This instrument is, essentially, a speaker built into a steel cowbell. The cowbell acts as a resonator, while the sound is produced by a device mounted on it (see the top aluminum box in the drawing or photos).

Inside the box is an LM386 power amplifier connected to a coin-style surface transducer. I’ve built several versions using transducers of different sizes, which can be swapped depending on the sonic needs.

The box includes a power switch, a 9V battery clip, and a ¼” input jack. This jack can be connected to an interface or similar device to feed the cowbell an audio signal—effectively turning it into a speaker.

Each cowbell contains a clapper that rattles with the vibrations, adding another layer of texture. Combined with the cowbell’s shape and material, this creates a unique acoustic filtering effect that gives the “speaker” a very personal sound.

In performance, I most often use the cowbell as a feedback device by plugging a microphone directly into the input jack. Depending on the context, I’ll use either an electret or a contact mic, like in the piece Cartography. Occasionally, I’ve experimented with factory-made condenser mics, and in the pieces Unyielding Iron and Still Unyielding Iron, I used guitar pickups. Each of these setups yields vastly different results, opening a wide sonic landscape I’m still exploring.