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Just bought a set (Q, C, T) of LP Classics. Tuned them up straight out of the box and then noticed cracks on the quinto and tumba beginning at the bearing edge under the head and extending downward. I'm thinking it's just rotten bad luck or bad QC on LP's part, but was wondering if overtightening the heads could contribute. I've been playing 15 years and have never had this happen. The quinto was tuned to a middle C so it wasn't tuned super-tight. Anyone ever had this happen? (Fortunately they're under warranty and are being replaced, but it's still a bummer - and the shipping these things back is a hassle.)

There is one possibility and that is that the drums are made in a humid enviroment and as they are shipped especially in the winter month's they are exposed to drier less humid air these changes could possibly contribute to this. If this is the case it is not really LP's fault although they are still ultimately responsible for the product they put out. I saw a Martin Guitar which was very expensive the gentleman move to south Florida from Colorado. It was winter when he left. 2 weeks later he pulls out the guitar at the house and it had cracked from front to back. It was obvious it wasn't because the guitar was crush this was definitely a humidity vs. dry air problem. Ive thought about some cracked congas and often wonder if keeping them stored with a humidifier (like cigar humidors) would help (In cold dry climates or winter).

If you purchased them from a reputable vendor, it may have happened during shipping if any to you. In that case , you have every right to request a RMA(return merchandise authorization). Check with the folks where you bought them.
Actually brand new congas usually have a capacity to be tightened, middle C would not be considered - overtightened.

T

salsaman wrote:Just bought a set (Q, C, T) of LP Classics. Tuned them up straight out of the box and then noticed cracks on the quinto and tumba beginning at the bearing edge under the head and extending downward. I'm thinking it's just rotten bad luck or bad QC on LP's part, but was wondering if overtightening the heads could contribute. I've been playing 15 years and have never had this happen. The quinto was tuned to a middle C so it wasn't tuned super-tight. Anyone ever had this happen? (Fortunately they're under warranty and are being replaced, but it's still a bummer - and the shipping these things back is a hassle.)

That's scary. I have three wood LPs coming from Florida here to Washington State on Monday.

vinnieL: That's the best theory I've heard so far.

Tonio: I bought them online, and the online vendor arranged for LP (Kaman) to send me RMA stickers to return them and get them replaced. Still a hassle, though, especially because I had already gotten rid of the boxes they came in.

lpcongaplayer: Be sure to take off the heads and rims as soon as you get them out of the boxes and examine the shells, particularly the insides and bearing edges, VERY carefully. And keep those boxes handy for a while.

If they are small cracks its, sometimes easier to repair than to deal with the manufacturer. But I understand new is new, so the seller should get you a replacement ASAP , that's why they have UPS overnight , IF NOT.... they should give you credit for your inconvenience. It should only take one phone call .

Paz
Olsongo

salsaman wrote:
lpcongaplayer: Be sure to take off the heads and rims as soon as you get them out of the boxes and examine the shells, particularly the insides and bearing edges, VERY carefully. And keep those boxes handy for a while.

Thanks, also remember these drums are about 1.5 years old so should I lubricate the rims before I re-install the skins? Should I also lubricate the skins with olive oil when they arrive being these drums are going from a humid to a very dry environment?