What set should I buy?

[hoofbeats]

I'd like to start playing the congas. I've got about 600-700 bucks to work with, and I'm not sure what is the better product. Ive been looking at the meinl luis conte set because it would be easy to find a matching 4th with their natural finish. There's also a set of lp classics, but they have a very unique look and no 4th size. Some gon bops are like 750 for three and have a requinto optional. Which of these, or any set in my price range, should I buy? What kind of hardware or wood should I look for? Thanks for any help.

[vinnieL]

With that amount of money the LP Matadors are a good buy.

[yambu321]

I AGREE WITH VINNEL, MATADORS ARE EXCELLENT, INTERMEDIATE LEVEL DRUMS USED BY SOME PROS AS WELL. I'VE HAD MY SET SINCE THE MID 90'S AND THEY ARE STILL JAMMIN.

[pcastag]

I like the new gon bops, the tumbao pro have good hardware, and pretty much use the same wood as all the other thailand made drums.
PC

[hoofbeats]

Thanks for the help guys. I might have to sell my body to buy some matadors, but sacrafices must be made. I don't want cheap congas if they're no good. Keep the ideas rolling, as I have a couple more days to mull over it.

[hoofbeats]

Sry me again. I saw regular matadors, and matador customs. the customs were at a lower price, but seemed to be the same other than the non chrome rim and side plates. Are the customs poopy in comparison to the regular ones?

[Mike]

The "real" Matadors are the real deal to me.
But the most importatnt thing are the skins: Check if they´re thick enough. I´ve got an older Matador model (8 years old) which is fantastic, but I saw the same model recently with crappy heads.
Otherwise the Matador wood construction in general is flawless.
Still, there must be a reduction in quality with the Matador custom models, right? Besides, personally I don´t like the black coated hardware at all.

Well, all in all, give your heart, your soul and your money for the better congas. :;):
Plus you have a greater variety of different finishes with the regular Matadors.



Edited By Mike on 1192644047

[Whopbamboom]

There's also the option of looking for higher-quality stuff second-hand on eBay.

And, depending on what you pay for your conga's, and what kind of skin is on them, perhaps there will be enough $ left over for putting good skins on.

[congalero]

take a look on craigslist as well

EXAMPLE: http://detroit.craigslist.org/msg/425657232.html

be sure to look around. some people in other states will ship, if you pay the cost (usually $45.+- a drum + a small fee for materials). i picked up a great set of bauer classics from a woman for $650. (three drums) including shipping. she lived in atlanta. i have found others this way as well.

good luck: 'caution though' - be sure to talk to the person in detail and have them take pics of all areas of the drums, including inside. there are people who will do this, but beware and do your 'due diligence'.

BELOW: pic of the bauers from the craigslist posting a few months ago.



Edited By congalero on 1192669926

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... lassic.jpg

[hoofbeats]

thanks for all the help guys. Im gonna reach deep in my wallet and buy the good matadors. In the end itll be worth not having a pile of garbage to play on. As for the skins, Ill worry about them after I get the drums and check it all out. I'm not savvy on the instrument yet, so the skins wont be a big deal (to me) yet.

[Tumbatimba]

Check these out
http://www.tycoonpercussion.com/
Ralph Irizarry uses their timbs.
I tried their congas and bongos at rincon music in ny and
they sounded awesome .

[dannydrumperc]

Check these out
http://www.tycoonpercussion.com/
Ralph Irizarry uses their timbs.
I tried their congas and bongos at rincon music in ny and
they sounded awesome .

Ralph is no longer with LP???

Don't know, but the finish of some drums on their homepage seems very similar to some LP drums to me...

[Tumbatimba]

How's it going Danny ? From what I saw they were different than LP's. I 'm not trying to diss LP. I own LP they are and always have been great quality.
The Tycoon's are not LP clones . They have their own unique style and seem to be of very good quality.
I don't know if it was the skins or the fact
that all the models have heavy duty hardware. They sounded very clear and deep. The bongos I thought sounded amazing. If you get a chance try them and let me know what u think . Check out this link
Ralph Irizarry.............................

http://www.palisadescenter.com/calenda....007



Edited By Tumbatimba on 1192743199

[dannydrumperc]

How's it going Danny ? From what I saw they were different than LP's. I 'm not trying to diss LP. I own LP they are and always have been great quality.
The Tycoon's are not LP clones . They have their own unique style and seem to be of very good quality.
I don't know if it was the skins or the fact
that all the models have heavy duty hardware. They sounded very clear and deep. The bongos I thought sounded amazing. If you get a chance try them and let me know what u think . Check out this link
Ralph Irizarry.............................

http://www.palisadescenter.com/calenda....007

First, thanks for answering my question - I'm very flattered! You are my favorite timabalero and didn't knew you were part of our forum community.
I posted my comments based on the available pictures at their website. Their drums don’t have the typical LP bellied shape- look more like LP's Valje line - but their finishes are very, very similar (if not identical) to some drums that had been in the market for while. They feature resemblances to:
· LP’s Giovanni & LP/Matador Accents
· Pearl’s Primero
· Remo’s Tuff-E-Nuff
If they are such good quality drums, they should had gone with some standard finishes and a few custom ones, but not imitate some signature finishes from the big guys, IMHO.
Anyway, I’ll be looking forward on trying them as soon as they come to PR.
Much appreciated, Ralph.
Danny



Edited By dannydrumperc on 1192806499

[Tumbatimba]

Danny I AM NOT Ralph Irizarry . Man I wish I could play like him. Sorry for the misunderstanding . I was simply passing
info to everyone about Tycoon Percussion. As a matter of fact
someone else started a thread about them with some pictures...........
http://www.congaplace.com/cgi-bin....;t=3041