LP Triple Conga Stand and a Bongo stand for Gen 2 bongos?

[Firebrand]

Guys,

I'm looking into the Triple Conga stand by LP, but wanted to know about its stability and quality. Also, I have 3 Patato Fiberglass congas and 3 LP Classic congas. I assume they are already "pre-drilled" to fit with the mounting bracket on the LP Triple Conga stand?

Finally, I went to use an old bongo stand (that used to fit my Matador bongos), but now I use Gen II Bongos and they have a lug right in the middle that holds the bongos together. That lug prevents the bongo from "sitting" on the clamp...which prevents the use of that stand.

What stand do you guys recommend for LP Gen II bongos?

[Firebrand]

any recommendations

[umannyt]

Firebrand,

IMO, there's no question about the stability and quality of the LP Triple Conga Stand, although it could be quite heavy--and pricey.

Way back in 2004, I bought a pair of LP Matador congas (conga and tumba) from a local Guitar Center store when I first re-evaluated my niche within my dance band as a percussionist. I looked into buying the LP Double Conga Stand and saw the LP Triple Conga Stand. I clearly remember the latter being really hefty. (I ended up buying the Gibraltar Double Conga Stand which was cheaper but just as good.)

My main objection with the LP Triple Conga Stand is that it places all 3 congas in a triangular configuration (or V-shape configuration) where each conga is EQUIDISTANT from one another. My band requires me to play standing and I do prefer my 3 congas on stands in a V-shape configuration. But, I want both the left and right drums to be just slightly forward of the center drum and closer to me for better ergonomics.

If the drums being equidistant doesn't bother you, then I don't see why the LP Triple Conga Stand wouldn't be a good choice for you. The upside is that it allows for a very compact space and the caster wheels are real convenient for moving your conga set around and adjusting its position during gigs.

To achieve my desired V-shaped configuration and because none of my current congas (3 Islas and 4 Gon Bops CA Series) is "pre-drilled", I'm constrained to use basket stands (Gibraltar and Meinl Steely II, respectively).

To enjoy the convenience of both super-quick setup (with timbales, bongos and various percussion toys) and mobility during gigs, I've been debating with myself if I should resort to using the Gon Bops/DW Triple Conga Rack (used by Sandy Perez as seen on YouTube) with optional locking casters--at least for my Gon Bops CAs. But, I realize that this will be quite a costly solution. Not only is the rack by itself expensive ($740 net at West Coast Drum Center), but having to have my Gon Bops CAs drilled and special mounts installed (cost unknown) by an authorized Gon Bops dealer will yet further increase the total cost.

Re: your old bongo stand, I don't know what brand and model it is. (I use a Gibraltar Regular Bongo Stand for my Gon Bops CA Series bongos.) But, it sounds like you or someone else will have to do some modification work on the mounting system to accommodate your LP Generation II bongos. Otherwise, if buying another stand is an option for you, you can probably check out Gibraltar's Deluxe Bongo Stand and either of the 2 Gon Bops Bongo stands. Their bongo mounting systems, at least in pictures, don't seem to (completely) interfere with your bongos' bridge lug. But, I'm not 100% sure 'cause I haven't personally tried any of them.

I don't know why LP designed the bridge the way they did. I hope that part of the reason isn't to compel you to buy one of their bongo stands.

Hope this helps,

[congamyk]

The triple conga stand is really heavy.
Also, when you put all drums on it, the ergonomics are a bit weird.
It's a triangle formation so you really can't adjust the drum placement since the configuration is so tight.

I believe the stand requires a special bracket on the drums that should go right into the pre-drilled holes already on your LPs.