if you had a good deal on toca... - what would you get?

[gusto]

i'm gus and i'm new here,

been reading a lot on the forum and thanks to all the regulars who give me and other hacks like myself a great source of info!

i'm a sax player who's just been offered a sax/percussion gig in a great rock/funk/world band. i've played some conga in the past but need a decent set of my own to practice/gig/record with.

i'm currently in a position to get a good deal on toca, can anyone tell me if the limited edition, custom deluxe, or sheila e lines are a decent drum? AND, toca fibreglass, yes or no?

i've struggled to find much opinionative info on any of these so i'd really appreciate any input!

thanks guys!


~gus~

[Master2987]

Hey Gusto,

There is a good review of Toca's Custom Deluxe model at Drum Magazine's website.

Here is the link:

DrumMagazine

[gusto]

thanks master!

that's really helpful.
i should point out that i learnt pretty much everything i know about the congas from this website! haha
thanks again

~gus~

[ABAKUA]

Welcome to the boards gusto.

If you are interested in further developing your skills on congas, look into finding some of the latin guys in Melbourne.
There are some good players there, most the guys are pretty friendly and approachable also.
Ask around for Harvey (Javier) (forgot the surname) he's been studying with Changuito in Cuba for a few years now 6 months at a time. Any of the percussionists from known bands over there can point you in his direction...or head to some of the latin venues and approach some of the percussionists, they will be able to point you in the right direction.
Look out for bands like Orquesta del Barrio, Los Rumberos, Ilu Ashe or Ile Ashe (cant remember) the afro cuban folkloric enemble, its core 5 members are all initiated as batá drummers or devotees of the Afro-Cuban religion Santería and have all studied the religion's traditional songs, dances and history as part of their ceremonial training in Cuba.,there are numerous talented percussionists in the scene over there...

All 3 groups have well versed percussionists which can help you on your path. Or point you onto a good teacher.

If you run into Harvey or Pipo (old friends of mine) say hello to them from me. I miss those guys. Top players, great friends, lost touch with them years ago.

From Sydney -

Marcelo.





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[gusto]

good idea,

i see these guys around a fair bit, don't know them personally but mates of mates you know? so maybe i'll try get some lessons...

thanks marcelo,

~gus~

p.s. you know anyone in melbourne who specialises in the bill summers/headhunters style?

[ABAKUA]

p.s. you know anyone in melbourne who specialises in the bill summers/headhunters style?

Sorry brother, cant help you there... plus Im not sure what you are talking about either! :laugh:

[pidoca]

HI and welcome to the conga board always good to have fellow ozzies.

try and find alex pertour. he is one of australias most accomplished percussionist and fellow Meinl endorsee. He is the head of the victorian arts college and a very good teacher and player. not specifically a master of afro-cuban but a master of percussion. And he can read, which may help you with your gig being a sax player. he does not just play by ear.

on toca, I used to have a Toca deal. used to, being the operative phrase. drums are nice, not great, I had 4 of the traditional series. nice sound, heads are a bit hit and miss, the support is not there from the wholesaler. once had to wait 8 months for a new head under waranty. mmm. support is important. you don't want to be left high and dry and they are also in qld.

Why not talk to uncle bill at electric factory, MEINL are making some nice stuff.

hope this helps.

Pidoca
PIDOCA'S website

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[chinoj]

Hello. New member here. Funny that the Toca Traditionals aren't on anyone's radar. Not sure what your budget allows, but I think they are best mid-low priced congas out there. I play Skin on Skins and got a set of traditionals for practice at other locations, etc. and I think these are very good drums. Actually, I prefer them to the custom deluxe and they're a lot cheaper. Good volume, nice rounded sound with plenty of low end. It's true the heads can be inconsistent though so try before you buy!.