Pearl ECB10 Elite Rock Cowbell

Feature:
The Power Flange is a raised-up part of metal near the end. It adds durability to the cowbell. But it doesn't impact the sound. Some other cowbells have a big strip of plastic rivited to the cowbell which kills the sound. Pearl's Power Flange is much better. I like the mounting system on the cowbell. Nothing fancy but very effective. It comes with a rubber pad stuck inside to dampen it. It provides the right amount of dampening but would be easy to remove.

Quality:
Come on, it's Pearl - it's great stuff. Thick steel, the thing is heavy and ruggid. I wouldn't want to drop it on my foot, that's for sure.

Value:
I picked this over 19 other cowbells I tried. Interestingly enough, many of them were more expensive - some up to $50. I paid $21 for this bad boy. I would have paid $30 for it.

Desirability:
It's a matt-black cowbell. Not shiny black and not chrome. I like the matt black look for a rock cowbell the best.

Sound:
Sound wise, it's very well balanced. It has a fundamental pitch of about Ab. The fundamental is clear and strong. But it also has the right mix of overtones to make it sound like a cowbell (lacking on some cowbells) without have painful clashing overtones (which were present on some other cowbells). It has just enough of everything. Very balanced, very rock. I would recommend it.

Ease of Use:
Easy to setup. Easy to hit with a stick.

Support:
No support needed.

Overall:
I'd buy it again and I'd recommend it for anything as a general, good-all-around rock cowbell. Different styles of music may dictate different cowbells. It probably wouldn't be as good in Latin music. But I like it a lot.