Cannon UP Series 5" Cowbell – Model UPCB5
Cannon UP Series 5" Cowbell – Model UPCB5
A well-built, great-sounding 5" steel cowbell with a tone ridge for deeper pitch, included foam dampers to tame overtones, and the kind of solid feel that holds up through years of hard playing.
Who This Is For
The Cannon UPCB5 is a 5" cowbell built for drummers and percussionists who want a reliable, musical-sounding bell without overcomplicating the decision. The 5" size sits in a practical middle ground — big enough to project confidently in a band or classroom setting, compact enough to mount cleanly on a drum kit without crowding the hardware. The quality steel construction and built-in tone ridge give it a deeper, fuller pitch than thinner-gauge cowbells in this size range, and the included foam swatches let you dial in how much sustain and overtone you want. Whether you are a drum kit player adding an accent bell, a band or orchestra percussionist rounding out a setup, or a music educator stocking the percussion cabinet, the UPCB5 is a straightforward, dependable pick that does its job every time you hit it.
Key Highlights
- Quality steel construction built to handle consistent, hard stick impact over time
- Tone ridge design reinforces the body for added strength and produces a deeper, more resonant pitch
- Includes tone foam swatches to dampen unwanted overtones and control the bell's sustain
- 5" size delivers a confident, projecting sound that fits naturally in both kit and ensemble settings
- Part of Cannon's UP Series cowbell range, available from 4" through 9" for matched setups
The Tone Ridge
The tone ridge pressed into the body of the UPCB5 does two things at once: it stiffens the steel so the bell holds its shape under repeated impact, and it shapes the resonance of the bell toward a deeper, more focused pitch. The result is a cowbell that sounds fuller and more musical than similarly sized bells made from flat-walled steel.
Included Foam Swatches
Overtone control is one of those details that separates a usable cowbell from a frustrating one. The UPCB5 ships with tone foam swatches that you can place inside the bell to reduce ring and sustain to exactly the level you want. More foam means a tighter, drier click. Less foam lets the bell breathe and sustain naturally. It gives you real flexibility without extra accessories.
Practical Size for Any Setting
At 5", the UPCB5 is one of the most versatile sizes in the UP Series lineup. It mounts cleanly to a drum kit without dominating the setup, and it cuts through in a band or classroom without overpowering the mix. For players who want multiple bells, Cannon's UP Series scales consistently from 4" to 9" — so adding a second size gives you a matched pair in character and build quality.
Great Fit For
- Drum kit players adding a cowbell accent to their hardware setup
- Concert and school band percussionists building out a complete accessory collection
- Music educators and band directors stocking the percussion room with dependable equipment
- Latin and world percussion players who need a clear, projecting bell in this size range
- Rock and pop drummers looking for that punchy, mid-size bell character
- Players already using the Cannon UP Series who want to add a complementary 5" size
Sound Character and Use
The 5" size puts the UPCB5 in classic rock and pop cowbell territory — present, punchy, and easy to place in a mix without masking other instruments. The tone ridge pushes the fundamental pitch deeper than a flat-body bell of the same size would deliver, which means you get more body and less of the thin clang that plagues inexpensive cowbells. Strike it near the mouth for a brighter, more cutting tone, or hit toward the closed end for a warmer, more muted response.
With the foam swatches installed, the sustain shortens noticeably and the bell takes on a drier, more percussive character that works well in fast patterns and complex rhythmic figures. Remove them and the bell opens up with more ring — better suited for accent work and slower, more deliberate hits where the sustain adds character rather than muddying the groove.
Specifications
Cowbells are one of those things where you either have one and use it constantly, or you finally add one and immediately wonder how you went without it for so long. The UPCB5 is a no-drama, all-business bell — steel that holds up, a tone ridge that keeps the pitch deep and focused, and foam swatches so you can tune the character to your playing without buying anything extra.
If you want to talk size options, compare the UP Series lineup, or just make sure this is the right fit for your setup, give us a call or send a text at 814-371-5666. We are always happy to help you make the right call.