congaplace.com

Hey all - I'm new here! Thinking about picking up a set of congas to keep around the studio.. They will be mostly for recording, and mostly me playing them (or trying to). I'm no conguero (yet), but I don't want cheap junk - I also don't want to spend 2-3k on a couple of boutique drums.

Reading around here - it seems that Matador is one of the more popular 'bang for the buck' lines out there. What would be a good price for a conga/tumbadora set (with stands) in good shape? I've been watching ebay/craigslist, and have seen what look to be good deals - but wanted to check with the experts first.

Any other recommendations welcome as well.

Thanks!
"-)

Welcome to the forum biggator. You have done well in your research, the Matadors are no doubt ideal for what you are looking for. I too always keep an eye out for good deals an e-bay and cregslist. If you’re not in a hurry and continue looking patiently you could find a good used set for around $350.00. There is one thing you can do to make them sound even better, change the skins, not that they don’t sound good with stock skins, a good steer or mule will make a great difference in the sound, also if you find some with "Old School" hardware they will look more traditional and it will make it easier for you to change the skins when need be. Good luck and once again welcome to the forum.
I dont know where you live but there is an excellent deal on my local cregslist, Los Angeles, check out the link.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ms ... 04566.html

$400-$500 is what I'd expect to pay for a good used Matador set around here.
Sometimes you can find better deals, like King Conga describes if you're patient.
But $400-$500 is a good price for good condition Matadors.

My first drum was a nearly new Matador tumba with confort curve rims. $125 including the bag,
but that is a great deal. I'd expect around $200 a drum to be more normal.

Well - right now, there's a set on my local Craigslist for a conga/tumbadora set with triple stand (rolling).. and they're asking $450 - so I figure $400 is a real possibility.. these aren't the fiberglass, they're the wood (siam oak?) - natural finish, with the newer hardware (horn-shaped lugs).

This week I saw a set of 2 for $250 and they were in good condition. If I find it again, I will post it here. Just take your time and check ebay or craigslist almost on a daily basis so you can catch the good deals when they come by. If you don't find the matadors at a great deal, consider also the Classics. Those are great drums, almost the same as matadors and will do just great in the studio. Especially with good skins.

good luck

Man... I wish I were closer to KC
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/msg/1399157902.html

^ those are mine.

Yeah it's a great deal.
I also have 3 sets of LP Classics and a nice set of Tocas I'm selling.

that's an awesome deal!

check these out!

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/msg/1400513252.html

seisporocho1 wrote:check these out!

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/msg/1400513252.html

Hmm.. I used to live down there- still have a LOT of friends who may be able to snag those for me....

Where do you live?

Atlanta area now.. lived in Miami Beach for about 5 years (and around various parts of Florida for about 20 years.. hence the screen name)

Here is a great looking set with stands for 300.00
Houston Tx.

http://houston.craigslist.org/msg/1364979249.html

KING CONGA wrote:Here is a great looking set with stands for 300.00
Houston Tx.

http://houston.craigslist.org/msg/1364979249.html

Unfortunately - I think shipping from Houston would be at least $100. No response from that seller in Miami (where I can have them picked up and driven here by a friend).. I'll keep my eye open locally I guess.

seisporocho1 wrote: If you don't find the matadors at a great deal, consider also the Classics. Those are great drums, almost the same as matadors and will do just great in the studio. Especially with good skins.

What is (if any) the difference between LP Classics and Classic II ??