This
is truly a versatile instrument and will be appreciated by singers
and percussionists who play the traditional way--grasping a cowbell in one
hand and a beater in the other. It responds to touch and technique with
diverse tones.
Toca designers have fashioned a true hybrid, an instrument with
two distinct sonorities. Thus, the Toca Pro Line Hybrid Cowbell,
High Pitch features one surface hammered by hand according to state-of-the-art
processes, while the other surface is flat and smooth. When metal
is hammered, as we know from the cymbal smiths, it alters the tension
of the metal, allowing for dry tones that are more focused and
overtones that display complexity. Sustain is slightly attenuated.
Conversely, a smooth metal surface will encourage overtones and
sustain to swell, and, in general, fosters a brighter, more "open"
tone. With both surfaces enhanced by a black mirror finish, the
Toca Hybrid Cowbell offers the best of both worlds.
The bell player will relish the option of two distinct playing
surfaces with their respective tonal differences. Accompanying
musicians will gravitate to the bright, high pitch of the Toca
Hybrid bell.
The Toca Hybrid bells project a fat tone that doesn't diminish
after time. Speaking of the longevity factor, a word about Toca's
attention to detail: The interior of each Hybrid bell is coated
with a special, protective sealant to inhibit rust . . . a truly
nice touch.
"The bongo player, who will typically play this bell," notes
Victor Filonovich, Toca Product Manager and designer, "is
going to have no problems being heard. He'll be the shining point,
projecting over a band in a dance hall. The hand-hammered design
poses an interesting alternative: The hammered "craters" are sized
to accommodate fingers, meaning the player can fit one or more
into the recesses, thus obviating the need for messy duct or masking
tape."
This
is truly a versatile instrument and will be appreciated by singers
and percussionists who play the traditional way--grasping a cowbell in one
hand and a beater in the other. It responds to touch and technique with
diverse tones.
