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The triggers: Jman Lectric Moo/Jman Lectracrylic Moo ($75) Form and size: A full-size metal or acrylic acoustic cowbell with vinyl dampening Zones: Single Performance: Both cowbells are fairly hot when set up in stock PD7/8/9 setting (the metal version is a bit cooler), but they’re very responsive and show good dynamics. The stick feel is obviously very cowbell-like, with the rebound a little subdued due to the vinyl. These guys are also very noisy, with the acrylic producing a highpitched clack that registers around 85 dB. The metal version is no noisier than the acrylic model, but the tone is mellower and – well – cowbell-like! With standard cowbell mounts, they attach to an l-rod or cymbal stand. What we liked: Cowbell look and feel, good response. What we didn’t like: Noisy. The trigger: The Cowpaddy/Cowabongo($40/$99) Form and size: The Cowpaddy is a 5”x3.5” foam-covered block, while the Cowabongo consists of two 6”x4.25” blocks on a single mount. Zones: Single in the case of the Cowpaddy, dual for the Cowabongo Performance: Both triggers were really plug and play, needing no adjustment from the stock PD7/8/9 setting. Even more impressive, the Cowabongo, in particular, was just as responsive when played with hands as with sticks. Triggering is even across all surfaces and dynamics are excellent. The triggers are reasonably quiet – at 65 dB and 72 dB respectively, with a distinctive thwack that’s a bit throatier in the case of the bigger pads. Obviously, played with hands, they’re much, much quieter. Both models attach to an l-rod or cymbal arm. What we liked: Good size and feel, good response – especially with hands. What we didn’t like: Very little. 16
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