Sam Ash Congas - Good or Bad?

[nestor923]

Sam Ash

Hi all from New Jersey.

Has anyone heard of this set from Sam Ash (LP Ardiente Conga Set) Conga and Tumba. I have been playing on and off for about 15 years, but once I got married and had kids it all stopped. I am thinking of getting back into it with an over 40 band in my town. I don’t want to spend to much, does this set sound worth the money?

thanks
nac

[Thomas]

Hi nac!
Haven' played them yet, as they aren't available here in Europe. So I can't say anything about the sound and quality. They cost around 400$, right? For 500$ you would already get some Matadors.
They sound good to me and I think they have a good quality for their price!
Hope that helps!
Tom

[CongaTick]

Hi nac,that

I'm a Philly area conguero with a set of Ardiente's from SA, and I think they're great. I replaced th heads with JCR mules and am very happy with the sound. When I'm busy I gig about 3 times a month in and around Philly burbs lugging protecting them with homemade covers. I have a 3 mic samson kit of clip-ons that I use in the amped environment of bars and clubs,and the drums punch through. Of course, the skins make a huge difference and are a must-have investment. Even moreso, technique, technique, technique. The Ardientes are a damned good investment for a medium level player who doesn't have the bucks for the high end tubs like the Volcanics or other top-of-the-lines and will work strongly for you under all gigging/jamming situations. I'll work them into the ground or until my pocketbook allows me my dream tubs. They're way and above a better investment than the Aspires. My 2 cents.

[yoni]

Welcome nac,

I heard what I think were the Ardientes on a recording with CongaTick and they sounded great. But then, I think most of the sound is in the hands.

Yoni

[nestor923]

Hi nac!
Haven' played them yet, as they aren't available here in Europe. So I can't say anything about the sound and quality. They cost around 400$, right? For 500$ you would already get some Matadors.
They sound good to me and I think they have a good quality for their price!
Hope that helps!
Tom

I think you are right about the price, and the even throw a stand with the Matadors. Another question is if it were you would you buy the Quinto Conga setup or the Conga Tumba set up?

Thanks for the input

[nestor923]

Hey CongaTick

Thanks that does help me. Besides I just went on the Sam Ash site again, and i missed read. The package is the congas, stands and three mics for $399! I think this is a deal.

Are the heads you have synthetic? and where did you get them?

Thanks to all for the input

[Thomas]

Another question is if it were you would you buy the Quinto Conga setup or the Conga Tumba set up?

That's a matter of your personal preference. Try them and listen what kind of sound you prefer.
For me, when I play just 2 tumbadoras, I then play Quinto and Conga, thats what I like.
Tom!

[pcastag]

Looks like a steal to me! Most of those drums the shells are very similar, same wood, same factory, the quality of skins and hardware is what varies the most. With the mics it looks like a steal!
PC

[CongaTick]

nac,

I have medium thick mules purchased from Isaac at JCR, an honored member of this forum. They were premounted and fit like gloves on my Ardiente conga and quinto. Having switched to mule some time ago, I could never go back to other skins. They are IMO the best hide for eliciting the most from any tub. Contact him at [email]funkytradition@yahoo.com.[/email] He is a dedicated pro committed to the highest level of customer service. Mules rule.