Pearl Folkloric Bongos

[maelopr]

Saludos!

I just wanted feedback on these drums as I've been considering purchasing a set... They're a bit hard to find down here in PR and since I'd basically be making a blind purchase, I'd like any opinions from fellow bongoseros regarding these drums and any photos would be greatly appreciated, especially of the inside of the bongos.

Thanks a million,
Ismael

[PowerSemantic]

I have a set and think that they are a real overlooked gem. They are my main bongos.

They were interesting to me because I had joined the "bongo group" on yahoo and browsed the "bongomania" site. On each place there was a lot of information on "fiberglassing" the inside of a bongo set to improve the sound. This model is the only one on the market where the interior has been fiberglassed already.

I picked mine up used on ebay last thanksgiving and at first was not impressed. The stock heads sounded dead, although they were fairly free from overtones. I am not so sure that what Pearl has to say about the heads on their folkloric series being "Venezuelan-style cow" is accurate. I swapped in a set of goat skin heads (also off of ebay) the seller said had come off a set of Caribbean Rhythms "Oak Jammin Bongos", and the sonic difference was night and day. Lively, melodic, and loud. My drums were now more folkloric looking and sounding. Wetting the goat skins to prepare them was a real task, though -- they smelled like a barnyard. Later I swapped the hembra out for a JCR cow skin. This is my preferred set- up and it added some needed thump to the overall sound. I sometimes play these along with a Vintage King quinto and they sound made for each other. More of a dry "folkloric" tone between all that fiberglass than any of my siam oak congas.

The build quality is also excellent. The bottom hoops are the most snug I have seen on a bongo. If I were a touring musician again, I would feel confident taking these on the road in a second. As solid as LP Galaxy or LP Valje. The center block is a little long for my taste, but is no bigger than the standard. They are not especially light, but are comfortable enough to play. I have passed over a lot of other bongos to come to these and am basically a satisfied customer. The fiberglass is clear and thin, and rough. I feel like it may prevent the wood from shrinking. Another player on the forum had a problem with the washers and nuts starting to meld with use and this was starting to happen in one place, but reversing the washer seemed to solve the problem. I may be one of those guys who graduates to boutique instruments one day, but for now, I don't feel the need.

[PowerSemantic]

Found this photo, too. Not the detail you're looking for, but its something.

[maelopr]

Thanks for your reply!! I've been gigging with a Meinl Woodcraft older model which is 7"& 9" and it's starting to get a bit heavy for me..been looking at these drums for a while now, I'm just about decided on these...thanks again, you've been very helpful!

[caballoballo]

Maelo, the price for them is $229 across the web plus 2 new skins $80. Too much for a conical shape Bongó size 7.25" & 8.5" too small Hembra. If you are looking for a street warrior then check my Matador Custom on a previous post which is sold by Tropical Music in Barrio Obrero for $132 including Tax, then a Skindeep for the Macho $36 at Pure Sound in Bayamon. Last, mount an old thick Hembra skin ( I got 1 ready mount for $30) and you set to go. All for $198 instead of $309.