Zil Bel question

[Mike]

What kind of bell is this? It is supposed to be by Zildjian.

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[Thomas Altmann]

Hi Mike,

I own such a "Zil Bel". I never doubted it was made by Zildjian. This type of bell delivers the true cowbell sound of the Swing drum sets à la Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Ludwig and Premier sold similar bells, and probably there were other companies who did. I even believe that Tito Puente used such a bell in conjunction with his early Leedy timbales (check out old photos).

I don't believe that there is still a manufacturer who offers this type of a cowbell. I really safeguard mine.

The original model did not have a mounting screw with U-clamp ready installed. I suppose someone welded it to the handle.

Viele Grüsse,

Thomas

[Mike]

Aha, so it´s a vintage campana!
Thanks for enlightening me, Thomas.
Still have got one question: Does it have many overtones?
And yes, it looks like the type of bell jazz drummers like the legends you mention used to
have; as I read your comment, I remembered some old photographs in a book on jazz somewhere
(don´t know where - getting old myself

[Thomas Altmann]

Still have got one question: Does it have many overtones?

Yep. Rings like hell. Kind of shrill if you cannot control it. Listen to the old Puente Mambos for the Tico label (now on CD by Tumbao). And he taped his bell at the handle! If you want a dry sound, you better turn to JCR, or comparable products.

TA

[Mike]

Yep. Rings like hell. Kind of shrill if you cannot control it. Listen to the old Puente Mambos for the Tico label (now on CD by Tumbao). And he taped his bell at the handle! If you want a dry sound, you better turn to JCR, or comparable products.

TA

OK, thanks again, Thomas!
I can do without that bell, I guess.
Just saw it at German ebay. BTW no bids so far...

Nothing against vintage or vintage-sounding instruments, but I also think that
JCR or LP bells are a better choice - for my liking at least. I have sold my LP Prestige Cowbell
for the reason that the sound was hard to bear and control on the long run.