What's the better set for the money? - I need help.

[Derbeno]

I play 3 LP classics (blond wood, natural skin) + 1 LP Matador (same finish) and they have a beautifully warm tone. I had a conga + tumba at first, but when I heard Toca (Kaman) was buying LP, I thought if I wanted "real" LP stuff, I should pull the trigger...I'm glad I did! I don't see that many classics now (except online), the only ones I see in the music stores are "classic II" whatever the hell that means. I bought mine from guitar center , in the upper $300- range, but they always have sales, or you can point out a scratch and ask them to discount, that's what I did and it worked....there's always a deal somewhere.

huero

So how can you tell an original Classic from a Classic II?
Did they change to Classic II when Kaman took over, in other words what year did they stop making the original Classic? This is an open question btw, input from anyone that knows is much appreciated.
Thanks



Edited By Derbeno on 1185247356

[folkloricoSD]

I think the classic II is just an off shoot of the classic. Its a cheaper version, and not as good as the original classics. You can still buy lp classics, you just have to place an order with guitar center or your local music shop. They usually do not show these drums at music stores, but if you talk to them they can order them for you from lp. This is what I did.

[hueroconguero]

i agree, i think LP quality is going down after their aquisition from Kaman (notice the new matadors have cheap black plastic/fiberglass plates instead of the gold or chrome they used to have .....cheap!) I'm an LP guy, I'm glad i have original classics like when martin cohen used to run the company...now i just go for quality accessories, not necessarily LP brand stuff. Many years ago, with guys like tito and giovanni and raul endorsing them, i thought that was the way to go.....but like i said, that was years ago.

just my opinion

huero

[congalero]

here is my 2 - cents; for what it is worth. if you are in a hurry and wish to buy new drums, then drop in on all the music stores you can and see what fits for you. if you have a few friends that have an assortment of drums to test run, do that as well. then make your decision based on that and from what you have gleened from this thread.
if you can afford to search and take your time, you may be able to find just that right set of older, possibly newer, drums for a great price from craigslist or ebay. the real deals are on craigslist in my opinion, but they sell quickly if nice. you may find a perfect vintage set or not so vintage for the right money. however, before you begin your search/purchase think hard and long about what kind of drumming you will wish to focus on. traditional drumming can be played on any drum, but seems best when appied to melodic woods with a deep and long lasting pulse. if you want to play in an ampt setting, better think about those drums that can cut through and keep cutting. the classics show up everywhere and do a great job in bands; observed them being played last night while watching 'pink martini' in portland - outdoor venue - they did a great job. i am sure more people here can give you a bit more advise. my taste is across the board, so i like to switch around among the different drums/woods i have. i am sure you will find in time, that what appeals to you one day may not on another.

good luck



Edited By congalero on 1185687976

[Garvin]

I was looking at the Tumbao Pro's online. I wish there was more to read about them. I get kind of frustrated with the advertising on the company sites rather than actual useful information. As a serious gear-head I run into this with drum set manufacturers as well. What I'd like to know and what I end up reading are often two different things. They look great, but I'd like to know what they weigh, how tall they are, are the staves solid or ply, are there bumpers on the lugs, is there rubber on the bottom, are there hole for handles or hardware for mounting etc... Like I said a lot to consider and a lot to be desired. Then, when you call a distributor like Guitar Center (the most accesible shop in my state) the guys don't even know how to pronounce the word conga, much less tell you anything about them over the phone. Whew, sorry to vent.