Buying LP Patatos - Should I buy new congahead?

[pasisti]

I recently got a smooth offer.. 600$ for a LP Patato Model set (Quinto, tres-dos y tumbadora). I'm going to check them this saturnday.

I've played congas for roughly 3 years, but I've owned just one conga up to this point. Of course, I'm going to sell it after getting these new congas. I've mostly played with the three congas in our high school, where I play in the school big band (It's a music school).

But the question is this: Should I buy new congahead for the congas? The guy I'm buying the congas from says that they're like from the 80's. If the congaheads seem OK, is there any need to upgrade?

PS. I think congahead is the right term. I mean the (hopefully) animal skin on top of the congas.

[deadhead]

If they are from the 80s they are probably good quality skin, they might sound great if they are still in good shape. Might be time to replace, just something you have to determine when you buy them.

[pasisti]

OK. If I'd have to buy new congaheads for the congas, how much do they cost? I'm unable to find any prices anywhere, as the shops here aren't really specialized on congas and LP doesn't have any in their online catalog.

[Sakuntu]

A new LP congahead usually runs about 40 to 50 $ US. if buying cow or mule skin it could be 70-80$ a pop.