The Quality of LP Professional Congas

[Sakuntu]

I've been hearing a lot of talk lately that the quality of LP's professional congas lines have been consistently decreasing since they were bought out by Kaman. Is this true? If so, what aspects? I know that they are really pushing their beginner models (it seems thats all I ever see when I go into a music store nowadays) but I haven't noticed any big difference in their pro lines. I'd be interested in hearing any opinions/experiences. Thanks

-Sakuntu

[caballoballo]

Saku,yes indeed,the Lp quality is in question. The Conguero on the Band I play had a hard time with some Lp ascent Congas. He Ordered two 12.5,one of them came with crack and the lug where you insert the mic stand was also broken,at the arrival of the replace Conga the same lug was broken.The Timbalero bought a set of Tito Puente Brass Timbales,one of the Pailas has a stain that will not go away with any shining product,he is waiting for Lp to solve that problem. Mass produce means no attention to details.

[Firebrand]

Wouldn't know what to tell you. I have an LP Classic set from the 1970s-1980s (according to the owner), and an LP Patato Valdez fiberglass, probably from 1990s. My tito Puente Brass timbales sound great, have no dents, and are in perfect condition. maybe a little dirty or with smudge stains from finger-prints...but 1) i'm too lazy to clean it :p and 2) it doesn't matter to the sound. It works. My LP Gen II bongos sound great, especially with Remo Fiberskyn heads. I have no complaints with LP...they're products have allowed me to pursue my professional percussion life without complaints about bad sounding equipment. In fact, they are my most reliable percussion equipment.

To be honest, 90% of the percussion instruments I see out there are LP, and they all sound great. The occassional JCR cowbell (which are even BETTER), and even more rare, the occassional Meinl player, etc..and those sound good too. Not to hot on the Sonor Cubano drums, though...played a set and they're tone was not comparable to LP.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with an LP Classic or Fiberglass pro model. They're good drums if you ask me.



Edited By Firebrand on 1155050021

[caballoballo]

Firebrand,saludos,

Your Congas were made in USA not in Thailland. Sakuntu is talking about the present times. I have An Lp Valje model Bongó,it is about 19 years old,also made in the USA. Jcr Cowbells are the standard around here, I got 3, 2 low pitch 1 medium pitch. I don't see many Bongoceros using anything else,I have a Lp Sergio George campana, the problem is her projection, is weak, I mean you can hear it on the backstage but at front is non audible. I prefer but that is me, a set of hand made Bongos by Charlie Vega,Moperc,El Piernas,Jcr than any other mass produce stuff . Even Schalloch percussion (top of their line and cheaper,you can see them at Pure sound Bayamon) is makin a better Bongó than Lp,those were the words of one of the Lp endorsers who was playing with one who belong to friend. But like I said,that is just me and my humble opinion. Everybody here has his own preferences. Where are you located here in the Island ?

[onile]

Alafia Abures!
Espero que todo este bien con todito ustedes!

I have a whole slew of LP Products, probably like Abure Firebrand, however most of my stuff was purchased 'back in the day', when the company was still LP, and not the new franchise owners.
Abure Caballoballo! Mi Pana! I know what you are referring to, since the new take over a few years ago, some of the products produced have been carelessly done so and the consumers, such as ourselves, have been left to try and re-negotiate a decent product.

I guess it goes without reason, if you want an almost guaranteed 'good' product, you have to go with 'special ordering' from a drum maker themselves.

Now I understand that this doesn't apply to ALL percussion companies, but where LP is concerned, this situation has been a bit more prevalent!

I recently placed an order with Abure Isaac, JCR Drums, for a 13" SuperTumba, they are working on it as I am writing this and I'm confident that they will stand by their product. Now, when we talk about some of the 'mass produced' merchandise, it's all being done by folks who are getting paid, sometimes quite poorly, to do their job. Sometimes mistakes will leave the warehouse and be sent to us without a second thought.

I had to send back one of my 14" Palladiums for a replacement, it had arrived with a split in it, probably from sitting in a warehouse for weeks, or just poor craftsmanship, I mean, poor machinery.

In either case, we all have to shop around with our budgets and take what bargins we can and hope that it's a good deal!

¿Ay cariño o no ay cariño?

Much Love my Brothers

Onile!



Edited By onile on 1155053015

[Berimbau]

Except for a fibergalss Galaxy, my LP congas are also from the 1980's, so my opinion is solely based on in-store playing of their newer models. Overall it does appear that LP has focused more energy on entry-level models, which doubtless comprises the majority of their sales. The good news is that these drums are EXTREMELY well built for the money, and represent quite a bargain compared to most other drums. Top of the line Toca and Pearl congas seldom sound this good. Entry level players are doing way better than I did with my 1960's Zim Gar!!!
That said the new Giovanni and Palladium drums do seem both pricey and a bit too heavy for my taste, although many top players use and endorse them. In my 36 year career of tumba slapping I still find that LP has been the most consistent in making quality drums at affordable prices. Overpriced old Gon Bops with their cracked shells and crappy dull drum heads can still be purchased on E-Bay at ridiculous prices, if you choose to pay that much. In fact even the newer "mass-produced" Gon Bops are a probably a better bargain than these old ones. Let's wait and see if they crack, too. Just say NO to crack!!!
Now handmade drums of limited production by such master craftsman as Gonzalo Vergara, Jr. Tirado, or Jay Bereck will always be high quality museum pieces with big price tags. So for the journeyman conguero, LP has always been THE choice. Should I ever hit the lottery or get that big-time, high paying pop gig (Jessica Simpson won't return my calls and Britney Spears has a restraining order against me) you can see me live on tv playing three or four of those old beautiful drums! Till then I'll "follow the leader" and stick with my LPs.



