Out of the Box - New Conga Owner

[congawish]

Hello Conga People

To shave the length of this post, suffice it to say that I received two Conga drums on Christmas. No, I don't play any drums. I can read music though : ) These were given to me because I thought they were beautiful.

I would like to know how to set them up correctly, the store isn't around anymore to help. One is about 2" narrower than the other. They came with independent stands that hold them at the same height. I would like to tune these correctly since it is impossible to keep ones hands off them.

The fatter one should sound deeper, right? And it seems that would require loosening the material on top? The web said go clockwise around the top. A wrench was supplied, but I don't want to start doing things I can't undo. I've been reading on the net about ways to slap these drums, and it will be quite fun to try out everything when they are set up.

I know I've left out a lot of information, and I'm too ignorant to even know what I don't know!

There is the name Rogers on the side, but the boxes said "Made in China" No Groaning now - remember, they are beautiful to me.

[congamyk]

There is the name Rogers on the side, but the boxes said "Made in China" No Groaning now - remember, they are beautiful to me.

Can you give them back to Roger?

[congawish]

So, it's that bad is it? No fair making fun of the new person.

[CongaTick]

Welcome CongaWish and congratulations on a new set of drums. For now, let's not be concerned about the realtive quality of the drums, and assume they are a reasonably decent set that when played properly willl offer you a variety of tonal ranges. The key is in those three words: "when played properly" and in the quality of the heads that are on the drums. Many congueros who receive new drums will change the stock heads to something that will enhance the sound of the tubs. The difference--they will attest-- can be astounding.

For now, know that you are in the right forum, under the care and protection of pros who will gladly offer you there wisdom, IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THEIR INSTRUMENT. Understand, we are -- for the most part--not casual tippy-tappers who enjoy the look of the drums as deco items in the house. If you have any intention of getting "into" these drums, it will require a commitment of work and practice that may very quickly capture and hold your spirit for a long, long time. That being said, all the information you need to get started from tuning to setup, to basic and even complex rhythms will be found on this fourm. Again, welcome, and good luck.

[verticalgil]

Hey mike dont be so mean with the man,Roger died... :laugh:

[congawish]

He must have, his drums are so rare I can't find Rogers Congas anywhere on the net.

Thanks for the welcome - and my question about tuning and drum size - should I just loosen up the top on the larger one until I like the sound?

[deadhead]

Congawish, congrats on the new congas and welcome to the board. I find it easier to tune up, never down. Loosen the heads all the way until they are only finger tight, then tighten a 1/2 turn at a time going one direction around the drum. The direction doesn't matter just as long as you continue going the same way. Usually after the 2nd time around you will start to get a tone out of the drum. Continue tightening untill you have reached you desired sound (it is all preference of the drummer there is no set sound to tune to.) The larger drum should be lower pitch. It takes alot of time to find the exact sound you want, but after a while you will get the hang of it.

[congawish]

Thank you Thank you - that should keep me busy for a while.

I find that anything you study, even for a while, adds to your enjoyment of the subject... whether I listen, or play - this will broaden the old horizon.

[congamyk]

He must have, his drums are so rare I can't find Rogers Congas anywhere on the net.

hey congawish welcome to the site - you will find inspiration and good info here.

I won't tell Roger where his congas are if no one else does.

[bdrbongo]

I would love to see a picture of Roger's congas.

[CongaTick]

Some info on Rogers drums, though nothing specific on congas, but I suspect they did produce a few as a trial.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogers_Drums

[OLSONGO]

Congawish welcome, I personally started with a set of Mexican Tijuana congas, at that time technique was the impotant thing and persistance. You shoud see me now 30 years later on my LP classics and classic Gon Bops.

work on that slap.

Paz OLSONGO



Edited By OLSONGO on 1167413342

[congawish]

Whew - Lightning took out my router - but it has been replaced. Tornadoes - always exciting.

No pictures yet - Maybe after I tune them up and grow out of my tippy-tapping

[Isaac]

Hello Congawish,
Until you find a local teacher which is the best way to
start, I recommend watching some great beginner
videos on how to play congas.
I highly recommend the series "Getting started on Congas"
by Bobby Sanabria - there's vol. 1 to 3.
Another good beginner video is by Cuban percussionist, Rolando Soto,
one of the most revered teachers in Los Angeles.
Many other videos show you good playing & technique but
rush through the actual teaching process.
Also Johnny Conga a pro who's in this forum is producing
a DVD.

Good Luck!

Isaac
Percussionist / Sales JCR Percussion Co.

[verticalgil]

you can also try you tube for now, there is lot of videos good for beginners. another source of info is here in the conga book in which you can absorb a lot of diferent rhythems for free...