Help with decision - Bongo purchase

[Tumbatimba]

Hello to all bongoceros!!! I'm looking to buy some LP Gen 3's.
Not the 3 head model. I like the 9" hembra. How does the macho sound stock out of the box ? Is there anything else in that price range that is better or comparable ?

[caballoballo]

TumbaTimba, as with all mass produce Bongos the factory heads are good for anything else but producing a decent sound. A good set of heads are a must to reproduce the sound you are looking for. If you go for the Gen III $249.00, you may want to contact Isaac at funkytraditions@yahoo.com . He may be able to supply you with a good set of mule skins. Thin on the Macho, very thick on the Hembra.

For $280.00 you could buy A GonBops California series hand made, better heads but you would have to wait until is made.

[Tumbatimba]

Thanks for your thoughts caballoballo. I'll look into those gonbops. I didn't think they (gonbops) were around anymore.

[Whopbamboom]

I believe the LP Generation II bongo is the same as the medium and large heads of the Generation III set.

[twinsbongo]

generation II macho 7 1/4" x hembra 8 5/8"
genration III macho 7 1/4" x hembra 9"
also on the generation 3 the bottom rings are the cuban style rings
julito tx

[Garvin]

Are you partial to wood or fiberglass? That would open up some other options as well. I played the Gen III's at a store the other week and I really liked the sound of the macho. I guess with those factory skins it can be hit or miss, but this one was nice and thin. Plus I've been playing with x-ray film on my current bongos and the warmth is lacking as a result. My attitude with current instruments is that, in general you get what you pay for. I think a set of 200-300 dollar bongos is gonna sound good as long as you know what kind of sound you are looking for. Obviously there are some asthetic considerations regarding hardware and after-factory modifications such as head replacement. But at the root of it, the bongo is a simple instrument (pardon me for saying) not like a grand-piano or even a conga. I don't mean to be dismissive of it's power, I absolutely love the bongo. If I had my choice in a Salsa or Son band, that's all I would want to play. but there is really only so much that can be done to improve on what is essentially a simple and modestly designed instrument. Good luck finding a new instrument.

[Tumbatimba]

Are you partial to wood or fiberglass? That would open up some other options as well. I played the Gen III's at a store the other week and I really liked the sound of the macho. I guess with those factory skins it can be hit or miss, but this one was nice and thin. Plus I've been playing with x-ray film on my current bongos and the warmth is lacking as a result. My attitude with current instruments is that, in general you get what you pay for. I think a set of 200-300 dollar bongos is gonna sound good as long as you know what kind of sound you are looking for. Obviously there are some asthetic considerations regarding hardware and after-factory modifications such as head replacement. But at the root of it, the bongo is a simple instrument (pardon me for saying) not like a grand-piano or even a conga. I don't mean to be dismissive of it's power, I absolutely love the bongo. If I had my choice in a Salsa or Son band, that's all I would want to play. but there is really only so much that can be done to improve on what is essentially a simple and modestly designed instrument. Good luck finding a new instrument.

Thanks for the input everyone! Garvin I am partial to wood. What drum are you using now ?
I think alot of depends also on who's playing. I bet there are alot of bongoceros out there that can make an inexpensive bongo sing. It is one bad ass instrument though . Especially in salsa or son. The way it can just groove to the beat and then pop. I love the creativity of it. I've read about people doubling up on the x ray. Have you tried that. There is a video on youtube of a guy performing with x ray . Have you seen it ? What are your thoughts on the LP Valje ? I have not tried it yet. I hear it's a good drum with potential.



Edited By Tumbatimba on 1196975594

[Garvin]

Tumbatimba,

I have the Bobby Allende Fiberglass model right now, but they are soooooo heavy. The probably weigh at least 12-15 lbs and are very bulky. Everytime I see the gonbop, or moperc or any of those more traditional style bongos I drool. I bought my set without looking around much. Kind of an impulse buy. They sound great though. I have not seen anything about doubling up on the xray film and can't figure out why someone would want to. Wouldn't that deaden it a bit?

