congaplace.com

Abakua,

I'm sure the hides on both drums are water buffalo. Of equal quality? I can't say. Did you think the heads looked cheaper in the newer drum photo?

I have played three Traditionals, two with cowhide, one with buffalo. Of course, the cow sounded better, but the buffalo sounded pretty good. I wrote more details in an earlier post.

As far as the wood is concerned, I thought the grain in the first had more swirls than the second, which appears to have a very straight grain. I'm just trying to think of all the variables before ordering.

Well, I did find something else new (hopefully improved) about the latest addition of the Traditionals. The side plates are mounted with four heavier carriage bolts, replacing the four small screws. That sunk the deal for me. I had wanted the discontinued model because I preferred the walnut color, which is no longer available. But, in the end, I chose function over form—or strength over color.

With the new drum, I had a choice of natural and two-tone. Since becoming aware of the Traditionals, I had not even considered the two-tone, because it comes with gaudy copper hardware, and I prefer subtle, understated aesthetics. But, at the last minute, I chose it. Ignoring the copper, the two-tone shell appealed to me over the plain natural color. Maybe I wanted a little distinction.

So, they are on the way, total for three: $680. I can pick them up at a local guitar store in a couple of days. Thanks to all of you. I feel confident in my choice.

Now, I've got to figure out what to do about that bright copper hardware. Sandblasting maybe?

I quite like the look of the 2 tone ones personally.
The colour of the hardware however looks a little too "pink" for me. Maybe its just the lighting in the photos, Id be looking at sandblasting and maybe even chrome dipping the hardware.

You mean these on the left yeh?

Yes, that's the one. I'm glad you like the two-tone as well. I have seen that look on old Cuban congas and these reminded me of them. I attached a photo which shows more detail.

Still too much pink. I'll do something about it, you can be sure.

Maybe it will look better once it tarnishes. Anyone know how to prematurely age copper? I really like the color of the hardware on the natural-colored drum. I wish they had used it on this one.

The skins in the 2nd pic dont look too bad... A little on the thin side, but who knows, might be good.
Look similar to LP skins, could possibly be great straight out of the box with some nice tuning and wearing in time.

Id be interested in seeing just how copper like the hardware is as apposed to the apparent "pinkness" in the pictures.
Either way, sand blasted and chrome dipped would suit far better.

If its straight copper, not copper plated : you can age with vinegar.
Paz
Olsongo

OLSONGO wrote:If its straight copper, not copper plated : you can age with vinegar.
Paz
Olsongo

Im guessing it would be mild steel hardware coated with copper finish...

From their website:

Two Tone with high-luster copper hardware

I havent had much exposure to this range of TOCA in person however.

Wouldn't vinegar affect copper plating as well as solid copper?

I am guessing that this "copper plated" coating is either not really copper metal,
just copper colored, or if it is real copper that it has some very serious treatments
applied to it that I do not recommend removing.

Copper tarnishes and will turn green when exposed to the elements. I attended
a very good seminar by the Copper Building Association at my last firm that described this process
and the treatments available for copper.

I suspect the copper will not look as bright in person as in the photos. I think if you
play them a lot they will get dirtier and duller as time goes on.

OK, I'll play them a lot.

A Latin Beat Magazine article said, "The final touch that enhances the traditional vibe of these new conga drums is the fact that all the hardware is plated with a rich, high-luster copper finish".

Did some vintage congas have copper (colored) hardware? I mostly see black-and-white photos.

Here they are.

In case this thread was generating any interest in these drums, I included a photo showing the thickness of the tumba head. I also included a photo of the quinto in natural, indirect sunlight to give another impression of the hardware color.

The conga and quinto heads are quite milky, almost the color of my Bauers' cowhide heads. The conga head, especially, is not as hard or plasticky as most water buffalo.

In the quinto photo, notice the handle, which is not shown in any promotional photos that I have seen.

Congratulations.

The skins seem to be stretched down a fair bit more than what Im used to seeing on a new drum...

Now, are you happy with your purchase? This is all that matters.
They look nice to me. Id still be keen to sandblast the copper finish away and have it all chrome dipped.

Beautiful drums, the skins look fine too. Congratulations!

they look really cool. Congrats!

Very beautiful drums!
Enjoy them groovefully and may they serve you well!