Just got my first set of Congasgas in natural wood - I've entered a whole new world....

[Tom The Tapper]

Hi everyone,

I discovered this board a month or so ago and have just been a browser and trying to take in the wealth of knowledge available from all you like minded percusionists.

It seems fitting to make my first post now as I yesterday purchased my first set of drums. I wanted to hold out and find a half decent semi-pro set that would do me proud for a few years and enable me to get the full reward of playing on decent kit. I ended up getting a set of second hand meinl marathon congas in natural wood finish, comprising of quninto, conga and tumba. I got them with meinl stands(tripod type) and also a set of protection racket soft cases to keep them safe, which I have to say a really top notch and very well made. I paid just under £250 for them, which I don't really have a clue whether that was to much, but I love the sound and the feel/look of them so even if I did pay over the odds I am not fussed.

I have been playing djembe for a few years, and was always one of those annoying kids in science lessons tapping on the table and getting told off for it. So I have decieded to harness that rhythm and put it to good use. I have to say I am really surprised at the difference between congas and djembe. There is a hell of a lot of technique to learn and many styles to master, however I am very much up for the challenge.

I live in North London, and am a student in my final year of uni. Anyway hope to imput to this board in the future months.

Cheers, Tom

p.s Its very interesting how much everyone on here rates mule as a preferred skin. I think I will be putting a set on my xmas list.



Edited By Tom The Tapper on 1175734883

[trickyricky]

Hey Tom!
Welcome to the CongaBoard, from one drummie to another! Since you have browsed this place before I am sure you know that there is a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge here.

You will read this over and over again here on the CongaBoard: Practice, practice, practice. The rudiments are key.

Again....welcome mi hermano!
rick

[JohnnyConga]

RUDIMENTS, RHYTHMS AND STYLES ARE KEY!....."JC" Johnny Conga....

[pidoca]

congratulations and welcome to the world of hand drumming.

pidoca

[Diceman]

Welcome Tom,

There is no doubt that mules do enhance the drum, skins produce the sound in the first place and the drum adds to it and amplifies. However technique is the highest priority, without that good skins are wasted, and with good technique you can make a cardboard box sound good. So think about technique first and you wont be dissappointed with new skins.
There are some good teachers in London, PM me if you want to go that route.
I live in NW london so see you around, and good luck with your finals

Suave
Diceman

[CongaTick]

Tom,

Let me add my warm welcome to all the others and second-the-motion on all they've said.

[akdom]

Yes, welcome

Your set is a good set. I started on those and I was very satisfied with it.

I also started by playing the djembe. One advice: what you learnt (if it was learnt correctly - with a teacher) will help you for rhythm and comprehension of what needs to be done on congas. BUT, you will have to re learn most of what you already know. The strokes are slightly different and this little difference makes a huge difference in the end.

The fact that you go from one drum to three is also a challenge. Start with two for stuff you find complicated and then three drums.

One thing is certain.... You will love playing the congas at least as much as playing the djembe. I really think that they complement each other.

And as it's been already said... practice a lot... and listen to loads of latin music.


We stay in touch.


B

[GuruPimpi]

Tom the tapper!

Welcome to this great forum which will be your best companion at exploring the world of percussion of any kind!

It's something that you come around and just stay

Primoz