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Posted: **Wed Jul 19, 2006 2:35 am**

So I go into Guitar center today and there is a set of 3 standard sized LP wood congas labeled "Classic II" They have the original comfort curve rims (like matadors) and the old LP logo on them. They basically look like wood matadors only with standard LP side plates and heads. The crazy thing was the price, the set of 3 with matching bongos (full size bongos mind you-not aspire stuff) was around 600$-way cheaper than matadors. The salesman told me they were a special model made by LP for Guitar center to commemorate Guitar Center's 40th anniversary. Thats all he could tell me...and he was the manager! Does anybody know anything about these conga's? Are they beginner/intermediate models like the LP performer series? They seemed pretty solid, but not quite as solid as the old matadors. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Posted: **Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:16 am**

Did you hit them? If they sound good snap them up, crazy prices!

Posted: **Wed Jul 19, 2006 2:33 pm**

Hi,

I know LP classic line congas which are very good ones but never heard of "classic II". I also couldn`t find any classic II googeling. Maybe the II means second class category because of some scratches or other harmless things and the factory offers this B category at reduced price? Anyway I would inspect them very carefully !
How do they sound ? Maybe there is an other shop with normal classic line congas and you can go there and study the original thing for comparison first?
Hope this helps a bit.
Best regards,

Amber

Posted: **Wed Jul 19, 2006 3:25 pm**

I played on a Classic II last weekend and Guitar Center. I was told the same thing, that they were a GC exclusive item for the time being. They didn't have the crazy price you mentioned, or maybe I just didn't ask. I thought the same thing, though. The rim is and taper of the drum reminded me of Matatdors, but they had all the same hardware as a Classic. I thought it was awkward playing on it, I am really used to my Classics. I guess they sounded all right, but I didn't do a very extensive test drive.

Posted: **Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:17 am**

The drums you saw were LP Classics - the real deal.
They are not like Matador's in anyway. Guitar Center is closing out this line of congas and they are an amazing bargain.
I bought an additional conga and tumba last winter and now have LP classics. The tumba cost me $199 & the conga $189.
The quinto was on sale for $179.

I told everyone about this last winter, I can't believe they aren't all gone yet.

Edited By congamyk on 1153365518

Posted: **Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:58 am**

Thanks for the info everybody...I tried to find more info on them last night on the internet but it was to no avail. did play them for about 15 min, and was very pleased. They had a very good sound and feel. They are fairly solid and heavy. My buddy just actually went and bought the set i was looking at. I just got done checking them out at his house. Again I was very impressed with the quality. My only concern is the color and design. (is this too picky or what...) The guitar center here in Rochester has only one color and design-red lava. It looks the the LP Accent congas. A bright red stain with black washy circles everywhere. They say thats the only color it comes in. They are totally Rock band percussionist congas by design...My thought process is if i'm gonna spend almost 1000$ or more on 3 congas, bongos, and cases for them all...I might as well get what i want in all aspects. but I don;t know, I'm still thinking...that price is really looking nice!!!!

Posted: **Thu Jul 20, 2006 6:32 am**

I read this thread earlier today and stopped by the local GC on my way home. Yes this is a product line exclusive to GC. They had the red lava finish like it was mentioned a few posts ago. They do look nice. I am not sure if the shell is the same though. I came home and looked at my real classics and noticed that mine look a bit more barrell-shaped...or maybe it was the rims that threw me off. I wonder if the classic II has the fiberglass layer on the inside.

Anyhow, it may be a good deal.....to buy. But also consider resale value.

Posted: **Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:21 am**

I didn't see any fiberglass layer on the inside, just straight unfinished wood. And yes I agree, their shape did look a bit more steamlined than regular classics. I'm thinking they are a step above the matadors considering their weight and head selection...

Posted: **Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:24 am**

Clasic II congas

Edited By fed on 1153441477

Posted: **Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:36 am**

Judging by the picture of the link that fed provided, it looks like they are just refinished and rebranded LP performer congas. Mind you, i'm just making my judgements from looking at the online picture. Do they come with the "LP Handpicked skins"?

Posted: **Fri Jul 21, 2006 4:45 am**

Master2987 wrote:I read this thread earlier today and stopped by the local GC on my way home. Yes this is a product line exclusive to GC. They had the red lava finish like it was mentioned a few posts ago. They do look nice. I am not sure if the shell is the same though. I came home and looked at my real classics and noticed that mine look a bit more barrell-shaped...or maybe it was the rims that threw me off. I wonder if the classic II has the fiberglass layer on the inside.

Anyhow, it may be a good deal.....to buy. But also consider resale value.

He just mentioned the red lava after I posted. They are a different drum than the original classics and not nearly as good.

However, like I said, Guitar Center is liquidating the ORIGINAL Natural wood LP Classics from thier stock and replacing them with this new (cheaper) red lava line of congas. The new red lava color doesn't have the fiberglass insert inside and they are not as oval (smaller).

Call your local Guitar Center and ask if they have any of the original classic natural woods in stock, they may have one or 2 in the back. You can actually get the original classics cheaper since they are liquidating them.

Posted: **Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:16 am**

Good idea congamyk. I'll have to try that. As for a comparison, these congas are a lot more solid than the performer series, and yes they do have handpicked LP skins. In my opinion they are little higher than the matadors. Great deal for anyone needing a pro set at an affordable price. I've since made up my mind to wait and get the set that i know i will love. I'm just not feeling the red lava...

Posted: **Sat Jul 29, 2006 12:26 am**

Classic 2 shells are only 2 ply, where as the classics are 3 ply. The interior of the shell is not reinforced near the hardware, and the hardware doesn't have rubber shell protectors. The rim is different also. For the price they aren't a bad deal but they aren't on the same level of quality as the classics.

Edited By blas on 1154132953

Posted: **Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:01 pm**

Charangaman wrote:Did you hit them? If they sound good snap them up, crazy prices!

I must agree...if they sound good, and they look good, it don't matter if the brand name is "Caca Congas".

I'm weirded out about the price...and whenever any company bundles up bongos with the package, it's often a starter set or an intermediate.

But you know, who cares...how does it sound, really?

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LP Classic II congas