Help Me Decide Between These Two Sets

[Mike]

I am seriously considering these now: This is the best price I can find too.
http://www.latinrhythmtraders.com/html/gonbops.html
They are discontinued colors, so they are very inexpensive. I think someone already mentioned this deal in another post.

I am a fickle Gal I guess? I will post when I actually purchase! I am still agonizing over the perfect set for me!

Hey, like me on the other side of the Atlantic puddle you live in a free country, theoretically at least - only limited by inner doubts and nagging torments

I mean who is NOT agonizing over the perfect set as such all of the time?
The answer is: Those who are busy agonizing over what matters more: their perfect technique and musical expression, all of which does not only have to do with the conga set, but with your hands and mind!

No, seriously, if you want those Gon Bops, why don´t you grab ´em? The price is really not steep and they´ll sound great judging from the enthusiastic comments here. If you can still be convinced of great vintage drums , check out this offer:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ORIGINAL-GON-BOP-MA ... 240%3A1318 - probably the real McCoy for many of us...

Apparently you feel like making the decision of your life at the moment, but in fact I can hardly imagine
this is going to be the last conga you buy, since you have caught fire, sister!

Good luck with your choice
-Mike

[umannyt]

Only negatives were the head sizes for skin replacements, and the fact that the drums are not "tradtionally" sized themselves.

I am seriously considering these now: This is the best price I can find too.
http://www.latinrhythmtraders.com/html/gonbops.html
They are discontinued colors, so they are very inexpensive. I think someone already mentioned this deal in another post.

Lisa,

I just checked http://www.latinrhythmtraders.com/html/gonbops.html. You're right. They have the best prices on the Gon Bops Tumbao Pros here in the U.S.

I noticed that Latin Rhythm Traders also have the cheaper, regular Tumbaos. I highly recommend getting the Tumbao Pros. The "only" difference may be the crowns/rims. But at only $5 more each drum, the Tumbao Pros are definitely worth it. As I've mentioned before, you'll be getting exactly the same crown/rim of Gon Bops' top-of-the-line California Series which sell for about $1,000 each! You can't beat that, IMO.

Make sure, though, that the prices already include shipping. Or, if shipping's not included, make sure that the total price for each drum would still be less than the price offered by other online companies (such as Casio Interstate) which includes free shipping.

Don't worry about the head sizes for skin replacements. If you decide to either upgrade or replace (which shouldn't happen until after many years yet) any of the stock heads, down the road, you shouldn't have any problems if you use unmounted skins (say, cow or mule) instead of pre-mounted ones. Un-mounted skins are really easy to mount. We have more than enough instructions and tips for doing so here in our Conga Forum. Besides, I've already done them myself.

Do let us know if and when you get the Gon Bops Tumbao Pros and share actual pictures, if you can.

[Mike]

Yeah, I know, Manny, you da Gon Bop man, ain´t you

You are right in what you say about possible skin change or upgrade.

Given the chance I would still opt for a mahogany vintage set though - but as I write this,

I know that the price is going to explode on this set: http://cgi.ebay.com/ORIGINAL-GON-BOP-MA ... 240%3A1318

Yes, and I do know that you are most likely after a new set, Lisa.

Forget my ramble.

[umannyt]

Yeah, I know, Manny, you da Gon Bop man, ain´t you

You are right in what you say about possible skin change or upgrade.

Given the chance I would sill opt for a mahogany vintage set - but as I write this,

I know that the price is going to explode on this set: http://cgi.ebay.com/ORIGINAL-GON-BOP-MA ... 240%3A1318

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the affirmation!

Hey, those Gon Bops mahogany vintage set look very nice! Thanks for sharing.

You're right. I, too, anticipate the price to explode, not to mention the owner's feeling that the buyer might have to replace the skins.

And at 9-3/4 in. and 10-1/2 in., their sizes are just too small for my taste. They're more like a requinto and quinto set than a quinto and conga set or my preferred conga and tumba set of 2 drums.
Best,

[burke]

Re: the vintage set and price exploding - ya never know!

I got almost the exact set on ebay also in great condition (next size up though) - in fact in better condition - the guy had refinished them added almas and excellent new steer skins. I bid the reserve ($500) and was sure they'd go way up from that - days passed and dammed if I didn't get them at the reserve!!!!

and you betcha these ones are on my 'watch' list.

may the best man win!

