Buying Congas - Am I a Cheapo If...

[kenmatthews]

Okay I found a cheap price and that really ropes me in you see! Not to mention I'm a saxophonist, not a latin percussionist so I really don't know brands beyond LP and Toca.

I found a conga w/ stand for $149, Verve brand. Also found conga with NO stand for $120, brand Caribbean Rhythms Jungle Conga.

Any strikes against either of these brands? Other thoughts for first time purchase of conga?

[captainquinto]

Hey Ken ... unfortunately, you get what you pay for. I like a bargain myself, but sometimes you've gotta' dish out the cash! The first set I bought was Schalloch - around $350 for all three (tumba, conga, quinto). They are great "learners" and could even be used for performance. However, if you go lay your hands on a conga that costs that much or more alone you'll see / feel / hear the difference. Guess it boils down to what the intended use is. Good Luck !!

[kenmatthews]

Thank you Capt.Quinto,

But are you familiar with either those 2 brands: Verve or Caribbean Rhythms? I want to make sure I don't buy something of too low quality.

saludos,
KEN

[Raymond]

Verve and Caribbean Rythms, are companies that sell percussion at bargain prices. Could not find too much on them on the net but found that Verve even manufactures drum sets.

The decision is a big one...It depends what are you looking right now and long term. Buying a brand that is later hard to find parts, such as heads, etc, could be a problem in the long term. However, if this is going to get you interested and you are willing to start from here...then go for it....Budget is a big thing to be aware when you buy an instrument.

Discussed here all over, our recommendation is to go with a reliable company specialized in percussion with a good supply chain and go with a mid-level or pro set. The prices you are looking at sound like "beginner sets" in the big companies, $300 or so for two congas and perhaps a stand. The problem is the size of the drums which are not the pro sizes, 11 3/4 and 12 1/2, that are easier to find good heads and even parts. (Beginner sets come in 10 and 11 most of the time). Nevertheless, if you want to start there then go Pearl Percussion, LP, Meinl or Toca...they have good sets for the prices you are willing to go.

Check our posts here regarding the pros and cons of beginner sizes!

Hard decision here. We are aware that budget could limit you big time.

Saludos!

[kenmatthews]

Raymond,

I finally whittled it down to two. Meinl and Caribbean Rhythms. It turns out the Caribbean Rhythms congas are hand-made from Republica Dominicana but the guy went out of business. This compnay has a limited number left and they are quite authentic but the problem is getting head replacements as you mention (very good point). If you're a traditional guy, you may appreciate these especially at $140/ea.

But I decided to go with the MEINL Marathon Series ($195 for conga + stand) which has a wood-hewn body and traditional size head. I did not want to go with the cheapo 10in and 11in combo they were selling made overseas en la China.

I think I will be happy with the selection and not have to worry about buying an upgrade for a while being that these will be good to start on and even gig with. Eventually I will get a tumbadora if and when necessary.

You touched on all the same topics the phone rep did...thanks for the detailed response!!

[taikonoatama]

I have a set of 3 Caribbean Rhythms Congas that I've had for about 6 years. I heard the factory/business got leveled by a hurricane in the Dominican Republic and they're trying to sell off the remaining stock ASAP, though I can't vouch for this. The prices are certainly right.

Some thoughts:
The drums, as you probably know, are made from salvaged oak rum barrels, and are very, very heavy. The wood appears to be of sound quality, in the sense of there not being any cracks or anything. On the downside they come with a really horrible varnish/finish. On the upside, I stripped mine and sanded them with 60 - 600 grit and finished them with Doctor Bongo's Palm Oil and the wood is gorgeous. Being in California, I don't have to deal with the extremes in humidity that might necessitate a more impervious coating. Also, the rim is fiberglassed, which isn't ideal.

The hardware is solid, though a little rough-looking. I had mine custom powder-coated matte black and it looks good.

The skins are quite thick - cowhide, I'm pretty sure. I like them.

So, visually, with a little elbow grease and spending a bit on the powder coating of the hardware (I have a friend who did this for me - not sure what it would cost), they actually look really great.

Due to the thickness of the skins, they are perhaps not a good beginners drum, as it takes really good technique to get good tones, especially slaps. Then again, it forces one to work on technique more than one might otherwise. The open tones are very pure, without funky overrings. I love the tone. The sound is most suited to folkloric traditions - it's slightly thuddy, but very appropriate in context. I think it's great sound for this sort of music. They're not so suitable for playing with a salsa band, though, as they don't have the volume or tone to cut through like you'd need.

I'd certainly recommend them for the price and a folkloric setting, assuming you'd refinish them in sort of the way I did.



Edited By taikonoatama on 1115363019

[GuruPimpi]

Kenmathews,

When I read your thread I instantly thought of Meinl and Matador brands, cause those were the congas which I played at my former teachers lessons and liked (and still do) them instantly. Considering the price and sound... MMM. Meinl's Marathon series (old versions) are classics for me, in a way that you get a lot for that price. Matador? Geez, that Tumba my friend has is unbelieveable pretty sounding.
Now I have new Meinl Woodcraft series + no brand made in Cuba conga, and i am satisfied completely, except that Abakua advised me that for my primary band I could use fiberglass congas (more attacky and projecting sound) - he was right, Woodcraft serie has very traditional sound, so now I'm thinking about buying Matador fiberglass congas (for gigs- cheaper and still very solid sound).

A bit more money, can mean a lot more in sound...

Groove on,

Primozz

[akpr59]

what about the LP aspire series....i hear and read mixed things about them.....anyone with experience out there?....i'm a recreational player and thinking about buying the Santana version......thanks

[rumbaman]

I have a pair of meinl marathon exclusives . I have had a great experience with these they are built solid and can take a lot of bumping around . They are my first set and have been playing on them for about 5 years . I think they are great as a beginner to intermediate level , but they do not have the projection or crispness of the Lp giovany line . They are great drums but i think if they had cow skins they would be mouch better . I still like them . My advice spend a little more now and enjoy more later .

rumbaman