Head suggestions LP Patatos and a link to the drums

[DarkStar4]

Howdy Folks.

I have some used LP Patatos and I have been having alot of problems getting them tuned correctly. And I havent been full satisfied with the sound. IN the process of trying to tune the tumba up higher I actually had a lug blow up. SO I just ordered news lugs. Is it neccessary to replace all the lugs at once or just the ones that have blown out??? I only ordered like 5 lugs. Also do you think I should replace the lugs on the quinto, which I have had no problems with so far???

I also oredered a new set of Hand Picked LP heads for them. I am wondering now, if I should have ordered some synthetic especially after watching this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUvLl4m6Kwo&feature=related

I have thought about doing a remo fiberskyn on the tumba and a nuskyn on the quinto. But I have had no oppurtunities to play synthetic heads before. Please give some advice board, I know you guys are the most trustworthy and knowledgeable source. What skins do you think play the best on LP Patato drums. Here is a link to my youtube video so you can here the drums. I realize the guy in the other video had much better technique, but I really like the sound of his congas. Cheers and happy drumming. Thanks.

Mathew McCabe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uMbS_H5d8E

[ABAKUA]

Welcome to the forum Matthew.
Hope you enjoy your stay.

IN the process of trying to tune the tumba up higher I actually had a lug blow up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uMbS_H5d8E

Firstly I mean no disrespect. I simply being honest.
Ok, first of all, you are tuning your drums waaaaaaaay to high. In a rumba guaguanco type setting with several drummers, you could have the quinto up that high. But for what you are doing that is far to high in tuning for BOTH drums.
re the lug blowing up comment, If you are tuning the tumbadora that high (and I mean 12 1/2 Tumbadora) I am not surprised you didnt seriously damage the shell or the skin for that matter, Id of thought your skin wouldve torn before the metal lugs gave way.
Bring the tuning down to a central melodic sound. The topic of tuning has been done several times on here, if you do a search you will find alot of helpful information.

Saudos,
Marcelo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0MBr1xZNKI

[vinnieL]

Let me make sure i have this right you blew out this:

[vinnieL]

Welcome to the board brother. Abakua is 100% correct if you did blot that lug out you are way too high and in agreement with Abakua i am shocked that there is not other damage to the drum shell or skins ripping etc. Synthetic skins on a Patato would sound horrible! Lower your tuning listen to recordings you tube even has a video where Wilson "Chembo" Corniel shows how to do a basic tuning. Fiberglass congas tnd to have more of a ring as it is so synthetics would really make that drum sound ringy IMO. Get thicker cow skins or mule would be even better. There is a thread here with a skin supplier list to guide you. Isaac is a valued member here on the forum and he sells good skins. Do not discard the heads that are on there as you will need the flesh hoop from them to mount a new skin. Good luck and again welcome

[DarkStar4]

Thanks brothers for the kind welcoming.

The first maybe 5 months I had these drums I kept them tuned fairly low. I was never really fully satisfied with my one hand slap tone. and the overall tone and feel of the drum. Then I played on a buddys performer series tuned WAAAY up and I was really impressed with his slap. Then I tuned mine up up as high, as found my slap improved 100%.

I guess maybe this means the heads are pretty worn out and hopefully these new heads shall improve my drums. and my technique/ability will follow.


What kind of damage do think is possible that I could have done to the shell??? I have examined it closely and have found no damage to the skin or shell. ONly the lug. and yes that is a photo of what broke. its part number LP215B to be precise.

I have heard other people say that synthetic on a synthetic papato would sound bad, but most videos I find of people playing patatos they are using synthetic.

Thanks for your advice guys. I will def make sure to keep the tumba especially, tuned lower. I would like to have more feedback on the video I posted. ANy advice on technique would be appreciated. I will keep you posted once the news skins come in. Thanks again.

[bongosnotbombs]

It's always easier to make slaps on higher tuned drums. tightening the drum
is kind of a crutch for when your technique is not all there, I am not saying that
is your case though.
With good technique you should be able to make a slap on even a de-tuned tumba.

As far as the drum, a skin that is too tight causes the lug plates to push into the drum creating
dents and crack and causing the drum to lose its round shape sometimes. Fiberglass drums
and especially Patatos are pretty strong though.

I think on this forum the preferred sound by most members is natural skin with wood drums, a lot
of people like fiberglass and synthetic skins though, they all have their place.

[SalseroBoricua71]

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[SalseroBoricua71]

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[DarkStar4]

That is a link to me playing the my LP Patatos.

Yes I have heard of the Great work ISaac does providing MUle skins. I was intimitated by the process of reskinning natural heads. I have done this with a djembe and the process is very long. And Also I did not want to make any mistakes and then not get anything out of the new skins.

I think since I have already ordered these LP skins. I will continue to practice with them and try to improve my technique, once these have worn on me then I will look to buying some mule skins. How much playing life can one expect to get out of LP Hand picked heads???

Also I dont have my camera with me so I cant take a pic of the busted lug. It is exactly as you would imagine though. busted. and once again I appreciate your honesty folks. I know I am making plenty of mistakes, but thats the only way for me to learn at this point. There are no expeierinced conguerous in the area of central Illinois, where I live.

[SalseroBoricua71]

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[DarkStar4]

haha... very funny.. kind of.

I dont plan to make the same mistake twice. we cant all be born professional congueros, already knowing exactly how to tune congas or play them. Thats what mistakes are for, to learn from. As well as hopefully finding more expierienced players to aid in the growing and learning process. with this in mind, thanks again to all of you for your advice.


Also, I too have noticed the over stretching of the quinto skin. No doubt I added to this stretch, but I had noticed the differnce in the stretch between the tumba and quinto when I first bought these drums used off of ebay.

I just tuned the quinto down. And it still rings with over tones, and is generally dull.

i sure hope that these new skins can provide me with the sound quality I am looking for.

Do Hand Picked LPs need to be soaked before mounting????

[SalseroBoricua71]

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[DarkStar4]

Thanks Steven, you have been very helpful!!!~! I will post a new video in a few weeks and see if I cant mak any improvements. Cheers