LP congas - shopping for congas

[rack56]

Hello all,

I am new to conga drumming, very new. I have been looking and shopping around for a new set of congas. It seems that LP domianate the market and store floors and shelves. I am not knocking LP, but as a newbie to the scene I would like to demo as many brands and models as possible. Reading the forum, all agree try and test. I believe I will go with the Meinl Marathon Classics
Thank you for this board and allowing my 2 cents
Racka56

[bongoron]

When you are new, it might be hard to know what sounds to expect, and how to make them. You might take a player along if you know any. I would help alot when it comes to making the full range of sounds. Personally I ordered some online and had no clue how to make sound number 1 with them. I read a book, did what was in there, and basically got lucky. I remember unpacking the drums and being blown away by the physical beauty of the finish..then trying to play them without tuning them up first. I realy wondered how badly I had been ripped off. Forunately a few minutes with a wrench and all was well. I still had no clue how to make the sounds though. In my case, the bass tone was all I could manage, and it was a real pure tone that sounded like nice music, so I pressed on. I would do it your way if I had it to do over, but it can be done if you heed good advice and choose something highly recommended. There are alot of online videos to watch for technique and to hear the full range of sounds. Good louck!

God bless!

-Ron

[caballoballo]

Vaya Bongoron,I agreed with you,it is always better to have the advice of an experience. Rack welcome to the forum. Keep reading the posts and you will find differents opinions in what to buy and what not to buy,that way you will narow your selection. I got a friend Conguero and he has the Lp classics fiberglass type but with fiberskyn heads on boths Congas,they really sound powerfull,those are about the standard around here. Everybody knows that the factory heads are worthless and the quality of the sound will be compromise. Congas comes in difference sizes,for the seated player 28" tall and over 30" tall I think for the player who use the stand,most of the congueros down here use 11 3/4" conga and 12 1/2" tumba,those numbers apply to the size of the head and evidently the diameter of the congas. Do not rush yourself,take time to look for information on the sets of your choice and then select the one that is the most appropiated in accordance with your budget. A cheap set on the long run will be expensive,you will end up buying a better one beacuse the cheap one does not please you thus paying twice.



Edited By caballoballo on 1142609177

[Isaac]

Be careful not to buy a set with a stand,
where they typically sell a quinto and an even smaller
one. ie. a 10" and 11".
This would be like going out to buy a double bass
and coming home with a Cello or violin instead.
If you can only afford one very good one, start with
an 11 3/4 conga, and get the 12.5" tumba a few months
later. This is better than buying the wrong set just
because of a low price...
The LP wood drums are still good if they have
some substantial weiight. Be aware that the Marathons
are laminated pressed wood and not truly solid staves.
They sound nice but don't really project like the LPs.
Also the skins of all drums these days is Asian water buffalo,
which is pretty mediocre. You can substantially elevate
any drum with better skins.

ISAAC

[rack56]

I appreciate all the feedback! Lions seem to prefer the water buffalo skin also If there is one thing that i am sure about is one must start somewhere, and that is to get started. This is what I intend to do, get started. Cheepest in the process is this forum, where one can gain insight and knowledge from those who have been down the road.

Thanks for the board

Racka56