opinion on Pearl elite fiberglass conga

[Mario2CP]

Hey guys,
I think i could use some light fiberglass conga. My local store sells Pearl elite fiberglass for very nice money.
I gonna play the drum mostly at the salsa parties where I DJ and I think overtones dont bother me much in this type of situation.

Whats your opinion on the drum?

Thank you

Mario

[vinnieL]

I know I will get flamed by the purist on the board but I had a chance to play the Bobby Allende fiberglass congas and I thought they sounded pretty good. They do have overtones which drives some people crazy but In a salsa type setting is not really going to be problem. Many people hate fiberglass congas I don't have a poblem with them as long as you understand their limitations. If i'm leaving the house a lot with congas a lighter set would be nice. Pearl hardware is also very nice. Do they sound like wood congas with nice skins? No of course not but they are definitely are louder and project more.

[umannyt]

I think overtones dont bother me much in this type of situation.

Mario

Mario,

Overtones were a big deal for me in the beginning, but I realized that they really weren't an issue, particularly when I'm playing with a band the instruments of which are amplified (possibly including yours). I can almost guarantee you that no one in your audience will hear it (or care) and only you will (if at all). Moreover, your bandmates will most probably be too busy minding their own playing to pay attention to your overtones.

In the above scenario, I prefer to use my oak Gon Bops CAs with Remo Fiberskyn synthetic heads.

Playing with a band/group that's unplugged or acoustic is a different scenario, though. In this situation, I prefer playing with my canoe Islas with real skin heads and their fat, dry sound.

I personally haven't played the Pearl Elite fiberglass congas. So, I don't feel qualified to give an opinion on their sound. I like the fact that they're 30 inches tall (vs. 28-inch height of certain other models, such as the Pearl Bobby Allende, which were designed with the seated player in mind). I also like Pearl's brushed-look steel hardware; they look understated.

Regardless, I have no objections against fiberglass congas in general. Even some of the legendary conga players (Candido Romero, Patato Valdez, etc.) have used them. Other professionals, not quite legendary, such as Raul Rekow of "Santana", have used (and continue to use) fiberglass congas.

[Mario2CP]

Overtones are not an issue for me. I barely hear them on the party with DJed music. My concerns were more about the quality of the drum.

Thank you both for your replies.

Mario

[vinnieL]

The quality is great like i said Pearl has a reputation for having great hardware. Theres is nothing wrong with Pearl's quality they are great.