introductions....

[cdldrum]

Sirs and Ladies....

Life long drummer...recent knowledge seeker related to playing the congas. Have learned that my traditional grip (sticks on set) while a "wrist " technique has not transferred over very smoothly to the "wrist" technique on the conga . I do have some facility with the rudiments and have found that to be helpful. A chronic weak left hand is requiring developing new "muscle memory" to execute even the most basic son clave rhythm....but I am patient...baby steps.


Did want to share ... my home practice set-up ... an inexpensive pair of Siam Oak (rubber wood) entry level Gon Bop Tumbao series quinto and conga. I realize these were strongly rasberried here on the forum ...cheap, mass produced, "Aspire" level drums... I have found them to hold good fit and finish, excellent (level) bearing edges , and reasonably strong hardware. I am unsure of the make-up of the heads, but have found them to be comfortable, smooth, easy to tune, ( conga , G below middle C ...quinto, middle C...a comfortable interval), and pleasant to look at.... Importantly, thanks to the bearing edges, the heads are easy to "put in tune" with itself. For whatever reason I thought this would be problematic... it was not. Hooked up with a couple of SM57s and run thru a pre-China Maxie mixer they deliver (thru the phones) a very pleasant , warm , woodsy tone... with just enough ring to give sonic color. Got to be honest... for $300 (with stands) ebay.... I am very pleased... and am sure congueros with the skills of this boards membership could easily make these sing. I have a set of those California Percussion Gon Bop Tumbao Pro Quinto / Conga / and matching Bongo in faux Mahoghany en route... should be fine for someone with my " work in progress" skilset.

Well, just wanted to say hello and thank the membership here for the willing sharing of knowledge, advice, and skills.

BTW...a very big fan of Sr. Patato ...a very musical conguero.

Peace, Chas

[burke]

Hey Chas,

I am pleased to be the first to say welcome aboard! No doubt (like me) you lurked for a while before jumping in. I've often wondered about those Gon Bop Tumbao series that are all over Ebay, and although they may have gotten some flak, I bet (when the time comes) with some decent skins they will sound even better. As a tap drummer, I'm sure that left hand will come along much faster than most who start from absolute scratch.

Greetings from Canada!

Darrell

[cdldrum]

Thank you Darrell....

Miles to go on this journey for me...but, as you say, am not starting from scratch. Unfortunately, my jazz background
keeps me pushing in to trying to "swing" the rhythm ...not always a good fit when trying to keep it Latin.

Yes, I have lurked for a long time... the terminology alone has proven intimidating. I do appreciate that many here "bring it" with passion (and have for many years).

As to the sonic performance of these "entry level" drums.... I am realistic... to my immature touch/hearing they seem fine...but I do recognize that the true experts have valid reasons for favoring the more desireable "pro-line" instruments.
I just like playing drums and making music... and having a drum that you strike with your hand and have it capable of delivering so many tasteful sonic colors is to me amazing.

Thanks again.

Peace, Chas

[burke]

If I'm not mistaken it was Mongo who said "there is nothing like the sound of skin on skin"

Words to live by

Cheers

D- East coast brother

[cdldrum]

perfect timing Burke...

was just listening to the original recording of Afro Blue.... sheesh... the master owned the pocket on that groove.

Coltranes cover (with Elvin driving) is smooth but I still prefer Mongo.

Peace, Chas

[pavloconga]

Sirs and Ladies....
Did want to share ... my home practice set-up ... an inexpensive pair of Siam Oak (rubber wood) entry level Gon Bop Tumbao series quinto and conga. I realize these were strongly rasberried here on the forum ...cheap, mass produced, "Aspire" level drums... I have found them to hold good fit and finish, excellent (level) bearing edges , and reasonably strong hardware.

Gon Bop ...practice set up.....jpg

Hey Chas,
And Welcome to Congaplace!
There's a wealth of knowledge, skills and views here and people spanning a wide level of development on the instrument.

As for your congas, I think they're a great place to start learning an appreciation of playing "skin on skin". I always think it's better to start on a low or middle of the range conga rather than start on a top of the range instrument. I say this not just out of financial considerations. By developing your technique on drums like this, you will appreciate all the more your graduation to better quality drums at a later time.
welcome again,
Pavlo

[Tonio]

was just listening to the original recording of Afro Blue.... sheesh... the master owned the pocket on that groove.

Coltranes cover (with Elvin driving) is smooth but I still prefer Mongo.

Peace, Chas

I think we will get along well with that attitude !!

Welcome to congaplace !!

T

[cdldrum]

Thank you Pavlo....

Technique development ...that's the goal. Right now my only outlet is congas at a couple of Masses each Sunday. Very good (re: pros) musicians but the music is sometimes a "forced fit" for the congas. Not exactly ideal but a good chance to focus on good mechanics, dynamics, tone, technique and listening. Thankfully, the musical library at Church consists of selections in many meters ...keeps it interesting. I am a believer that playing "live" every chance I get only benefits me in the long run.... even if the crowd is only 500 per service. Although you could not tell from these postings...I am not too hung up on perceived quality of the instrument....more in to exploring the craft at present.


