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Posted: **Sun Jul 24, 2005 5:30 am**

Hi all. I'm brand new to this board. I'm a trap set player who's seriously learning hand drumming. I've been learning on a set of LP Aspires for the past 2 years and now I'm ready to upgrade. After doing extensive research online I've found phenomonal deals on the high end LP models, Galaxy, Tribal Accents, etc... (check out http://www.anydrum.com you must sign in for the sale prices). Also, thanks to this board I've found great prices on Pearl Elite's.
I often play acoustically and was leaning more towards fiberglass for the volume. I can get the set of 3 Galaxy fiberglass for just under $1,200! Then I started hearing so many great things about Pearl Elite series. I found that set of 3 for just over $800. Money is not the ultimate factor here. I just want to make this my one and only conga purchase that will suit any playing situation. I tend to be loyal to companies once I like something. All my other percussion instruments are LP (bells,blocks, tambourines, Matador timbales). I have checked out Pearl's Elite wood in a store and they sound fantastic. I have not seen Galaxy fiberglass in any stores but have never heard anything but good things.
So, my questions are...wood or fiberglass, and which manufacturer. I've read all the other postings on this question but felt I needed to ask it myself. Thanks!
BTW, my Aspires 11" & 12" in redwood, double stand with matching Aspire bongos, all in excellent condition are for sale.

Posted: **Sun Jul 24, 2005 1:11 pm**

In summary, and we have discussed this throroughly on this forum, fiberglass and wood is a personal decision regarding the sound you want. A sound that in most cases it will go unnoticed by the general public. Wood will give you a warmer sound and fiberglass will give you more overtones and more volume. Other pros and cons, well, fiberglass, obviously will be more resistant to falls ,however, heat will kill them, etc.

Again, here it is what do you like...(You have to play them to see what you want....the overtones of the fiberglass will be most likely noticed by you only).

Manufacturers????? Cannot go wrong with the established ones, LP, Pearl, Meinl, Toca. LP offers the most variations in fiberglass some of better quality than the others.

For some people buying a conga is like buying a car.....It depends what you can afford, what style or name you feel good about it and at the end, what can get you get at a store. We know what are the "critically acclaimed" cars but we buy with that in mind and the other things mentioned.

Some people buy LP because it is easier to get, the "brand" will make them feel comfortable, and the reliability is good. However, the price is unbelievable sometimes and there are very good alternatives.

My five cents here...the best congas for the money right now are the Pearl Elite Bobby Allende Signature Series....they are in fiberglass, they have a "seemless" design, that is no ring in the middle that normally tells that is a fiberglass conga, 28 inches suitable for the seated player, and one thing I like that they come witht the Remo Fyberskins from the fabric. The color available might be liked or not be liked by some...cafe con leche (cofee and milk), it is a brownish color that I find elegant. Love the polished steel hardware and they could be had for around $1,000, a set of three.

Is your call but go and try the congas at the store...We could tell you somethings here but you are the one who is going to sound with them...

Saludos!

Posted: **Sun Jul 24, 2005 11:04 pm**

Thanks for the input. Everything you said are things I've put some thought into already, but sometimes it helps to hear it from someone else. Muchas Gracias!

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Upgrading, opinions welcome - buying new drums