Recomendations For New Bongo Heads

[strokes]

Since this is my first post to the boards I wish to say Hi to everyone and let everyone know that I have been enjoying the forums for quite some time now.

I would like to replace my macho head on my matadors and possibly even the hembra head and was wondering if anyone had any advice on this matter. I've been playing on LP stock heads and was curious if I could achieve a better sound with different heads. I'm looking for a very traditional sound. Whats the difference between synthetics vs. natural heads? I kinda like the idea of a mule skin macho head, but is their any company out there that makes these or will I need to re-head the drum myself? Any advice is most appreciated.



Edited By strokes on 1178739311

[Raymond]

urIn a nut shell....

Natural heads will give you a "warmer" sound in comparison with synthetic heads.

Synthetic heads are "kinder" to your hands and do not get affected by the weather or room temperature. (A natural head will start tuning itself higher if the room is hot and it will lose its tuning if the room is cold). These two reasons are the main reasons pros are using them more.

Definitively but definitively you will need to change those Matador heads. Those heads are unplayable. If your understanding of a bongo sound are the Matador heads sound you are missing a world in sound. Matador, since they are a budget / beginner line, have second or lower rate heads. NO good!

Natural heads? Stock heads from major manufacturers even used in their pro lines are "treated" and tend to have problems in their sound and tend to need a "break in" period that sometimes you run the luck that you never achieve the correct sound.

Don't know if you have them in your area but recommend you get a thicker head that is not treated, but that is pre-mounted, that normally you could tell that is good because you could not see through the natural head. In the US, I know this kind of head is very hard to find.

Isaac that works for JCR in New York could help you out with a "nice sound" head that it is my believe will open a new world in sound for you.

This thing about heads is a trial and error. In my experience, thin heads do not work for me. I need a mid thick head to get the sound I like. (Not too think because it could affect the drum).

Synthetic heads will help you out. My favorite are Remo Fyberskins that are the ones that give me the sound I like.

I hope this helps! Saludos!

[strokes]

Thanks Raymond, your post helps tremondously. I was looking at JCR heads and will contact Issac and see what he recommends. I think you are right about me missing a whole world of sound. I've been playing on LP stock heads for years now, replacing as they wear... No wonder I've never quite achieved that sound that you hear in those famous bongocero recordings ???

[Isaac]

Hey Strokes!! This is Isaac.
Thank You Raymond for mentioning
my services for JCR Percussion.

I can mount a mule right onto one of my Matador sets
for you. ..or just send a flat skin for other bongos.
My email is:
funkytradition@yahoo.com
phone is (732) 236-8148