Darrell

[mydogsowner]

Well, I finally bought my first set of Congas after all the discussion!

Here it is: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Gon-Bops-Congas ... .m20.l1116

They are the Gon Bops Tumboa Set. I just couldn't pass up the price. It even includes the basket stands! I just hope the color is not as ugly in person! Is the burst really that yellow?

Mike, I suspect you are right about the fact that they will not be my last purchase! Manny, I figure if I can get good sound with these hoops, then I will be that much better off with a better set down the road.

I want to thank everyone who responded. I will post pics of the real set when they arrive. In the end, my sense of practicality got the best of me when I saw this set and the value.

Peace and Blessings to All!
Lisa

[Mike]

Nice buy at a very good price indeed, Lisa

Let us know how the congas are - meanwhile enjoy the sunrise

All the best

Mike

[mydogsowner]

Well, not to bore anyone anyone with this, but here's the latest news on the conga set.

The eBay auction was through Bentley's Drum Shop. I called and talked with Dana about the congas. He informed me that the set was on the same quality level as the Aspire Series and was more compact sized as well. I didn't realize that and he let me cancel the auction. I tried to work out another transaction with him, but nothing came to fruitition. Dana is a great guy, and I wish him all the best!

So, I just got off the phone with Sarge at Rhythm Traders: http://www.latinrhythmtraders.com/html/gonbops.html

I ended up purchasing the Gon Bops Tumbao Pro Conga and Tumba, in the discontinued red finish. I would have preferred the Tobacco Burst, but the Tumba is already sold out in that size.

Can someone advise which basket stands would work well with these? The help on this forum already instilled confidence in my choice and has been greatly appreciated.

I am also planning on taking lessons now to learn the proper technique.

I am also thinking I will need to match my lipstick to the red gloss finish! LOL! Just kidding......

Lisa

[bongosnotbombs]

Congratulations on the new drums. Don't ever quit.
Stands are cool, but you don't need them. My advice is to try playing the drums
the traditional way on the floor.
Just one less thing to worry about, pay for and carry around.
If you still want a stand, I think your best bet is to call the Rhythm Traders again,
seems like they have plenty of choices and good prices. I think Gon Bops also makes
a tumbao pro stand.

[Mike]

So, I just got off the phone with Sarge at Rhythm Traders: http://www.latinrhythmtraders.com/html/gonbops.html

I ended up purchasing the Gon Bops Tumbao Pro Conga and Tumba, in the discontinued red finish. I would have preferred the Tobacco Burst, but the Tumba is already sold out in that size.

Congratulations again!
Now, that has been a VERY good decision of yours in my opinion!
I would recommend that conga&tumba set too. Great choice, great price, at least for US residents.

Don´t worry about the lipstick - I think the red finish will match the Christmas decoration better

Colourless Mike

[umannyt]

...Dana is a great guy, and I wish him all the best!

So, I just got off the phone with Sarge at Rhythm Traders: http://www.latinrhythmtraders.com/html/gonbops.html

I ended up purchasing the Gon Bops Tumbao Pro Conga and Tumba, in the discontinued red finish. I would have preferred the Tobacco Burst, but the Tumba is already sold out in that size.

Can someone advise which basket stands would work well with these?...

I am also planning on taking lessons now to learn the proper technique...

Lisa

Lisa,

First of all, congratulations on your Gon Bops Tumbao purchase! You've made an excellent choice!

You won't be disappointed with both the sound and craftsmanship of your new tumbadoras. As I've mentioned before, your GB Tumbaos share the same hardware as the top-of-the-line GB CA Series. IMO, they're among the very best-looking and best-crafted out there.

The red finish may end up not being too "bad" when your drums arrive and you actually see its real shade. You may yet end up actually liking it more. One of my longtime hobbies is photography and I can say that the colors of objects are not always accurately portrayed in photos. I own a pair of GB CA bongos in Satin Oil Red and a set of 3 Isla Percussion tumbadoras in Rosewood Red and I love them all!

Re: Dana, I totally agree that he's a great guy! In fact, I bought my Gon Bops CA bongos from him and would have bought my GB CAs from him had my local GB dealer not given me a real killer deal. Dana (Bentley's Drum Shop) is located in Fresno, CA.