Thank you Tonio....

I'm thinking just about any listener to Mongo's Afro Blue could not help but be moved.... just greatness....a standard.


Peace, Chas

[alabubba]

Chas,

You have found a good place on the web for sure! I don't post a lot but I have gotten a lot of knowledge and insight from reading posts here. The drums you have are just fine. The main thing is to put them to use, which it looks like exactly what you are doing. However, I must warn you - congas are like the crack cocaine of the musical instrument world, except, playing them shouldn't have any adverse effect on your health or legal status. Haha, I can't believe I said that, but...I am totally hooked on mine, just ask my wife, she might give you an earful!!!

Bob

[CongaTick]

Bob's right.

Once they get into your soul, you're done for. I'm sure my conga widow and Bob's wife would have a lot to talk about. BTW, a warm welcome to a community where you'll find some of the finest pros willing to share their vast knowledge. One thing: Have fun!

[cdldrum]

Thanks Bubba and Tick...

Havin' some fun here that is for sure...already surfed thru many of the search engine responses ...whoa.... got some
playa's on board...already have stashed a few of the "historical " posts in a favorites file. Trying to play along with the "Caliente" station on the XM satellite radio..... got some learnin' to do.







Now , a little help...... what are the (8, 10, 12, 15, 20 ) required conga rhythm patterns/styles that the Pros would consider necessary to have in the performance abilities of a top flight conguero ? I just heard the coolest rhythm in "son montuno"..and definately would like to add it to my abilities.

Thanks in advance.

Peace, Chas

[cdldrum]

excuse the previous post request please...I found this partial list on line..seems as good a place to start as any....

as with any list, I'm guessing a few have been overlooked...

Peace, Chas

AFRICA
African 6/8
Afro
Akiwowo
Fanga
Kakilambe
Kpanlogo
Kuku

BRASIL
Baiao
Boiadeiro
Capoeira
Ijexa
Jongo
Makulele
Maracatu
Partido Alto
Samba Caboclo
Samba Congo
Samba Congo 2
Samba Rural

COLOMBIA
Cumbia
Cumbia 2
Cumbiamba
Currulao Aborao

CUBA
Abaqua
Abaqua 2
Abaqua (orch.)
Afroblue
Bembe
Bembe 2
Bembe Chek.
Bolero
Caballo
Charanga
Chacha locafun
Comparsa
Comparsa Nino
Conga
Conga Habanera
Conga Oriental
Conga Oriental 2
Guaguanco
Guaguanco 2
Guaguanco 3
Guag. Matanza
Guag. Habana
Guaracha
Guiro
Makuta
Mambo
Mambo var.
Mapalé
Marcha3cong.
Masacote
Mozambique
Mozamb. 2
Mozamb. 3
Nañigo
Pachanga
Palo
Palo 2
Pilon
Rumba Colúmbia
Salsa
Son Montuno
Songo
Timba1
Timba2
Tres Golpes
Tumbao
Tumbao var.1
Tumbao var.2
Tumbao 12/8
Tumb. 1 hand
Tumbao 6/8
Yambu
Yesa

PUERTO RICO
Bomba
Bomba Hol.
Bomba Xica
Plena
Jibaro

S. DOMINGO
Merengue
Merengue 2
Merengue Bomba

WEST INDIES
Calypso
Calypso 2

VARIOUS
Arara Invento
Clave
Funky Imbus
Funk/Rock
Groove 1
Groove 2
Ibo
Invento
Latin Groove
Latin Groove2
Picadillo
Rap
R&B
Reggae
Shiko
Saint Sauves
Tamborito
Village Dance
Yanvalou
Yembela

[niallgregory]

Hi cdldrum , i would ignore alot of stuff on that list , at least for the time being .Go from the start and learn tumbau one on drum , then 2 drums .Learn all the different claves e.g son , rumba . 6/8 , bossa . Learn to play a samba on congas also so you can sit in with different musics .Good luck

[KING CONGA]

Hi cdldrum , i would ignore alot of stuff on that list , at least for the time being .Go from the start and learn tumbau one on drum , then 2 drums .Learn all the different claves e.g son , rumba . 6/8 , bossa . Learn to play a samba on congas also so you can sit in with different musics .Good luck

Couldn't agree more. By the way, where are you located?
Bien venido cdldrum!.

[cdldrum]

Thanks for the advice guys...I got a little grin when I saw the width and depth of the list....while it is always good to have goals think I'll rein back a bit ...and focus on the rhythms that move me.

King...I am located in the Valley of the Sun ... a suburb of Phoenix.

Peace, Chas