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Hello Congaplace

as far as I can see Moperc inlay their bands (traditional series) so that there are grooves where the bands sit.

From what I've heard Mopercs are fairly strong but does anybody think these grooves may affect the integrity of the drum?

Ritmo, S.O.S. and Isla don't seem to use this method unless my eyes are useless.... any thoughts?

You are correct the bands are overlayed.

The Moperc is a carved stave drum and they are generally heavier and thicker than other stave built drums. The inlaid band would not weaken the wood because the groove in the shell is filled with a more dense material (metal band).

Enjoy your congas when you choose your set!

I got a Traditional set.

No issues with the band, don't even think about it. Best sounding drums I have ever had ever!

Use them for folkloric dancers, rumba, rock and latin jazz. A lil' bit on the heavy side but with Meinl bags it's quite OK.

Thanks for your thoughts jerry, as you can probably tell i'm struggling to make a choice! can't decide between sos, ritmo, volcanoes and moperc. Do you think michael doesn't use an alma because his staves are thicker?

Thanks Derbeno- just out out of interest what other drums have you compared your traditionals to? Also how would you describe the skins ?

daniel

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The inlaid bands are a nice touch because they make the bands more flush with the surface of the drum. The bands and their screws can catch on things a little bit sometimes.

leedy2 wrote:

s'chopp wrote:Thanks for your thoughts jerry, as you can probably tell i'm struggling to make a choice! can't decide between sos, ritmo, volcanoes and moperc. Do you think michael doesn't use an alma because his staves are thicker?

Thanks Derbeno- just out out of interest what other drums have you compared your traditionals to? Also how would you describe the skins ?

daniel

Daniel
I am going to give you the best solution so you can decide
1) is money no object ? ( Volcano 1000.00-1800 per drum )
2) are you going to be working with these drum on a constant bases (matthew or Moperc 750-1200. a drum ) per drum
3) do you need to spend that much just to have them in your home just sitting around for nothing ( Sos 700-850 )per drum and are great drums
Common sense tells you should I spend so much money just to sit at home or if I take out and some thing happens to drum falls by mistake .

First thing all of the comments here are a combination of fact and opinion. Some comments are more fact and others are more opinion.

The Volcano comments Leedy2 makes are ABOLUTELY FALSE. He clearly does not know what he is talking about here. He has told many other lies about Volcano in the past and present. For some reason he has an personal agenda against Volcano. FOr example he claimed to have a cracked Volcano Timbale when there was only one in production at the time (he has pictures of everything he owns but he could not produce a photo when he was asked for proof).

You can buy Volcano Congas for $650 and up per drum depending on what you choose the cost goes down when you buy a set and you can call Tom Alexander and he is willing to deal with you on price and options. Volcano congas are innovative with many improvements to the design that these others that Leedy2 reccomends lack (for starters: Stainless Steel hardware, Epoxy gluing and biscuit joining of the staves for structural integrity).

I own Volcanos and Matthew Smith Congas and they are both excellent choices but Volcano builds a superior Conga (in my oinion) to all others currently. All of the others Isla, SOS, Moperc and Matthew Smith are fine congas. I donot think it is right to attack these handbuilders who put their sweat and tears into these fine pieces of musical art that are an expression of each builder's soul. Anyone who currently handbuilds congas should be treated with respect and not slandered in the manner that occurs occasionally here.

Volcano also has a 5 year warranty. Here in Illinois there are more Vocano congas in this region by Chicago than any other area. There many many satisfied customers here and their numbers are growing. The reason for this number of congas in this area is 100% due to the quality that Volcano provides.

Volcano has been treated as an outsider by some of those who look at music as a clique. This may occur in many areas but in Chicago there are not as many of these barriers for music and free expression. I hope this forum can continue without this impairment to free expression without lies and gossip.

Peace

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Sorry Leedy2 that photo definately doesnot look like Volcano's work. You do need to work on your manners though.

My request for you is to behave respectfully of others. I wish you health and peace.

Regards.

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leedy2 wrote:

Jerry Bembe wrote:Sorry Leedy2 that photo definately doesnot look like Volcano's work. You do need to work on your manners though.

My request for you is to behave respectfully of others. I wish you health and peace.

Regards.

That is what you should be practicing you are new comer and don't respect people that do know what they are talking about . That timbales is from Volcano want to put your money were your mouth is let me know I will make you look like a fool.

Start by treating others with respect and hopefully you will recieve the respect back. I am not a newcomer but in no way am I an expert. Please stop your name calling and lies. Regarding Volcanos, I do know more than a little though. Yes, I do need practice to improve my skills any positve advice and comments are welcome.

Peace and Regards.

[/quote]

As to bands I prefer over laid band simple if wood shrink's you can tie-ten them back.[/quote]


...but this makes sense, thank you Leedy2.

Jerry - thanks for all the info, seems to be some hot debate around here...

S'chopp,

Leedy has great depth with his experience and he owns and has owned many great instruments. I will limit my comments about him because I don't know him personally and I wish to keep things positive. Leedy2 doesn't know me personally either but once we have briefly met .

Bands are a personal taste issue. A well built conga should not require them. Some folks prefeer bands and others do not.

Regardless there are many great choices out there and right now it is a buyer's market. These handbuilders need our support. All of the handbuilders put a piece of their own spirit into each of these fine instruments. I praise anybody that continues this fine tradition. It is truly difficult to compete with the corperate giants.

Peace