Help with decision - Bongo purchase
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by Tumbatimba » Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:51 am
Whopbamboom...........Go to the LP website. Lots of info there.
Edited By Tumbatimba on 1197096720
Edited By Tumbatimba on 1197096720
- Tumbatimba
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2007 7:29 pm
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by Raymond » Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:29 pm
My understanding is that LP makes a Generation III bongo that the macho is the same as the Generation II but the hembra is the "old Cuban" size of 9 inches. I think they once made, without succes, a three head bong that was actually a Generation III.
Generation III are hard to find. Not that may dealers get them because the difference in sound, for them, is minimal. I think they still make them. They come in only two colors, natural and red wine, and they are among the few bongos massed proceduced that have the 9 inch hembra. Last but not least, also they are among the few lines of bongos that only come in traditional rims that now are hard to find.
Pearl had as a standard the 9 inch hembra (and a 7 inch macho that is different from everybody). However, the Bobby Allende and the Folkloric are 8 3/4. (Don't believe what the catalog says the Bobby Allende is actually a 8 3/4). The problem? Those comfort rims. They are heavy. Not for everybody. For 9 inch check the regular Elite, the Richie Flores and the new Mahoganys.
Meinl used to make them in some their "exotic" woods" and some "Free Rice" models but they are parting with them. Not sure but I think they do not make them anymore with 9 inch.
Gon Bops have some with 9 as far as I know. Don't know any other company.
As you see, most manufacturers are parting away from the 9 inch hembra. Sad to say but the sales of LPs bongos with a 8 3/4 and the availability of more 8 3/4 heads force manufacturers to go with a standard and make life easier to the purchases. (Some of them don't realize that the head of the hembra is not replaced that often anyway and actualy is not a big deal. However, have to admit is hard to find pre-mounted heads in 9 inch. Including the synthetic).
The difference in sound between a 9 and 8 3/4 goes sometimes unnoticed by the untrained ear. (The 9 inch is a fatter sound and I notice).
The custom shops have the 9 inch but you have to look for them and they are expensive. (Mass produced could range from $250 to $300 for a set).
I think I have a whole dollar here!
Saludos!
Edited By Raymond on 1197469871
Generation III are hard to find. Not that may dealers get them because the difference in sound, for them, is minimal. I think they still make them. They come in only two colors, natural and red wine, and they are among the few bongos massed proceduced that have the 9 inch hembra. Last but not least, also they are among the few lines of bongos that only come in traditional rims that now are hard to find.
Pearl had as a standard the 9 inch hembra (and a 7 inch macho that is different from everybody). However, the Bobby Allende and the Folkloric are 8 3/4. (Don't believe what the catalog says the Bobby Allende is actually a 8 3/4). The problem? Those comfort rims. They are heavy. Not for everybody. For 9 inch check the regular Elite, the Richie Flores and the new Mahoganys.
Meinl used to make them in some their "exotic" woods" and some "Free Rice" models but they are parting with them. Not sure but I think they do not make them anymore with 9 inch.
Gon Bops have some with 9 as far as I know. Don't know any other company.
As you see, most manufacturers are parting away from the 9 inch hembra. Sad to say but the sales of LPs bongos with a 8 3/4 and the availability of more 8 3/4 heads force manufacturers to go with a standard and make life easier to the purchases. (Some of them don't realize that the head of the hembra is not replaced that often anyway and actualy is not a big deal. However, have to admit is hard to find pre-mounted heads in 9 inch. Including the synthetic).
The difference in sound between a 9 and 8 3/4 goes sometimes unnoticed by the untrained ear. (The 9 inch is a fatter sound and I notice).
The custom shops have the 9 inch but you have to look for them and they are expensive. (Mass produced could range from $250 to $300 for a set).
I think I have a whole dollar here!
Saludos!
Edited By Raymond on 1197469871
- Raymond
- Posts: 747
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 1:16 am
- Location: Puerto Rico
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