Better cheaper set than LP Performance Series?

[Jbroad572]

Well, I play the sax and my friend will be playing percussion. I have to make the purchase for the percussion instruments, so I need a little assistance. We went to a guitar center today to try out a few conga sets. We will mainly be playing in small coffee house gigs starting off. The set we ended up liking is the LP Performance series, but I wanted to try finding them cheaper on line, preferably used. There was not a large selection to really choose from at GC, so I wanted to ask are there other conga sets I should keep my eye out for on Ebay or the used market that play similar or better? I know the Aspire sets are cheaper, but not sure what we'd be losing in terms of sound.

[bongoron]

I like my sonor champions, but haven't been on ebay in awhile...that's where I got them. Dr cluck's music emporium is the name of the store, and Ed will get right back to you if you email him. He's a really nice guy on the phone too. round $450 with stands, shipping, and wrenches. That makes them cheaper for a ready to play stand up set. I played a single LP performer conga in a store once, and I would say the tone is different, but comparable. Lots of the tone in in your hands anyway. If you change heads eventually, they're probably about the same. I believe the sonors come with slightly thicker heads, though. Also the heads on the sonors are thicker on the tumba, thinner on the quinto, etc. Really makes the drums stand out from each other tonally , IMO.
That price is for three. They are sold individually, and there are requinto, quinto, conga and tumba available... also mini congas in 9 and 10 inch diameters, I think....bigger than lp's. Also bongos, and djembes. Made for the school market as good entry level, lower intermediate type drums. Good to learn on with full range of tones, but cheap enough for parents to buy and keep if the kids don't take to it...great end tables I suppose.

They are in standard sizes, unlike the aspires. I don't care for the aspires myself, but lots of people play them to start. also, if you don't mind 10, 11, and 12 inch sizes...Schalloch has nice tone and beautiful finish. Musician's friend has those. I have those and the sonors...the edge goes to sonor for tone, but only slightly...the edge goes to schalloch for fit and finish, by a wide margin. Not that the sonors look like crap, but they are just not "perfect" like the schallochs in that department.

If cheap is your concern, those are my two humble recommendations based on about three years with the schallochs and six months with the sonors in gigging and home use. I am probably the cheapest player here, and I've played lots of cheap congas. Those two are standouts IMO. Muleskins on either would put them in fine company I'm sure, I just can't afford it.


God bless!

-Ron



Edited By bongoron on 1159730087

[rhumbatumba]

Matador is about as low in the LP line as I would go (Personally). I simply do not like the sound of the Aspire line... The performer series are okay, I have seen and played them and they sound pretty good. I think you can do better though.

I'd say, check the LP Matador Custom Series. They are the same as regular matador only with black hardware. Also check out the Meinl Luis Conte series, same deal... good drums, good heads, simple black hardware.

Peace,

- JB

[dannydrumperc]

Matador is about as low in the LP line as I would go (Personally). I simply do not like the sound of the Aspire line... The performer series are okay, I have seen and played them and they sound pretty good. I think you can do better though.

I'd say, check the LP Matador Custom Series. They are the same as regular matador only with black hardware. Also check out the Meinl Luis Conte series, same deal... good drums, good heads, simple black hardware.

Peace,

- JB

I agree. Having had Aspires for a while and currently having Matadors, I can tell you there are huge differences in tone and volume. Matador offers the basic LP Classics features without some fancyness that (IMHO) are useless or could be easily achived by improvong some hardware and heads for less $$$.

There are lots of threads and reviews about LP Performers n this forum. Check them all before grabing the wallet.

[verticalgil]

Matador is about as low in the LP line as I would go (Personally). I simply do not like the sound of the Aspire line... The performer series are okay, I have seen and played them and they sound pretty good. I think you can do better though.

I'd say, check the LP Matador Custom Series. They are the same as regular matador only with black hardware. Also check out the Meinl Luis Conte series, same deal... good drums, good heads, simple black hardware.

