Originals vs. Potatos - LP Fiberglass Congas

[mangorockfish]

Has anyone really done a side by side comparison of LPs Original, 28" tall and bigger bottom, to the Potato, 30" tall and more tapered bottom, models? Which did you like the best? I'm wanting a set of fiberglass Originals, but don't know if they even still make them. Would really like to have a set of them from LP's Custom Shop, but they only offer the Classic wooden drums and the Potato models.
Mango'

[onile]

Alafia Abure Mangorockfish!
I hope that you are well and in an abundance of blessings!

I have a set of three Patato Model congas, and I think that they sound great. Here is some info on LP Original Fiberglass Congas, which they still make!

The LP fiberglass shell has a steel ring embedded in the bearing (top) edge for added strength. All LP Original Model Congas come with LP Conga Shell Protectors on each lug, to help protect the drum's beauty.

Virtually unchanged since their introduction in the 1960's, LP Original Model Congas have become the standard fiberglass conga of Salsa players the world over.

The 28" tall congas are the ideal height for the seated player. Their extra wide bottom aids in stability and also enhances the drum's low and mid range tones.

LP Original Model Congas have hand picked natural rawhide heads and feature chrome hardware, LP's famous Comfort Curve II Rims, 5/16" diameter tuning lugs and reinforced LP Heart Side Plates, each secured with a backing plate.

The LP fiberglass shell has a steel ring embedded in the bearing (top) edge for added strength. All LP Original Model Congas come with LP ProCare Integrated Shell Protectors that prevent the side plate hardware from marking or damaging adjacent drums. This new compact design offers maximum protection without detracting from the drum's beauty.

BK-Black with chrome hardware
RD-Red with chrome hardware
WH-White with chrome hardware


(#LP222X-1) LP Original Model fiberglass 11" quinto
$679 sale $440 map



(#LP259X-1) LP Original Model fiberglass 11 3/4" conga
$699 sale $454



(#LP252X-1) LP Original Model fiberglass 12 1/2" tumba
$729 sale $474



To place your order by phone call toll free 1 877 YES DRUM (1 877 937 3786)

[onile]

here is a pic of them, as well as the website where I got the info from:
http://www.drumcentral.com/handpercussionpics11.htm

BTW if you really wanna get ol'skool, you can order the traditional rims too!

Suave!
Onile!



Edited By onile on 1140845235

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

[akdom]

Hi

I never compared these two models side by side, but I just bought a set of 3 congas to replace my old set left behind when I moved from central america. The quinto I just bought is a patato model. I just had to change the head that was an evans' one and putt a thick natural one from Cuba. I am now impressed by the quality of this drum ! It really sounds great and if the rest of the set 'conga and tumba) are the same (and they obviously are) the have to sound great !

B

[lonewolf]

#### Pal,
I got both of them here's my opinion :
Original suit for "studio" great for salsa and latin rhythm /extra wide bottom enhance deep bass tone.
Patato perfect for "live" smooth for jazz or rock tapered bottom made them a clear and brilliant sound.

That's why i got both of them.

Anyone to share contact me on msn at LPMartador@hotmail.com

[Diceman]

Hi Brothers,

I have a pair (quinto/conga) of blue originals, which I use for the knockabout gigs. I have been looking for a blue original tumba to compliment the set. Blue is not a standard colour, but does anyone have one for sale? If blue isnt available any colour will do.

suave
Diceman

[Firebrand]

I can't give you a comparison of the 28" Originals...but I have LP Classic AND LP Patato congas.

My feel:

1) The LP Classics definitely have a deeper/warmer tone. They sound great in traditional settings, or are perfect for small conjuntos were the conga has to be the "low-end" of the percussion section. They're also great for recording, where tonal fullness is more important than breaking through a mix (an engineer can do that on his own after he gets the sound from the congas).

2) The LP Patato's still retain 90% of the deep tone of wood, but have a distinctly more high-end cut. If you're a fan of sharp "open crack" hits on the conga, you'll love fiberglass. It's designed to cut through. I use my fiberglass ones in outdoor festival settings, or in settings where the conga is playing a supportive role vis a vis a drummer, bassist and piano player. Anytime I play a Timba gig...or a funk gig...or a larger-band latin jazz gig, I take the Fiberglass ones.

That being said, both congas sets are professional sounding and I could just as easily take my Wooden ones to outdoor settings, as I could use my fiberglass in recording sessions. They're both good enough for all settings...it's just a matter of eeking out the top performance of the particular congas for different settings. Obviously, if I want to accentuate the "folk/authentic/traditional" sound, I like the warmer color of wood. If I'm trying to show off speed chops, ala giovanni or richie flores, I use the fiberglass, because it's high-end seems to cut through and show off the "handwork" better, in a setting of a lot of instruments.

Hope that helps. At the price you can find them on Ebay, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have both. i got my sets (3 in each set) for $650 each...good Ebay prices. Don't ever pay $1200.00 for an LP set...you can always find a reduced, used price on Ebay. And, as long as the congas haven't been destroyed in their usage, a simple head change will make them new..one of the advantages of being a conguero...a single pair can last a life time