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So, after a long wait, I finally got my brand new LP Eddie Montalvo Series conga and tumba. I've had them for two weeks, and I just noticed that the wood is cracking where the bottom bolts are that hold the "heart" brackets on. It is happening all the way around the drum, on all of them, at the same location on each. I have not subjected them to adverse weather, nor have I tightened them too tight, or dropped them, or anything like that. I'm so bummed!

Has anybody seen this happen, or have any insight as to how this could happen? I'm taking them back to the music store today to see what they will do for me.

Please share your thoughts.

Thanks.

Flashman, that happens to some Lps as time goes by ,but not that soon and not so much to the older models. The newer models don't have as thick of a finish, and seem to be done in a hurry and a low budget even the Lps high end models. I would just return them and ask for a new set it, that is to soon for that to happen.
Paz
Olsongo

Flashman sorry to hear about your dilemma. I would also recommend that you take them back for an exchange. I have heard that LP is pretty good when it come to those types of issues. Hopefully it won’t be a problem and soon again you could be a happy camper. Please keep us posted as far as the type of service that you receive because no doubt that that information would benefit someone sooner or latter. Good luck.

Flashman,

You are not alone.

I'm aware of at least 3 more individuals with the same problem happening particularly on that same signature series tumbadoras.

Hopefully LP will take matters on this situation soon.

All the best,

JG

Thanks for the feedback. Although I'm bummed that this has happened, at least I know that there have been others in the same boat. The sales guy at the music shop initially blamed me for overtightening the lugs (which I obviously was careful not to do!), but after he got off the phone with LP, he softened his stance a bit, although he still indicated that it was a possiblility. Anyway, LP has agreed to send me a replacement, so hopefully in the next week or two I should be back in business.

Stay tuned...

Flashman2 wrote: I just noticed that the wood is cracking where the bottom bolts are that hold the "heart" brackets on.

OLSONGO wrote:Flashman, that happens to some Lps as time goes by

REALLY??? Olsongo, are you serious?
I mean the LP classics have that fiberglass layer in the interior that should prevent that.
Do I have to fear that my LP classic Quinto I have had for 10 years now is likely to crack
up all the way there? I hope not.
I am not familiar with the Eddie Montalvo series though, but it is surely supposed to be top quality!

The bottom line is: that should not really happen to a conga as expensive as that IMHO.
But there seems to be less and less time in the mass production business to work diligently and carefully.

Flashman2, in the end you seem to be able to get happy again, with LP being cooperative on your matter.

All the best

Mike

Mike wrote:REALLY??? Olsongo, are you serious?
I mean the LP classics have that fiberglass layer in the interior that should prevent that.
Do I have to fear that my LP classic Quinto I have had for 10 years now is likely to crack
up all the way there? I hope not.
Mike

That's just the nature of the beast, splitting can happen with any wood drum even on the well reputable hand made drums. But getting back to the possibility of it happening to a classic conga, my friend has a 6 year old set and this is precisely what is happening to the conga. Sometimes it happens more on some models because they are manufactured somewhat different than in other models .

Mike, this usually happens on the edges.. top or bottom or where it has been drilled for the screws of the metal plates.

Paz
Olsongo

OLSONGO wrote:Mike, this usually happens on the edges.. top or bottom or where it has been drilled for the screws of the metal plates.

Paz
Olsongo

Ok, thanks for the info, Olsongo!

I´d better be a bit more careful about detuning my quinto then, as the skins is on the thick side.

Cheers
Mike