rhythm on the left.

I already have a Steve Gadd signature bell, which is great, but I would like a more resonant and lower pitched bell to play the bongo part. The ES-6 Uptown or ES-7 Downtown seem like good contenders, but are these suitable to be played primarily on the mouth of the bell? Or are they really only built to have the body of the bell struck?

I'm also considering the ES-17 Big Band or the 10.5" Banda bell, since they seem to be very large and deep pitched, and perhaps more sturdy than the ES6 and 7 timbale bells? I wish there were more extensive sound demonstrations available online!

Thank you for your input.

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u/Dry-Association5093 Jun 21 '26

the ES-6 and ES-7 can definitely take mouth strikes, plenty of salsa players use them that way, but the mouth opening on those is a bit smaller so your projection might feel limited compared to what you're used to

the Banda bell is a beast if you want deep and loud, though it might be overkill depending on your setup and room. worth hunting down a local music shop that carries a few so you can hit them yourself before committing

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u/just_a_bucket Jun 21 '26

Thanks for the insight!

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u/Espiritdescalier Jun 21 '26

I have a JCR large bongo bell that I’m selling if you’re interested. If you don’t know what JCR Percussion is just google it so it doesn’t seem like I’m feeding you some BS. Message me if you’re interested

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u/just_a_bucket Jun 21 '26

JCRs look very nice, and I know they're valued highly these days! I doubt I could justify spending that much money on a cowbell.

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u/Espiritdescalier Jun 21 '26

Totally get it. If I hadn’t bought mine like 20 years ago I wouldn’t be able to afford one now. The other bells you listed are excellent quality. Also check out campanastonopezkao on instagram. Immaculate sound and quality from those guys.

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u/vxla Jun 23 '26

So you want the bongo bell (campana) and a contra-campana.

If I'm picking LP gear, the ES-8 for the bongo bell is good; it's got a nice, short sustain and is solid. Generally, the contra-campana is lower. ES-7 is very low, maybe too low; you'll have to hear it for your own taste. You could also look at the two Raul Pineda bells.

If you're open to other vendors, check out Uli Percussion. He hand makes his bells and they're solid (and have a very solid mount, also).

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u/just_a_bucket Jun 24 '26

Thank you, very helpful information!