New Manito Skins on my LP Classics!!

[Juaort]

Congueros! This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I finally got my chance. I ordered two 20” Dark Brown Steer Heads from Manito to replace the original heads on my late 80’s LP Classic Congas. The original skins are in great shape for their age, but I’m looking to experiment with a different skin and sound. I ordered 2mm and 2.5-3mm from Manito. Guys, these are gorgeous!!

Once I placed them in water, it only took about 2-3hrs for the Manito skins to soften up. Meanwhile, the original LP Heads took longer, about an hour longer before I could remove the flesh hoops. Once soft the Manito skins went on super easy!!! It only took me about 15-20mins each drum to put in. Below are some pics I wanted to share. I have to say, my drums are looking amazing with these new heads. I’m pretty sure they’ll sound just as good as they look.

[Juaort]

Continuation....

[Juaort]

Let me know what you guys think! These congas are my Babies! These were a gift from My Abuela for my birthday. Every time I spoke to her over the phone I would share with her my new passion and how I was taking Percussion lessons and how much I enjoyed playing. I was only 15, 16 at the time so for my 18th birthday she sent me a card with $750 in it. Man that blew my mind, I almost cried. I called her in Puerto Rico that same minute and thanked her for the gift. Then she said the same thing she wrote on the card, “Nene, vete I comprate las congas que tu quieras”. Man, the next day I was waiting outside for Mannys to open up LOl! I knew a bunch of the guys at the store since I spent so much time there, so after haggling a bit I got my set. $750 straight no tax, Conga and Tumbadora. I tell you that train ride back to Brooklyn was the longest ever Man, holy crap. I was so excited to tune them and start playing.

I take care and protect these like my own kids! I got my chance to play them for my Abuela when she visited from Puerto Rico. Unfortunately she past last year (95 yrs young). I told my wife to burry me in them when the time comes. I’m 48 now, so hopefully I can enjoy these many more years.

Juaort

[Greensail]

hey Juaort, just read this. great story. thanks for sharing. I may use your line and get my wife to bury me in my drums (although my son has dibs on my Mopercs when I'm gone so it'll have to be one of my other drums.) yup - in my opinion skins make the biggest difference, after technique of course.

[Juaort]

Greensail, Yup, I strongly agree! But yea, my wife thinks I’m joking. I’ve owned all types of congas and bongos over the last 35+ years. These two Congas are the ones I will never part with.

[Juaort]

I added traditional Rims to these bad boys! The skins sound amazing. As I continue to break them in, they just get better and better.

[Chtimulato]

Traditional rims look way way better in my eyes.
I'm gonna do the same with my Giovannis : I ordered - and already received - two traditional crowns, just stripped the varnish of the tumbadora, put another finish on and am planing to change the skin on the weekend.

I'll post pics here when I'm done.

I just re-read your post through. Nice story. Very nice gift and very nice gesture from your abuela. May she rest in peace.

[Juaort]

Thanks Chtimulato, much appreciate it. Yea, traditional rims are the way to go for me as well. I love that vintage look to them. I’m currently in the process of moving, so I haven’t played these in a while. Can’t wait to play them with the new rims. Your Gios will look incredible with the traditional rims. Can’t wait to see the pics.

[Chtimulato]

I just corrected my post. I had typed the french "vernis" instead of the english "varnish"...

[Juaort]

No worries Brotha! My rule when I’m posting on the forum is No Alcohol until after. That way I avoid typos, Lol! Please post a pic of your finished Gio. I would like to see how it turns out.

[Chtimulato]

I'm about to put the stain on the 2nd this afternoon (it's 12:30 here by now). I'll put the skins on on the week-end.

[Chtimulato]

Here's a "foretaste" :



The picture was vertical as I sent It...

[Juaort]

How did you strip it? What did you use? That thing looks naked clean lol.

[Chtimulato]

I used a heat gun. The varnish is in fact plastic. It took me one hour, one hour and a half per drum. And then had to pick up all the (mischievous) plastic chips.
Then I sanded the drums (grits 120, 180, 280 and 500) with an orbital sander and put 10 coats shellack on each drum (you can see the tumbadora on the right).

And I'm now wrestling with a sturdy steer skin. I'm not sure I'll win the fight...

Edit : the steer was a tough one !

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It seems the hosting site doesn't accept my vertical pics...

[Juaort]

NICE WORK Chtimulato! thanks for the Heat Gun Tip. I have to use it in the near future. The Conga looks AWESOME! You did real good my friend. That makes your set one of a kind.