Bauer congas - Found some used

[buckoh]

:p I've located some used Bauer congas-650.00 for the pair. Look to be in reasonably good condition. They are the traditional shape from about 10 years ago. I'll have to drive 6 hours to get 'em. Any opinions on them. Should I hold out for some Matthew Smiths or Islas? Buck

[bongosnotbombs]

I've played a Bauer tumba and looked at it's construction closely, a guy at one of my classes has the tumba...

They are made really well, the hardware is very strong and has a cool rubber gasket between the plate and the wood. I seem to remember a green coating on the inside? around the lugplate area for reinforcement?

That tumba sounds really good too.

For $650. for the pair I would jump on it. $650 does'nt even buy you one of Matt's drums, and you'll have the drums in 6 hours, Matt is a 9 month wait!

Isla's are cheaper, but you'd still get just one drum for $650 and there's still a 4-6 week wait or so.

You'll have a great pair of drums cheaper and sooner if you get the Bauers.



Edited By bongosnotbombs on 1192812679

[ralph]

I don't know if i were you and had some money saved up, i'd go for the Ritmo Matthew Smith conga...i talked to him about two weeks ago and he said his prices are going up again soon...so while they are not cheap ($750 a drum) now is as good a time as any to buy one of his masterpieces...and believe me...you can't compare a Ritmo drum to a bauer drum (or two for that matter)...but then again its one you...I haven't played an isla drum...so that may be another option....do i think Matthew is overpriced? maybe..but his drum sings!!!!!



Edited By ralph on 1192813804

[buckoh]

Ralph, I agree with you. Just from reading this forum, I'm sure the Matts are the best. Funny thing, the guy that I play with professionally (raucusbrothers.com) used to have Matthew as his conguero. He was amazed to hear that Matthew is building quality drums now. Life can be funny! My plan is to get some good wood traditional tubs, a set of fiberglass, or glass over wood, and sell my DelCielos. I can't decide if I'm in love with them or not, which tells me maybe I'm not. I'll refinish them so they're like new (with a better finish) and see what they're worth. I'm waiting to see if the Bauers are still available.
BTW, where are you in NC? I'm in Greenville. Buck



Edited By buckoh on 1192815432

[ralph]

I am in Winston Salem...I actually do have a matthew tumbador....I can send you some pics if you like...but they won't do the drum any justice...let me know

[Omelenko]

I have Junior Tirados, Jay's SOS and Matthew's. When someone gets a Matthew Smith conga,everything else takes a backseat. There is no better made conga today, this guy borrowed from the masters and has taken conga building to another level. His hardware is state of the art and will oulast any human. He's got the Cuban style downpacked and Gonzalo Vergara is smiling from heaven. I know there is a waiting interval involved, but when the congas arrive you say Coñoooo! Just ask Jaisen Torres, brother Onile get ready when yours arrive!
Saludos, Dario.
Enclosed; La timba de Mateo Smith !



Edited By Omelenko on 1192818515

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

[buckoh]

Your replies are most appreciated! Whether I get the Bauers or not, I will get some Matthew Smiths. Thanks for the beautiful pics. Conga porn gets me excited! I'm going out to my shop and interact with my drums! Peace, Buck

[congalero]

by no means could one compare a ritmo drum to a bauer; ritmo is a quality crafted instrument made by a master wood worker and craftsman. however, it may be in your best interest to pick up the bauers as your everday drum that you can lug around anywhere. the bauers are in no way something anyone would be shy of owning, and they are very well made. i have both the bauer lights and the higher level drums (classics), both great drums with a great sound. if you can swing it, pick up the bauers and enjoy them while you wait for a set of ritmo.



Edited By congalero on 1192827766

[congalero]

by no means could one compare a ritmo drum to a bauer; ritmo is a quality crafted instrument made by a master wood worker. however, it may be in your best interest to pick up the bauers as your everday drum that you can lug around anywhere. the bauers are in no way something anyone would be shy of owning, and they are very well made. i have both the bauer lights and the higher level drums (classics), both great drums with a great sound. if you can swing it, pick up the bauers and enjoy them while you wait for a set of ritmo.


http://www.congaplace.com/cgi-bin....56;st=0

http://www.congaplace.com/cgi-bin....l=bauer


http://www.sambapercussion.de/home/fset.php



Edited By congalero on 1192828138

[maelopr]

Are there even stores that carry Bauer congas/bongos in the states?

[buckoh]

Well folks, the die has been cast and it feels cosmic! I left a message about the Bauers yesterday and this morning I slept late. As soon as I awoke I opened my cell phone and it rang. There was a very nice sounding woman's voice returning my call. I'm to meet her in Black Mountain on Tuesday to pick up my Bauers. Here's the part I like-her name is Blue Fire! I'm intrigued. I'll keep ya' posted.
As far as the wood goes, I'll show them to a friend on the coast who really knows his stuff. He probably will name the species, area of growth, and its Latin name. Peace, Buck



Edited By buckoh on 1192892975

[bongosnotbombs]

So your meeting "Blue Fire on Black Mountain"?

That sounds like a name for a song! Awesome.

[buckoh]

BNB, You just increased the intrigue level. She's holding them on my word 'till Tuesday. I hope she's good for her word.
BTW, I had bad luck with the third sheet. I was extra careful tucking it, and trimming it. When I tightened it hard, it split. The last one I mounted was gray and it was very easy. Have you been using the green ones? For now, I'm putting the muleskin back on and I'm awaiting a Fiberskyn tucked. If I can get some of the dark colored x-ray film, I'll mount it and use the Fiberskyn for a back up. Thanks again for your help. This forum has been great. Buck

[bongosnotbombs]

Buckoh,
good one on the Bauers, as for the x-ray I don't know what to say, I've used it and have given sheets out to people that have used it succesfully, it's hard to say without seeing what your doing..maybe tightening too much?
I can give you a couple more if you want to try again..
I think dark grey x-ray is just film that has been developed, the green stuff I have has not been developed.

[Whopbamboom]

Are there even stores that carry Bauer congas/bongos in the states?

Not sure. But you could try Lark In the Morning. They were selling a new Bauer Pandeiro on eBay, so maybe they can get the congas??? Here's their site:

http://larkinthemorning.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1193081322