Sensitivity - Wood vs. Fiber

[Grateful1]

Is there a noticeable difference in sensitivity between wood and fiber glass congas. Specifically with fingering techniques and slaps and soloing/improv? I am close to purchasing a patato conga tumba (fiberglass) set and I want to make sure I wont be missing out on anything. Thanksfor any help.

[Diceman]

Depends what you mean by sensitivity, but your Patatoes will be loud and cutting whereas wood will be quieter and warm. To reach the same levels in volume, you will need more elbow on the woods.
I use fibre congas in amplified situations and wood in more acoustic settings.

My two penneth, hope it helps

Diceman

[zwar]

ho

the patatos are loud enough to play with drumkit or timbales, both without miking. if the drumkit is miked or you play together with amplified instruments like guitar, base, keyboards, miked saxes, brass and so on, you have to mike the congas anyway. if not two things happen.
a: nobody will hear you (probably)
or
b: you will beat so hard, your wrists cant stand the force and begin to hurt seriously. this will stop you drumming some days. (what not means one could hear you. its just not funny)

so it depends on what you have in mind.
wooden tubes are far better for studiowork, also for small acoustic gigs with unplugged guitar, voice or so in company.
in bigger gigs with miked congas i also prefere wood.

zwar

[Grateful1]

well what I meant was, can you still hear finger rolls and muted slaps on the fiber glass. Can you still get the wide array of different sounds of muted and open tones on fiberglass. is there a better material for learning techniques. Is there a better material to blend with a mechanical djembe???

[bongosnotbombs]

Grateful,
I use fiberglass congas, you can hear just as much subtlety
in my opinion, though I havent played any super high class wood congas.
I have played wood congas though. Fiberglas CAN be louder, doesnt have to be though.
On drums, from what I know it the tubs that forms the resonance chamber, fibeglass being a harder less porous surface is what creates the brightness and volume, as opposed to the warmer less loud softer porus surface of wood.
I think it is the skins that will really affect sensitivity, good quality, not too thick not to thin, well tuned and enough tension.
I prefer fiberglass for weight. Wood can sound better, warmer and more complex, but not all wood drums are equal. Fiberglass can be louder but doesnt have to be.



Edited By bongosnotbombs on 1179182955

[Grateful1]

Thanks Bongos, very useful information.

I have commited to the patato set for 880 including shipping. I am prety stoked to get some new drums and playing them till my hands fall off. I hope this is a good deal and Im not getting ripped off (dont think I am) for conga and tumba, 2 floor stands, and 2 brand new bags. The drums are about a year old but supposed to be in great condition. They come with the hand picked raw hide heads from Lp. When it comes time to replace the heads what is the best option for these fiberglass drums. Evans synthetic, JCRS mule skin. Any and all advice for a first time conga buyer would be appreciated. I have years and years of drums/percussion/full-set/ and djembe expierince but this will be the first conga set I actually own. Very Anxious.

Feel the Rythym

[bongosnotbombs]

By the time it comes to replace the heads, hopefully you
will have had enough chances to play different skins to be
able to form your own opinions....
There is no "BEST" for a drm simply because it's fiberglass,
the best skin will be for the sound you want to have when the
time comes..
Try out as many skins as possible till then!

[zwar]

grateful1, why to consider changing heads befor even hearing one sound?
you bought good drums, and the handpicked skins are the best that is offered by lp. just enjoy.

zwar

[bongosnotbombs]

grateful1, why to consider changing heads befor even hearing one sound?
you bought good drums, and the handpicked skins are the best that is offered by lp. just enjoy.

zwar

zwar is right, it could easily be a couple of years before you
want or need new skins, by that time you will know
exactly what you want.

[rumbaman]

I went from wood to the lp galaxy's . the fiberglass has more carry to them . they to me have a much sharper slap, mutted tone and my bass tips is also clearer . my instructor has a pair of patatos they sound great he has the fiberskins on them and they have great resonance . I think you will enjoy them . Good luck and have a good time with them .


god bless all ,

rumbaman

[Grateful1]

Thanks for the positive comments and the reasurrance. I am sure now, that these are the perfect congas for me. I also just ordered a 13 in. tycoon master series platinum fade djembe from www.x8drums.com Once the new equipment arrives I will update. Thanks again.