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Hello all! I'm looking to purchase a set of "intermediate" LP congas. I've been looking at the Matadors, Classic IIs, and Performers. Are any one of these any better than the others, or are they all about the same? If there are differences, what are they? I will be using them for a variety of live performances, anything from acoustic shows with only a guitarist, to sitting in with full funk/R&B bands, to playing alongside a DJ who plays hip hop/dance music. I'm looking at these particular sets because that is what my price range is. I am currently using borrowed Aspires, so pretty much anything will be an upgrade!

Also, if I am only going to buy two, which two shoud I get? The quinto and conga, or the conga and tumba, and why?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

Why are you only considering LP?

The Classics and the Matadors have very compatible hardware which is very good; as far as the performer series, their hard ware, their skins, together with their sound quality are mediocre, you can compare the quality of their hardware (performer series) to their beginner Aspire series. My advice to you would be to spend the extra money and either get the Classis or Matadors because you can’t go wrong with either one of them. By the way, I did own a set of Performer series congas but decided to sell them for the noted reasons.
Good luck.

As often said: Matadors are the real thing - practically for everyone.
You won´t find many on this forum who do not appreciate especially the older models.
Very sturdy, good sound.

Agree on the Matadors as a really sound choice - very nice, well-made drums. You can often find them in good shape second hand for an excellent price as well. Down the road you might want to upgrade to some quality skins (cow, steer, or mule) to really bring out their full potential, but the same can be said for any drum that comes with stock water buffalo heads.

Matador - pretty much universally respected as a top drum for its type and price. You'll be very happy with them for a long time.

>Also, if I am only going to buy two, which two shoud I get? The quinto and conga, or the conga and tumba, and why?

I'd think there's pretty much agreement here that conga-tumba is clearly the way to go if you're buying 2 drums. Most of the 2-drum patterns you'll be playing are typically played with low and medium (open) tones, and playing them at the higher register of quinto-conga just doesn't sound right, and merely tuning those drums down to conga-tumba tunings is a poor substitute. Get the conga-tumba for starters and then down the road you can always add a quinto.

A few of the best deals in new intermediate drum sets

Meinl Luis Conte 2-Piece Conga Set with FREE Basket Stands $489.99
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Meinl-Luis-Conte-2-Piece-Conga-Set-with-Free-Basket-Stands?sku=445856




Latin Percussion Matador Custom Accent Conga Set $599.99
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/LP-Matador-Custom-Accent-Conga-Set?sku=489715




Toca Elite Pro Wood Conga Set with Stand $439.99
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Toca-Elite-Pro-Wood-Conga-Set-with-Stand?sku=500255




Latin Percussion Classic II 3-Piece Conga Set with Bongos $699
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Latin-Percussion-Classic-II-3Piece-Conga-Set-with-Bongos?sku=491026

Jump on these while you can, the price is right, and you get the three drum set.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LP-Matador-Congas-S ... dZViewItem

That is a great deal and they are $320 to $340 each new the buy it now at $650 plus $125 for shipping is still a good deal. considering they would cost you over a $1,000 new.

Plus the fact that they have been listed a few days so far and his starting price is 500, he might settle for a "buy it now" of 600 dollars? . It won't hurt to try.


Will.

no it wouldn't thats for sure

Thanks for all of the feedback. I think I'm gonna purchase a new Matador conga and tumba, although that Classic II three-drum set for $699 sounds appealing (I already own some brand new Classic II bongos, so don't need those). Didn't go for the used ones on eBay because I want the natural with chrome hardware color scheme. Figure if I'm gonna shell out the money, might as well get exactly what I want! As far as thomas' question as to why I am only considering LP, I have come in contact with many percussionists, the majority of whom own LP congas, and have nothing but good things to say about them. I'm sure there are other reputable brands out there, but these are going to have to last me a while, and I just feel like I can't go wrong with LP.

Thanks again!

Can't go wrong with Matador that's for sure.

Hey guys check your local CRAIGSLIST in the town your in and go to musical instruments.. i just acquired a brand new set of LP Performer series "Sunburst" conga and tumba with stands for only $300.oo.on my local Craigslist ...Johnny Conga

craigslist is fantastic. I found these 3 Matadors in perfect condition last night for $400 US.
they play beautifully!

Wow, what a find! I'll have to keep my eye out for a deal like this on used ones.

I have a question about the LP Matadors. Do they have the bracket for mounting on a stand, or do I need to purchase the individual "basket" stands for each drum? I haven't noticed the bracket on any of the photos that I've seen of the Matadors online.

Thanks!