Nice set of Congas

[whitebread]

Hello guys for some reason I couldnt login with my old user name so I had to register again. Anyhoo thought you might be interested to see this nice set of congas.




there are listed here with more images.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0261807170

[Mike]

Decent set of congas indeed. Some congueros object to the black coated hardware - it is simply a matter of taste though.

One thing: It says "the tumba is a Louis Conte Artist model 12-3/4" but I believe it must be 12 1/2".

In general Meinls don´t sound too bad even if the two other congas next to the Luis Conte are not top of the shop.

The price sounds fair to me- but then, I´m used to the strong Euro at the moment

[Whopbamboom]

Two different types of Meinl congas are shown there.

[congamyk]

^ Correct. the 2 small drums are "Headliners"... their beginner line similar to LP Aspires.

The Tumba is the Luis Conte series.

[Mike]

^ Correct. the 2 small drums are "Headliners"... their beginner line similar to LP Aspires.

The Tumba is the Luis Conte series.

I know, but the fact that they´re "Headliners" or entry level does not automatically mean they´re bad drums...

Remember the early Cosmic Percussion bongos and congas? They were as good as today´s Matadors sometimes!

[umannyt]

Based on the photos alone, it appears to me that the Headliner and the Luis Conte are basically the same drum (both use rubber wood or Siam/Asian oak wood), except for the hardware: comfort rim vs. traditional rim. If so, they shouldn't sound too different from each other, theoretically speaking. But, I could be wrong, though.

Btw, the Luis Conte hardware is black powder-coated (vs. chrome-plated) more so to keep the costs down rather than for a distinctive look.

[Whopbamboom]

They have a different shape, too, Manny.

[umannyt]

Whopbamboom,

You're absolutely right! I just noticed, too, myself.

Thanks for the heads up.

[congamyk]

I know, but the fact that they´re "Headliners" or entry level does not automatically mean they´re bad drums...

I never said they were "bad" drums and did not intend to imply it.

The main and most important reason I pointed out the difference is because the Headliners are not full size congas and therefore the tones from the smaller drums may not complement that of the full size Luis Conte tumba.

I played at a local rumba yesterday with a set of 3 that were almost identical to this set. The quinto and conga Meinl Headliners were very small in diameter to full size drums and the shape difference created more difference. They were 9 3/4" and 10 3/4" and the tumba was an LP classic 12 1/2". The tones didn't match up no matter how the conga was tuned. The sound was off. The quinto was fine but the middle drum (conga) should complement the tone of the tumba in my opinion. In this case it did not.

[Mike]

You´re right, congamyk,
the small-sized drums are usually no good.
Actually I did not read the ebay auction closely enough,
didn´t realize the sizes, but only looked at the photos.
I meant no offense whatsoever, brother. Sorry if you thought I did.

Greetings
Mike

[congamyk]

no worries my friend - all good discussion

On a side note I've been eyeing the Luis Conte Series Meinl's for awhile.
musicians friend offers the full set with stands for $750

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Meinl-Luis-Conte-3-Piece-Conga-Set-with-Free-Basket-Stands?sku=445855

[umannyt]

A very good buy, IMO, considering all the bang you're getting for the price.

As the picture indicates, traditional rims come standard, although the black-powdered paint (for cost purposes) don't sit well with some. Personally, I don't mind it. In fact, the black color provides a nice, minimalist contrast againt the light, natural-colored rubber wood/Asian or Siam Oak shell. Besides, if one is really anal about not having it black, I think that the hardware can always be custom-chromed later.

The excellent sleek Meinl Steely II stands (IMO, the best-designed basket stands which I myself use for my set of Gon Bops California Series), which cost over $60 each or nearly $200 already for the 3 (Musician's Friend), come free as well. This leaves just about $550 for the 3 drums or "only" about $180 each!

Another very good buy, IMO, for the price (although slightly more expensive than the Meinl Luis Contes) is a set of Gon Bops Tumbao Pros which come with the sleek (sexy) SOL-inspired, hybrid traditional/comfort hardware that are similar to that of Gon Bops' top-of-the-line California Series.

[Mike]

Now THIS looks like a very nice set too:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gonbop-congas-1978_ ... dZViewItem

[maelopr]

Man, if only Meinl had continued making these...

http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/WN ... ongas.html

...or how about these....

http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/19 ... Conga.html

..to bad they don't make 'em like that any more...

[congaDR]

Those wood crafts might be the nicest production conga ever made. Wonderful drums..

A close call with the LP Cherry Valje's.

Tony