Peace,

- JB

I agree. Having had Aspires for a while and currently having Matadors, I can tell you there are huge differences in tone and volume. Matador offers the basic LP Classics features without some fancyness that (IMHO) are useless or could be easily achived by improvong some hardware and heads for less $$$.

There are lots of threads and reviews about LP Performers n this forum. Check them all before grabing the wallet.

I WOULD SAY TO SPEND A COUPLE MORE $$$$ AND GET GOOD PRO TUMBAS instead of wondering around chainging heads and hardware THAT WAY YOU ARE GOING TO BE HAPPY EVER AFTER.



Edited By verticalgil on 1160150952

[rhumbatumba]

I WOULD SAY TO SPEND A COUPLE MORE $$$$ AND GET GOOD PRO TUMBAS instead of wondering around chainging heads and hardware THAT WAY YOU ARE GOING TO BE HAPPY EVER AFTER.

Who said anything about changing heads and hardware?

[verticalgil]

Soory if i misunderstood I THOUGHT THATS WHAT DANNYDRUMPERC WANTED TO SAY ON HIS PREVIOUS POST...



Edited By verticalgil on 1160166970

[bongoron]

I'm just now beginning to feel a desire to change heads on one of my sets...just for variety. I believe I may finally be at a point where it would be worth the expense...cheap old me you know have to justify everything.

I do know for sure that any heads you use will "sound" different as you learn and practice. About three years ago I opened the first boxes and was pretty disappointed in my new congas. Then I experimented with tuning and became satisfied with the tone. What I didn't realize was That I had no idea how to make them sound right. That happened quite some sime later. Fortunately I have recording equipment and have tracked this carefully as part of my self-training. Huge differences between beginning and now in tone. I can make those galaxies my friend has sound like congas now, too (DUH!). The first time I tried them...no way. I was already used to thinner heads and smaller diameters, and had no real clue how to switch back and forth because I didn't know how I was making the sounds.

Just don't get frustrated with thesound of new drums is what I'm trying to say, especially if you are new at it.

God bless!

-Ron

[verticalgil]

Practice and a set of palladium can ease your frustration..

[bongoron]

Practice...the palladium will give you a hernia before it sounds good if you don't practice. No drum of any cost will sound "good" without practice.

God bless!

-Ron

[pavloconga]

From what I have seen of the latest LP Matadors the sound and build quality does not seem anywhere near as good as they were say, 10 years ago. They used to sound and feel really ... solid, with good skins standard and a great tonality.

I actually looked at buying Matadors recently (are there diifferent versions of them?), but for me they didn't cut it, so I shelled out the extra for Palladiums instead.

Is it just me, or has anyone else had the same experience?
Pavlo



Edited By pavloconga on 1160180091

[verticalgil]

people from the carribean has it in the blood we dont need to put to much effort to play,my mom put me to sleep with salsa music when i was born

[pavloconga]

Hi jbroad572,
I think the Aspires are fine for some gigs. I still own a pair and I still play them. If they are tuned properly and if the acoustics of the room are good they can sound pretty good. So much depends on the players ability to get a good sound from the drum anyway.

cheers
Pavlo

[rhumbatumba]

From what I have seen of the latest LP Matadors the sound and build quality does not seem anywhere near as good as they were say, 10 years ago. They used to sound and feel really ... solid, with good skins standard and a great tonality.

I actually looked at buying Matadors recently (are there diifferent versions of them?), but for me they didn't cut it, so I shelled out the extra for Palladiums instead.

Is it just me, or has anyone else had the same experience?
Pavlo

You didnt like the Matadors so instead you shelled out double for the paladiums, yet in some rooms you mind playing Aspire congas? Wow.

Anyway, to answer your question, I have not had this experience. I've had my Matadors for quite some time and they sound exactly the same as my friend's LP Original Fiberglass congas. As far as I know the Fiberglass matadors are exactly the same as the LP Original Fiberglass except the LP originals have a steel ring inserted near the bead. As for the wood matadors, it is my understanding that they are the exact same as the LP Classics. The price difference comes from the heads, and the hardware.

Peace.