My New Congas

[bongosnotbombs]

P.S.
Is the little container of stuff that came with my congas lug lube ? Also how and when should I apply it ? Thanks again everyone.

It's probably lug lube, you should apply a little now that you have the congas if you haven't already and then apply a little more every "now and then" to keep the nuts moving smoothly. It's more important to use the lube if your going to be tuning and de-tuning your drums before and after practice, which I recommend, not everyone follows that practice though, so that is a decision you are going to have to make for yourself and your drums.

[onile]

Alafia Abures!
May you all be blessed with abundance, and in this case an abundance of humility and patience!

First of all, I believe that an apology is in order for Abure Conguera2 for hijacking her thread! She is so excited with her new set of drums, we were all celebrating with her and all was well in the world, until..............Bam! someone threw it out there!

My humble apologies Abure Conguera2!

I know what it's like to have a great set of congas, especially when they are brand fricken new, you want the world to know and be happy with you, at least I did when I received my Ritmos, my Islas, my this, my that. But come'on, is there a need for such "guaperia?"

JC mi socio, unfortunately it looks like all are pointing to you even though there was a fun pic that Abure Congamyk posted of your new Volcanos that seemed to set this in motion. Abure Congamyk is always quick with the funny pics and comments, unfortunately in this case it seems to have touched a nerve. Could this have been taken out of context? What would be sweet is if we could all get together pa' un desafio, anyone that wants to play, play their best conga, rhythm, style whatever and have fun with it, afterall that's what it's all about. Having fun with this forum and with our instrument.

As for the sound of your new Volcanos, I personally think that they sound GREAT! I have plenty of drums that sound GREAT, and I'm happy for you personally, but for the sake of peace on this forum could we tone it down a little?

I think Abure KingKonga makes a great point! and I'm also sure that Abure JC has a sense of what's right and prudent in this case!

Adelante mi hermano!

Respectfully,

Onile

[JConga]

Ok guys ...i had a moment..I apologize if i offended anyone...everyone has GREAT CONGAS your right..i just didnt like my photo done the way it was done and it bothered me...hey im only human...so if u want to hold that against me ok...I'll take it...still love all u guys and gals!... ...son familia!..."JC" Johnny Conga

[onile]

¿Ay cariño o no ay cariño?

¡Ay cariño!

[conguera2]

It's okay I wasn't offended. I'm just happy to have gotten replies to my post. I've been on many boards and written posts that never got one response. That was pretty discouraging. It's really cool how we can all congratulate each other and learn a lot also. I do appreciate the apologies though.

Thanks Burke and Windhorse for Your efforts. That thread was helpful. I'm pretty sure my drums are a fourth apart although I'm not sure exactly what key they're tuned to. They sound a lot better today than they did yesterday. I play Piano, Drum set, and Bass, so I thought tuning would come easier for me than it has. I like a challenge though and I'm sure I'll improve with time.

Bongosnotboms,
Thanks for informing me about the lug lube. I wasn't sure exactly what to do with it. I guess I'll probably apply some tomorrow. I do plan on detuning my congas to elongate the life of them, but I actually forgot to yesterday. I did detune them tonight and I'll try to keep that my practice from now on. Thanks again to everyone and I hope you all have a great weekend.

[Congadelica]

Conga-rats conguera2 . I bet you couldnt wait to get up this morning and play those babies .

the tuning will find its own way as you become more dialed in to your drums . you know when they sound right and when they dont , thats what the many hours of practice does .

enjoy .

marco

[CongaTick]

Cobguera,

Cingadelica (and others) are right, about tuning. Don't get hung up on it for now. As you play and practcie you will find the right tuning for each style of music.
In the meantime, congratulations! We all share with you the joy of those first set of tubs that NOW OWN YOU!!

[thomas newton]

All your musical experience will help you to recognise when they are right.

I think you said earlier you were using Tomas Cruz 1? I sometimes run the dvd as a tuning guide. Other dvds or video clips I do the same - tune to what your 'teacher' is using unless it just sounds wrong on your drums.

On slaps, the super loud shotgun slap is only one slap tone and you need to build up to it. You can damage yourself trying to get it without conditioning your mitts.

Try playing this http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=9jaqGJ4wGRo&feature=related pattern and make sure that you are making the clear abierto between the slaps.

Regards,
TN

[KING CONGA]

Conguera2 please let me start by apologizing about my previous post, not having first congratulated you for your very smart buy, I just found myself caught up with my personal emotions. In all honestly I think you will find that most of the people involved in this forum desire the best for one another, learning, gear, friendship etc. that is what this forum is really all about and that is an attitude that I have appreciated from the very beginning and the reason why I continue to be part of this forum, having said that, let me first welcome you to this wonderful forum where all of us through humility continue to grow in our knowledge of this wonderful instrument called the Conga drum. Let me tell you your drums look great and considering Pearls reputation I have no doubt that they sound as good as they look. In regards to tuning I agree with thomas newton and believe that your musical experience will no doubt help you with tuning. One of the things that has helped me is I have learned the particular sounds of one of my favorite Latin Jazz songs in which they use a Tumba, Conga and quinto and so when I tune my drums I just think of that song/sound and tune my drums to sound just like them, this has helped me tremendously and so I continue to use this technique to this day, it's obviously not the only technique but it's one that has worked for me and it might do the same for you
Que viva el Tambol!!!

[conguera2]

Thanks again everyone for the congrats and insight. I have been working with Rudy's videos as well as The Conga Method. I don't think I had come across that particular rhythm though. It is fun to play and I know it will help with my slaps. I've finally got my conga tuned where I want it. I put away the tumba for now, but I'm looking forward to spending more time with both drums once I get to that level. Enjoy the music.

[vinnieL]

Conguera2 congratulations on your purchase. Nothing is nicer than a new set of congas! Enjoy work on technique, never give up, but always make sure it stays fun.

[conguera2]

Thanks VinnieL. I love them more and more each day. My technique has improved a lot in just a week, I can't imagine how much better I'll sound two or three months down the line. The skins are starting to break in; they're losing that translucent color and are now turning more of a creamy color. At least the skin on the conga is breaking in. I haven't really been using the tumba because right now I'm mostly working on getting my tones to sound right each time I play them. I'm having a lot of fun and learning a lot. Have a great weekend everyone.