congaplace.com

I am new to this forums so I hope I am posting this in the correct area.

My 10 year old son has been playing drums for 4 years now and really wants to start playing a conga. He loves music, but I am totally clueless on this. I read quite a bit of the forums about buying your first conga, but I didn't see any posts related to a 10 year playing one.

I am trying to figure out what I should get for him. Right now I am working with a $150 price range. Used or new. Most of the used ones people are selling in my area they want 125 for when I can get the same exact new for for $20 more. I went to a few music stores and they really seemed to just want a sale on what they had in stock. So far I have found a new Meinl Headlinger 11" with stand new for $150 and a used LP Aspire 12" for $100.

Any help or info you give would be great. I want him to have a good start so he enjoys it.

The Meinl Headliner is a decent starter drum for a 10 yr old.
And as he progresses you can easily add a matching drum of another size later.

Do not purchase an Aspire - they are worthless.

You can also look on craigslist for a used LP Matador, a great starter drum that can last forever.

I looked on craigslist for the Matador. Around here even beat up ones are going for $300. Thanks for the information.

I think it's great that you are wanting to get your son a conga.
An excellent gift!

cboyd, may I ask what part of the country are you in?

I would recommend the LP Performer series or the CP models for him..

Just a serious question: Would anybody choose a smaller drum for a child, height as well as diameter?

Thomas

cboyd1 wrote:I looked on craigslist for the Matador. Around here even beat up ones are going for $300. Thanks for the information.

Here is one on ebay and the right size to learn on:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Latin-Percussio ... 3f09e0b09f

congamyk wrote:
Do not purchase an Aspire - they are worthless.

Just my view on this, I think LP Aspires are fine for a beginner.
A beginner can still learn all of the basic sounds (tone slap bass) and develop technique. What is far more important I think is to find you son a good teacher.
Maybe someone at Congaplace can connect you up with a teacher in your area.

By the way, I still own a pair of Aspires (among a number of other much better drums) and they're great for throwing in the back of the car and leaving them there overnight if I want to (and I don't have to worry too much about anyone stealing them)!
Pavlo

I am located in Maryland.
I found a used LP Classis 11.75 conga for 150 today. They said it was equivalent to the matador.

I also found a used Royce fiberglass one for 50. Not sure about it because it's looks older.

^ The original LP Classic would be a step UP above (better than) a Matador.
There is also an (newer) LP "Classic II", not as good as the original and is slightly below a Matador.
Either way, a much better choice than an Aspire.

If you share the link we can tell you more about that drum.
Before purchasing anything used you'll want to check the drum for cracks.
Make sure the skin isn't tore, etc.

Hello,

Welcome to the forum. The LP Classic is better than Matador even if it is LP Classic II still a good drum, much better than Aspire.
Where in Maryland are you located. I live in Baltimore maybe I can recommend some good teachers for your son around this area.

DJBakan

I am pretty sure it is the Classic. It has the gold trim on the ring.
I thought the classic II had chrome trim.

Only some light scratches on the finish, nothing major though. They have all 3 sizes so which do I consider more.

Well my friend you got an excellent deal for 150 each. If you can get the conga and tumba will be perfect. At that price range even if your son decide later he do not want to play any more you can sell them at the same price and people will buy them.