Saludos,




Berimbau

[Thomas]

Agree, never had troubles with my LP Congas and Bongos.
We don't have a big collection of different brands here in Europe (compared to Cuba, Puerto Rico, U.S. etc.), only LP, Meinl, Pearl, Toca,....and in this range the LP are what I like most when it comes to sound and quality.
But just like Berimbau said, if I had the extra money, I would also buy some hand crafted beauties
Tom



Edited By Thomas on 1155101695

[pavloconga]

Hey conga crew,
LPs still seem pretty darn good to me. I recently bought a pair of new Palladiums - can't fault them - they are superb, except they are pretty heavy (are my muscles getting bigger carrying those things to and from gigs?). As for other drums I've got 2 x late 70's LP fibreglass congas (I've had 'em 12 years), 2 x LP Aspires, 3 Gon Bops (the quinto is superb) and many others!

cheers and keep on drumming
Pavlo



Edited By pavloconga on 1155114750

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... palads.jpg

[niallgregory]

I have had varying experiences with lp congas and bongo .I found there timbales to be consistently good .My problem has always been the heads .I feel if you pay really good money for gear the heads should be top quality , and they never are . Added on top of that is the expense , they are far more expensive than any other brand available in the Irish market .This leaves the option of buying them online which i hate doing with drums because you never know whats going to arrive .

[Firebrand]

Firebrand,saludos,

Your Congas were made in USA not in Thailland. Sakuntu is talking about the present times. I have An Lp Valje model Bongó,it is about 19 years old,also made in the USA. Jcr Cowbells are the standard around here, I got 3, 2 low pitch 1 medium pitch. I don't see many Bongoceros using anything else,I have a Lp Sergio George campana, the problem is her projection, is weak, I mean you can hear it on the backstage but at front is non audible. I prefer but that is me, a set of hand made Bongos by Charlie Vega,Moperc,El Piernas,Jcr than any other mass produce stuff . Even Schalloch percussion (top of their line and cheaper,you can see them at Pure sound Bayamon) is makin a better Bongó than Lp,those were the words of one of the Lp endorsers who was playing with one who belong to friend. But like I said,that is just me and my humble opinion. Everybody here has his own preferences. Where are you located here in the Island ?

Oh...well, I'm not sure about the present quality of the drums, if that is where the discussion is going...but...the few I've tapped away at in stores here and there seem to still sound pretty damned good.

I'm not in Puerto RIco anymore (should probably change that...) I'm actually in Western MA...but I will most likely be moving to Ann Arbor, MI, and be close to Detroit.

Any latin players in that area?

[Sakuntu]

This is great feedback. I too have stuck by LP for my 15 years of playing. I've always liked their designs for percussion instruments and the feel/sound of their congas. (although I never really liked the comfort curve II rim-I like the old school style) But lately I've been hearing a lot of stories from fulltime gigging percussionists and congueros that the hardware and body construction on the ne LP congas is becoming poor. I got a buddy with some classics and he says he is always having to buy new lugs becuase his are stripping. Another Friend mentioned that his Giovanni conga started cracking shortly after purchase. he tells me that old LP drums are the prize to look for. I'm in the market for some new drums (currently saving and checking out all options before buying) and have thought about LP classics as an option...but I'm concerned after all this talk. I wanna make sure that I invest in good quality equipment. Your comments are appreciated. Keep 'em coming!

[Berimbau]

Hey Sakuntu!
I have to agree with you that comfort curve is not my cup of tea. My wooden LP classics have the old hardware and even my new Galaxy rim has now been replaced with some vintage hardware. Now as to some of the recent stories circulating regarding stripped lugs and cracked shells, I must ask if these tubs were treated properly and/or transported in padded cases? My buddy Richard in the R & D department at LP really needs these kind of field reports, so I will pass these posts on to him. Now as to vintage LP equipment, you know I still think that they are the best bargains on E-Bay!!!


Saludos,



Berimbau

[caballoballo]

Berimbau,yes ,my friend Congas came in a regular cardboard box without any kind of protection like bubble wrap or other absorbing material. Your friend should know that.

[Berimbau]

Hey Caballoballo!
I thought that those tubs were perhaps road damaged from being transported on some band bus sans cases. But if they actually arrived brand new to the customer in THAT condition then of course a replacement set or a full refund would be in order. I do know that LP is VERY concerned about their products' quality and reliability. So sorry if I misread someone else's post back there and caused any confusion.



Saludos,



Berimbau

[blas]

There have to be other variables involved than just the brand of the drum. First of all, I believe you should always inspect the drums in person before spending lots of money on them. A few times I've gone into the store and seen some nice looking drums, matching conga & tumba, but when you slap em they just don't compliment each other, not because of the tuning but because the heads feel like a different thickness, or something, sometimes they just don't match. Also consider the treatment they receive. Being tightened on to a stand all the time puts a lot of pressure on the staves and hardware, I just think there's more to consider than just the brand name.