by Bachikaze » Tue Jul 14, 2009 9:01 pm
I'm enjoying these drums. Early impression: great tumba (deep, full-bodied at a range of tunings); very good quinto (sharp, clear); still searching the conga's optimal tuning and sweet spot. It appears to have a very dry—meaning lack of moisture—head.
The most important thing is that I am really comfortable with these. I gave up what would normally be considered superior, higher-quality drums (Bauer Lites) to get these Thai-rubber-tree-wood-and-water-buffalo-mass-produced Kaman products. The bottom line is that I'm happier with the Tocas. They suit me (or I suit them).
The Bauers were just getting broken in and the tones were improving every time I played them, making it increasingly difficult to part with them. The woman who got them sounds great on them. So, we're both happy. "Win-win" as they say. I wasn't nearly as adept as she in reaching the drums' full potential, so they were wasted on me.
OK, there's one bad thing. It seems that there may be oxidization on the top edge of the crown of the quinto. There are tiny dark gray spots that seem embedded in the plating or the metal under it. The other two drums don't have them. I've only examined it with reading glasses, but that's what it looks like.
Even if they were at full price (they're discounted almost everywhere), I would recommend the Toca Traditionals for people who want this style of conga (slim body, traditional crowns). But, if you order, make sure you get the newer models for their improved hardware.
By the way, aesthetically, I'm already used to the copper hardware. Doesn't both me as much as I thought it might. Public opinion where I play them is that, overall, the drums are beautiful. For any of you can't stand the copper, most Traditionals are blond with antique steel hardware.