by yoni » Fri Mar 21, 2003 6:01 pm
Hi all,
I think Ritmo is right on - it's ultimately the player that makes the congas sound good. A good player can make bad congas sound good and a bad player can make good congas sound bad.
My favorite congas were wood Gon Bops that I had for years - too bad the company is out of business (I think). I guess top of the line LP and Pearl congas are some of the best mass-produced ones now.
If you have access to cash and a true custom conga builder, you could end up with something real special.
Shapes and materials do color a drum's sound, but again, I think most of the sound is in the hands...
I like the basket stands when I use stands, but I often play "street style", no stands, the drums just sit on the floor. This gives less volume (turn up the mike, please!) and cuts out the bass end, but I find the tones sound more pure this way (less overtones). Like many, I just tip the quinto or conga at times when I want that open sound. Lots of times I can't be bothered to drag stands along with me.
But in a big band I often do prefer stands, giving more volume, so I don't have to "fight" for it.