[caballoballo]

Tumba, take your time & read thru the posts, Take a look of the photos posted by Omelenko,Tonio,TwinsBongo, Mike & Myself. Then decide what you want. Like I always said invest wise so you don't have to invest twice.

[Whopbamboom]

I stand corrected on the sizes, apparently. In that case, he's probably going to want the 3-head model afterall (since there is no Generation III 2-head model that I'm aware of), and remove the smaller head.

[Tumbatimba]

Tumbatimba,

I have the Bobby Allende Fiberglass model right now, but they are soooooo heavy. The probably weigh at least 12-15 lbs and are very bulky. Everytime I see the gonbop, or moperc or any of those more traditional style bongos I drool. I bought my set without looking around much. Kind of an impulse buy. They sound great though. I have not seen anything about doubling up on the xray film and can't figure out why someone would want to. Wouldn't that deaden it a bit?

G look through the x ray thread I think it was the second or third page were people mentioned doubling up or "placas". I hear what your saying about weight. I had a pair of 70's LP's that were heavy w those aluminum bottoms. I want something lite. Here is the video of guy performing with x ray film.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yJdWrtKDDVo

[Tumbatimba]

I stand corrected on the sizes, apparently. In that case, he's probably going to want the 3-head model afterall (since there is no Generation III 2-head model that I'm aware of), and remove the smaller head.

W.....Yes LP does make a gen 3 /2 head.

[caballoballo]

Yes there is a gen III. Now, 8.5" to 8 5/8 " with the right heads will sound as good or better than the 9" that you want. X-ray Film, I use that during the70s,these days I am back to natural skin,Mule or Cow hide is what I use.

[yambu321]

THE "CALIFORNIA SERIES" BONGOS, ARE THE FERRARI'S OF BONGO'S. THEY ARE HAND MADE, AND DESIGNED LIKE NO OTHER. I SAY THIS BECAUSE OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:

THE SHELL DESIGN, THE SPECIAL TAPERED BEARING EDGE, THE BEAUTIFUL NON-INTRUSIVE HARDWARE THAT IS VERY CLOSE TO THE SHELL SO THAT IT WILL NOT DIG INTO YOUR LEGS, THE OUTSTANDING BUILD QUALITY AND FINE FINISH, THEY ARE LIGHT IN WEIGHT, AND HAVE A LOW PROFILE. THEY COME WITH EXCELLENT SKINS AS WELL. HORSE HIDE FOR THE MACHO, AND COW SKIN FOR THE HEMBRA. THERE IS ALSO A WIDE SELECTION OF COLORS AND FINISHES TO CHOOSE FROM. SOME CAN COST YOU MORE. YOU CAN EVEN BUY THEIR OPTIONAL BONGO PADS THAT ATTACH TO THE SIDES OF THEIR HARDWARE FOR EVEN GREATER COMFORT AND SUPPORT! IT DOES NOT GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS, NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU'LL PAY. THESE BONGOS ARE TRULY MASTERCLASS, AND MASTERCLASS IS EXACTLY HOW THEY SOUND!

THESE BONGO'S ARE ACTUALLY DESIGNED BY AKBAR, OF THE FORMER COMPANY "SOL PERCUSSION". THEY ARE FOR THE MOST PART, A REINCARNATION OF HIS "SOL BONGO MODEL". WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGNING, AND BUILDING BONGO'S, AKBAR IS THE MAN!

DO NOT DEAL WITH GON BOPS DIRECTLY, JUST GO THROUGH AN AHTHORIZED DEALER INSTEAD. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS LACKING. THEY DEAL WITH THE DEALERSHIPS MOSTLY. :cool

www.gonbops.com



Edited By yambu321 on 1197126093

[Whopbamboom]

Dang... wrong again? Man, I've got to stop looking at the older catalogs. The catalog I have doesn't show it.