sold my patatos - sold my patatos

[yoni]

Hi all,

Well, after about 20 years of use, I sold my 3 black fiberglass LP Patatos,... Tumba, Conga and Super-Quinto.

Mixed feelings follow... I sold them quite cheap, 1,800 shekel (about 500 USD) for all 3.

Oops, did I screw up big time?

I had been getting tired of the fiberglass sound, even though I put mule skins on two of them years back.
I needed the money lately, and I do have a pair of wooden Toca congas to use for now. The Patatos were much louder, but I like the warmth of the wood.

Still, those congas had some history with me!
Gio played on them (and my bongos) at the Saint Lucia Jazz Fest we both played (1993). Some or all 3 of those Patatos went with me to places in the US and Europe. And they were already used 5 or 6 years when I bought them in Boston... I remember the guy who sold them to me described them as "righteous".


But I felt it was time to move on.

Anyway, the player I sold them to lives not far, and he and his lady invited me to come visit the congas anytime!


So, I guess I've got nothing to fuss over, just writing out some of those thoughts...

All the best to you all,

Yonatan

[ABAKUA]

Hey Yoni, hope you're well.

I know the feeling, many months ago sold my LP Classics which I had for about 13 years, they were my first REAL set of congas, (2 x conga, 1 x tumba) and the stands for them. They were the congas that 'made' me, the ones which I first travelled with, the ones I got respect in the scene with, the ones which I 'came up' so to speak in the ranks with, so many travels, hardcore rumbas, not to mention all the gigs that I did with those drums...

I sold them with mixed feelings, to a Brazilian dude (which cant play but claims to be a percussionist ??? ) who is also a DJ. The dude has no plans to take his drumming seriously, so I was sad to see the congas go to an undeserving home, but I already had another set of congas with stands etc (LP Palladiums+cradle stands by LP) and I really needed the $$$$ also. I sold the 3 Classics with stands for $1400 Australian, which is about $1080 U.S dollars.
The shells had battle scars everywhere and the hardware was slightly rusty, but in good order and shape, and had 3 new skins which I got for free through some 'favours' I was owed.

Its a normal feeling brother, its only natural to have those feelings, given the love, passion and time spent with the instrument, plus all the memories they are a part of.

I, like I also imagine you do, have many many stories and memories with my congas, so yes, I was sad to see my congas go, especially cause the new owner wont give them the workout/respect that I did for so many years and cause they were leaving me after so long, but I was happy to have good $$$$ for them. So yeh, I know how you feel!!

At least you get to visit your old drums!!!! Maybe one day I will be re-united with my old Classics! :laugh:






Ah.. found some old pics of me gigging with the classics...

[onile]

Alafia Abure Yoni!
I hope that you are well my friend!

Wow! $500 for the 3 drums, that was a bargin, a steal more like it, but when you stop and think about it, there was a good reason for it. The guy you sold them to could have very well been at a point in his life where he needed something like your drums to brighten his life up. Although you mention that he is married, which should be enough in some circles, he himself may have needed just a little something else, and the history that those drums have behind them, will most certainly bring that added lift to his life without a doubt. As for the memories of the drums, well my brother, you've got that! You will always have that, and I'm sure Gio was grateful to you for having allowed him to play on them as well.

The interesting thing about this is that those drums have been with you for quite sometime now, bringing you pleasure, making new friends for you, and making it possible to play in great circles, it's only right that in your hour of need they help to bring you a little sustanance ($). That's what a real enlightening is about!

Many blessings Abure Yoni!
May you have what you need and never need for more!

Odagbo!
Onile!



Edited By onile on 1149519278

[akdom]

Hi all


Just for info,

I recently bought a quinto patato and a conga and tumba from a finnish brand for 250 euros.

Some price can be very low...... Just the patato quinto is around 600 dollars...




Do not regret selling your old drums, even if it is hard. We always change for better material, and THIS is cool.....


B

[Diceman]

Nice sentiments,

I sold a pair of bright yellow Natals to a lady who was learning, they were old when I bought them, . Again I needed the bucks to buy my next set. We kept in touch and she let me know how they were doing etc and finally who she sold them to when she moved up. About three years ago I saw them being played at a festival, and they certainly looked well travelled, but sounded just as good, it was great to see them being used still.
I have just moved up to Palladiums, and am going through the same trauma of having to let go of my Classics, which again have become part of me. I am a bit loathe to put them on Ebay because you dont get a chance to look at the new 'parent' before handing you children over for adoption, but I am sure the right person will turn up.
What is it with instruments?
suave
Diceman

[yoni]

Thank you brothers for those replies! I guess I could have asked a better price and may have if I'd informed myself better, but what's done is done, no need for regret, and that feedback is awful helpful and nice.

Thanks!

Yoni

[Amber]

Hi Yoni,

some month ago I bought a pair of red patato conga and quinto for about 350 $. I guess the guy who sold them felt the same as you, but I feel sooo happy with my red babies, they are in best hands. They are my first drums, I am still a beginner and I can' t imagine to sell them one day. But who knows.. Many greetings and fun with your knew instruments,
:p Amber

[yoni]

Amber, welcome to the forum and thanks for the kind words!

The Toca congas I use now are not new and not even really mine, just on loan from good non-playing friends for about as long as I want (good deal!). I was using them lately in a Latin music trio I play with at a restaurant near my home, until neighbors complained and had police come and stop the music last week. Bummer! Looks like that gig may be over. And it was good, fun music with a Chilean guitarist/singer and an Israeli bassist who were just on fire.

Truth is, I am playing more middle eastern drums these days so congas are not quite as important to me as they were, though I'll always play them and of course always love their sound and music.

Enjoy your red babies!

All the best,

Yonatan



Edited By yoni on 1149668825

[akdom]

Hi

Amber,

you have great drums for a start. The Patato are just great.

And of course, welcome to the forum.

B

[Amber]

Hi,

thank you all for the warm wellcome! Yes, the Patatos are great, I hear it especially when I have played before on the drums of the percussion school. And they are really good for my small hands, I never must use force in drumming on them and so exercising is a real pleasure. Not for my neighbours of course...

Amber