Why is it?

[bongosnotbombs]

when I take a break at the local jazz jam,
people often take a turn playing my drums without asking?

but would never think of sitting behind the kit
or using someones horn without permission?

[congamyk]

Because most people are idiots and think that congas are a toy.
Especially drum kit players, they are the most musically ignorant of all.

If someone jumps on your congas, explain to them that congas are a real instrument with rudiments and technique. Then tell them to move. Use the opportunity to educate them so they will either learn how to play or at least think twice about being a moron and jumping on someone's skins without asking.



Edited By congamyk on 1178838245

[pavloconga]

There is only one thing worse than that - it's when people at a party put their drinks on your conga!
"Hey man, that is NOT a $500 coffee table".
cheers,
Pavlo

[Charangaman]

Show them an open slap...

[Diceman]

Another thing to do is cover them with a towel or turn them over if you can.
If someone takes the towel off or tries to turn them over, use Charangaman's open slap technique.

[bongosnotbombs]

Show them an open slap...

Ah show them the open slap technique, I heard you can
get a very good tone from human skin! :laugh:

[JohnnyConga]

That is a lack of respect for one thing and very poor drum etiquette....some idiots just think they can do what they want....In NYCity many a fight would break out at a Rumba cause of some dude trying to "rough" the drum from them....hence una pelea, a fight....I hit one dude once in his chest for putting his hands on my drum while I was playing it,in Central Park...he didnt do that again , with nobody....."JC" Johnny Conga...

[ozrivera]

Show them an open slap...

Saludos Hermanos

i do almost the same, i tell them to hit it harder, harder, till they are hitting it hard enough to make them stop.

i think rhythem web sells conga hats, im sure that helps keeping people away.

but on another note, its not just the congas i usually keep a bag of goodies, you know the one every percussuonist has. the bag with the guiro, maracas,clave, bell and god know what else.
i cant keep people out of the bag, at the end of the night my equipment is scattered all over the place and
the palito for the guiro is missing. its gotten to the point where i have to keep the bag next to my throne, just to keep people from being curious.
who knows maybe someone will invent an electiric zipper or something to keep the curious minds and hands out. LOL

God Bless

OZ

[boogie]

i think non musicians figure that congas are the easiet instrument to play so thats what they gravitate to them happens to me all the time!

[82-1170142196]

Aloha,
Funny how Voilence works! It doesn't...
To avoid a scuffle, Lay your skins down or put a towel on them like was mentioned earlier.
People like that can turn the whole thing on you....
Be smart...think ahead
Voilence is not where its at in my mind.....
All the name calling lol!! whoa.....



Edited By Rumba808 on 1178928695

[Diceman]

Whoa,

Hold on Pilgrims, we are on the same journey!!

Paz
Diceman

[bongosnotbombs]

It's true though, if you grabbed a horn players ax and started
blowing it or whatever, without asking first, man the whole band
would come down on you! For real!
If another musician I am aquainted with grabs them my drums, Its
not too big of deal, I reckon they can handle the drums with care like their
own instrument, and its a little part of what a jazz jam is about...
As a percussionist I get to play more than a horn player, so if they
want a turn, it only makes me sound better in comparison.
Sometimes I bring claves and maracas for people to use, but only guys I know.
I just don't get audience members or people I don't know grabbing them,
thats just nerve! I guess drums seem pretty indestructible, but it's still
someone's property!



Edited By bongosnotbombs on 1178984323

[CongaTick]

We've all been there and all have the stories. Even had the drunk hottie with a handful of cheapass rings who could't take no for an answer and kept slapping the conga WHILE I WAS PLAYING. She got the message in a very direct way. Or the guy who you've just said no to, who sits at the bar and grouses to his friend about you and then his friend comes up and tries to convince you to let his drunk bud play.....on and on... Violence is the absolute last resort, and one that should only be used for defense or in true imminent and serious danger to my tubs after repeated and civil warnings. I ALWAYS COVER MY DRUMS and even have a cover that says "No, you cannot play my drums." This is one issue that truly annoys me.

[bongosnotbombs]

Thats a cool cover man! Straight and to the point!

I guess congas are so magnetic and primal,
people can't help themselves.................G!

[GuruPimpi]

The sad thing is, when you try to make people respect your instruments on the stage during the pause or at the end of a show,the fellow musicians from band you are playing with, look at you and say:,, Ahhh, c'mon, don't be such a pain... leave them to have fun!!!'' Geeeez!

I guess congas are so magnetic and primal,
people can't help themselves.................G!

Yes... I agree

P.