Are these worth re-skinning?

[TonyB]

A friend gave me a set of cheap CP bongos http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drums-pe ... 0433836867 and they don't sound that good.

I was wondering if there are pre-tucked heads that sound decent for me to learn on these. Should I just but a better set?

Thanks.

[pcastag]

Yes.

[TonyB]

Thank you.

Could you please point me in the right direction on where I can get some pre-formed heads? Could you suggest what type of animal skins I should look in to?

Thanks

[RitmoBoricua]

I think one route you can go is remo synthetic heads for those
you do not want put no mule or cow on those. The hardware is
not heavy gauge on those so if you are going to mount your own
think goat skin, bottom line cannot be thick. I hope this helps.

[pcastag]

Sorry , I meant yes you should get a better pair. You can scan e-bay or Guitar Center used and get a pair of matadors cheaper than putting new skins on those bongos.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LP-MATADOR-WOOD ... 612wt_1141

[caballoballo]

Saludos, I agree with Pcastag, it is better to invest on a better Bongo than wasting money on that set. First that Bongo will not sound good no matter what heads you put on & the hardware is not going to hold. As I always suggest invest wise so you don't have buy twice.

A Matador Custom which have stronger hardware will do the job once you put good skins on him. If money is not an impediment there's a Moperc on ebay. Another choice is the Lp Johnny Rodriguez model (best Lp Bongo Imho) which is around $279 and comes with good skins from factory.

[RitmoBoricua]

A friend gave me a set of cheap CP bongos http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drums-pe ... 0433836867 and they don't sound that good.

I was wondering if there are pre-tucked heads that sound decent for me to learn on these. Should I just but a better set?

Look on eBay and craigslist I see Matador bongos often at real good prices.

[TonyB]

Thanks.

I have wide hands. Should I try to get a larger set? Does that matter with bongos?

I would rather spend a little more $$ and have something that is a joy to play. I know nothing about bongos (other than everyone calls my congas "bongos").

[KING CONGA]

IMHO.
Dont waste your money. Defenetly not worth it. You might get away with paying $65 for the skins. For about $10 to $20 more, and if you are patient, you can come across a set of Matadors which is a far superior Bongo.
If you can, bid on these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LP-MATADOR-WOOD ... 5af55f7f93
they will probably end up selling for arround $85
Good luck.

K.C.

[Mike]

Matador, Matador or solid, older Meinl Marathon.
All better bongos by far than the one in the first post
and can be obtained at low prices.

[bongosnotbombs]

Reskinning those budget bongos is likely to bend the lugs.

[TonyB]

My first conga was a Matador.

Are Matador bongos stage worthy? Should I just spend a little more money to get something I can use for years? Are they all compatible with the same stands? I want something where replacement parts (if the need ever arises) and heads are easily found.

Thanks guys. You're great.

[caballoballo]

Yes Tony Matador is a standard size 7.25 & 8/58. Heads are available and parts also. Now, take into account that there are two models, the one with cast iron bottom hoops and steel cuban bottom hoops painted black and stronger aka Matador Custom which is better and cost about $10.00 more. Check my post named street warriors, is the blue one.

[TonyB]

Thank you.

[Ebongo]

Consider:
LP Matador custom
Meinl Luis Conte