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I remember about five or six years ago that mule skins were all the rage. I know some still swear by them, but now I'm seeing a lot of cow hide reccomended. Are the water buffalo much used or are they out of the running? So what kind of heads are most drummers using nowadays?

Can anyone compare the open tones between cow, and mule?

Cow = warm, mellow open tones which usually do not project as strongly as mule
Mule = more cutting open tones, slightly drier sound

Water Buffalo = just average between everything

Having that said, it all depends on the conga construction too - and your hands of course.
You can always hear the pros beating fantastic sound out of those crappy waterbuffalo skins!

Hey Mike,

What do you think about putting mule on a Matador fiberglass conga?

Kaban

Well, that could mean that the conga cuts throughthe mix very well,
but also will produce a lot of overtones, probably more than with a thick cow skin.
At least I have made the experience that mule skins tends to be ringy with fiberglass drums.

I am getting some mules from El Greco. They are in the mail and ought to be on my door step this weekend or hopefully earlier. So far it has been a good experience working with El Greco for thickness and such. Michael at LandH appears to be on a business sabatical for awhile which is why I contacted El Greco, besides the dark color of his skins will match my congas very well.

Hey Marcus, which drums will you be mounting?

Them new Gon Bops mariano's. Little concerned about the stress but I will just detune after use. Quinto, Conga and Tumba.