bongosnotbombs wrote:Flat is not a typical bearing edge for bongos, they are usually slanted or at an angle.
Hello bnb,
You may be right, a flat bearing edge is not typical.
However, I did some research on drum bearing edges a while back and there are about four different types, including those you mention. And one theory that seemed to make sense to me, is that, given the fact that when the skin has more wood to rest on while vibrating, the over tones, ( ringing ) are greatly lessened; of course the thickness of the skin also plays a role here. Well, last spring, I experiemented with this theory on my Meinl Bongos which have a slanted, almost conical bearing edge,(the shells are only 1,3 cm thick )and took over 3mm off of the top edge by flattening it some, which naturally widened the bearing edge. And that bit of additional contact area made a slight difference in the open tones of the Hembra. So, I thought I'd make the edges on my Bongos flat, with of course the outside edges rounded over; I could always angle them inside if I wasn't pleased with the result, but that isn't the case.
It may not be typical, but it feels and sounds good to me. And although, the cow skin on the Hembra is a bit thinner than the young Bull skin on my Meinl set,the open tones are more centered and dry.
Hello Caballoballo,
I have been playing the Bongos regularly for two weeks now and have noticed no adverse effects to my fingers with the flat edges as apposed to totally rounded or conical edges. I actually find the flatter edge to be some what user friendly than the totally rounded or conical edge when striking. And as for accents on the Martillo go, I find I get more of an even slap, which can be varied, with the fingers on 1 and 3, as well as tonal variations on the macho while accenting with the left or right hand. In short, I have found that the flat edge allows for more tonal control. However, if at some point I notice any discomfort from playing, or am not happy with the edges as they are now, I can always remove wood from the inside edge with out compromising the hight of the shells. But, I'm really enjoying playing them and have no reservations about making any changes to them.
Good Vibrations,
Blavonski