Tycoon heritage Congas

[caballoballo]

Constructed of hand selected environmentally-friendly Siam Oak Wood
30" tall with an extra wide belly, projecting deep bass tones without sacrificing crisp slap sounds
Classic Pro hoops, reinforced side plates with 3/8" diameter tuning lugs and backing plates
Three steel bands surround each Conga shell, accentuating the beauty of this traditional instrument
Die-cast handle with matching color to hardware
Premium quality calfskin head produces rich bass tones and crisp, crystal-clear high pitch tones
Available in 4 standard sizes - 10", 11", 11 3/4" and 12 1/2"
Includes accompanying single stands, tuning wrench and lug lube

[congamyk]

Nice looking drums, I've never known anyone to own them or play them.
Anyone have experience with Tycoon?

[BMac]

I too would like to know more about Tycoon congas.
Their presence on ebay is hard to miss.
Tycoon appears to have a range of lines and prices ... like LP and other big manufacturers.
Their highest prices are comparable to top of the line LP's ... meaning boutique maker's drums are also accessible at similar prices (without too expressly revealing my preference) ... so to be worth the money ... the top of the line Tycoons will need to be very nice drums indeed.
Tycoon apparently manufactures in Thailand.
I've never actually seen any Tycoons in person.
The OP appears to have pasted some marketing material without providing any descriptions of personal experiences.

So ... here's a bump-back-to-the-top for this discussion.

What's up with Tycoon congas?

[seisporocho1]

These look awesome. The question is - Do they sound as good as they look?

If they have excellent reviews, I will seriously consider getting a set.

So, reviews please!!!!

[vinnieL]

The lack of availability in local stores all across the country makes these drums a difficult sale. I have never seen a tycoon product anywhere in South Florida. Most people that play will be very hesitant to buy something they have never heard. Having said that they do look beautiful.

[KING CONGA]

Nice lookingdrums no doubt, but for that price why take a chance when you can get the Mario's ISLAS, hand made right here in Gardena California U.S.A, for almost the same price. Personally I think that they are overpriced, just my two cents.

[seisporocho1]

I hadn't even bothered to look at their price yet but if they are AS expensive as Islas, then there is no doubt in my mind those Tycoons will have a hard time breaking into the market. Not a smart move on their behalf. Drums like those should never sell at custom prices...
That is why Matadors were the most popular, most used congas out there. When they hit the market, it was like there were no other choices out there but Matadors. I still see groups like Yuba Ire, Majaderos, players like Mole, Paoli, STILL using those drums. Cohen made a killing with that line of drums. Well deserved too for realizing that the market needed a solid choice at an affordable price. Brand companies don't realize that no matter how well the drum is made, the drums will always be a mass produced item with very little uniqueness.

Anyway, I guess in end, the Tycoons look really nice nad over priced but I am still curious to hear how they sound!

[seisporocho1]

BTW, nice drums King Konga!! wow, the light wood set is sick. Thanks

[KING CONGA]

BTW, nice drums King Konga!! wow, the light wood set is sick. Thanks

I wish I could say that they were mine unfortunately I don’t own any of them, but they are on my "Wish List"

[Isaac]

I wish I had a set to actually review, but here's my take based on
playing all their other products since about 2003.

Originally distributing from Florida, they've moved to
a California distribution in the past 2 years or less..
It looks as though someone in the USA is now advising
the people of Tycoon to copy a handmade traditional drum,
that normally only small business craftsman make. I once spoke with them
at the NAMM show and they really had no clue about latin or afro-cuban music,
and were not terribly open to any input. They've experimented with a wide
variety of models, designs and finishes that never took off.
They are a younger Thai company (thus the company name), a spinoff group from
one of the other large manufacturers, possibly Meinl.
I have to say they are really strong & well built,
and they use thicker water buffalo skins
- a small improvement.

The Tycoon heritage series certainly look great, and honors
the traditional. Keep in mind however that they are still two-ply
rubberwood. Very sturdy and stable wood, but not
a terribly interesting or exciting sound like you'd get from
a handmade set of oak, ash, cherry or walnut for a bit more money.
Someone must know or learn
what a traditional drum is supposed to sound like.
It's not just about having bands and looking old fashioned.
It's more art than science, and not an easy thing
to mass produce. But perhaps they're headed in the right direction.

With some good endorsers finally starting to use them, I'm sure
Tycoon will finally take off after many years
of bad marketing & design decisions.
~ Isaac Gutwilik

[korman]

I donno, it's just not right that instruments are made by people who don't have passion for them (or even idea what they should sound like).

Imagine having a robot cook for you. You might get the right amount of calories, but what it's gonna taste like?

[caballoballo]

Well People. Cachiro Tompson one of the top recording and giging congueros down here in this beautiful Island is endorse by Tycoon and let me tell you, this guy can play, he plays with two 12.5 " of the ones in the picture. The conguero in the band where I play had the pleasure of playing them and told me they sound as good and deep as the Candido Camero and his new Raul Rekow he just bought. I think those Tycoons Tumbadores are sold for $550 ea, not too bad at all.

[seisporocho1]

Isaac, thanks for that info. Really helps to understand where these guys are coming from. I agree with you regarding the type of wood. It makes a world of difference any which way you look at it. Rubber wood will probably not vibrate and resonate like other quality woods. For $200 more, one could get a handmade drum.

That being said, they look great and I got a feeling they sound closer to the real thing than ever before. In fact, they look better than most commercially sold drums and it is nice to see that happening in mainstream manufacturing. I know LP Palladiums have a traditional look and are bigger/taller but I really dig the Tycoon Heritage series style and would think they might give the Palladiums a run for the money. The extra wide belly is something that always attracts me.

I would like to hear those drums just out of curiosity alone.

[Roka]

Imagine having a robot cook for you. You might get the right amount of calories, but what it's gonna taste like?

That one is great, braliukas

[RitmoBoricua]

[

Well People. Cachiro Tompson one of the top recording and giging congueros down here in this beautiful Island is endorse by Tycoon and let me tell you, this guy can play, he plays with two 12.5 " of the ones in the picture. The conguero in the band where I play had the pleasure of playing them and told me they sound as good and deep as the Candido Camero and his new Raul Rekow he just bought. I think those Tycoons Tumbadores are sold for $550 ea, not too bad at all.

No doubt professional grade instruments are a must but ultimately is the Indian that seats behind the drum the one that really makes it sound good. I was watching some videos the other day on congahead Little Johnny is playing LP fiberglass drums and in other Dandy is playing his signature LP bongo with Remo Nuskyn, they both make them drum sound real good.
Saludos!