Re: basket stands, it'll depend on what scenario you'll be playing your tumbadoras. As bongosnotbombs mentioned, the traditional way of playing them is seated. In a band situation, you can still get away with playing them seated if you prefer and your band doesn't insist on you playing standing for live/stage presentation purposes. I play with 2 bands: an all-original rock/blues/pop band and a pop/R&B/disco cover band. My 1st band, where I'm also a vocalist, requires me to play standing. With my 2nd band, where I'm also the lead vocalist/frontman, my role obviously requires me to play standing. Moreover, with both bands, I also play timbales, bongos and various hand percussion instruments. I do play seated mostly when practicing, though.

Anyway, I'd recommend GB's own basket stands, the 5210 Conga Cradles (about $60 ea.), for a tailored and perfect fit right off the bat. I, personally, use black Meinl Steely II (about $70) basket stands for my GB CAs. However, I've had to make slight bending adjustments to the legs of the conga stand (due to the GB's slightly smaller sizing) in order for the conga to be level with both the quinto and the tumba.

Re: lessons, I highly recommend them--either live or taped/book. Live lessons are generally more expensive, but you have the advantage of getting feedback from an expert. For taped lessons, I highly recommend the "Tomas Cruz Conga Method" DVD--in 3 volumes (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced). IMO, it's the best and one of the most comprehensive. Vols. 1 and 2 should keep you busy for a long time.

There are also a lot of free lessons on the Internet, such as on YouTube. But learn to recognize posers (and there are) and avoid them. Look for and stick with known professionals.

And, of course, CongaBoard abounds with very useful, practical tips from our very own resident pros.

Happy Thanksgiving,

[mydogsowner]

I think I will try playing without the stands for now, seated. This is how I prefer to play the djembe anyhow. I may have to buy an adjustable seat though as I am only 5'1" to raise me up.

I found the Cruz Conga Method Lessons and Amazon.com has the best prices. I went ahead and ordered all three volumes. I hope I get to the 3rd Volume someday! I really like the idea of being able to pop a DVD in being able to practice/learn whenever I have free time.

I am so excited to get the congas! It reminds me of when I got my first drum set when I was 15! It was a 60's Ludwig Jazz Set, blue sparkle! I wish I still had it!

I am filled with gratitude for this forum, and am thankful for it's members!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Lisa

[Mike]

Lisa,
Once you have received it,I wish you enjoy your GB conga set as much as you can !
Get it tuned correctly, and then play play play...
We would like to see some pictures of the "real " congas too

All the best
Mike

[umannyt]

...I found the Cruz Conga Method Lessons and Amazon.com has the best prices. I went ahead and ordered all three volumes. I hope I get to the 3rd Volume someday! I really like the idea of being able to pop a DVD in being able to practice/learn whenever I have free time.

I am so excited to get the congas! It reminds me of when I got my first drum set when I was 15! It was a 60's Ludwig Jazz Set, blue sparkle! I wish I still had it!

I am filled with gratitude for this forum, and am thankful for it's members!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Lisa

Lisa,

You're more than welcome! It's really my/our pleasure!

Re: Tomas Cruz Conga Method DVD, another excellent decision! I have many other DVD/VCR conga lessons (by Giovanni Hidalgo, Changuito, Anga, Rolando Soto, Luis Conte, Pablo "Chino" Nunez, Glen Caruba, Raul Rekow, Ricardo Monzon, Wilson "Chembo" Corniel, Richie "Gajate" Garcia, Poncho Sanchez, Bashiri Johnson, etc.), but I still find Tomas Cruz most helpful. And especially for beginners and intermediates, he'll also take you through the various fundamentals, exercises and rudiments very slowly--one stroke at a time. If I knew then what I know now, hands down it would have been the 1st conga instructional video that I would have bought and the only one I would have needed for a while.

Re: your excitement, I know the feeling only too well. We've all been through it with some of us probably even having sleepless nights.

I hope that your brandnew Gon Bops Tumbao Pros arrive soon enough, perhaps even sooner. And, as Mike previously said, do share pictures of them with us, if you can. To many of us, they're like somebody else's newborn baby and we can be just as excited.

[bongosnotbombs]

I may have to buy an adjustable seat though as I am only 5'1" to raise me up.
Lisa

I'm also a little on the short side, I really recommend getting a drum throne if you can. It's the best way to get
into the right position. Lots of times I end up playing congas while sitting on a bench or using a normal chair. Doing that
makes me tired faster and harder to make sounds. If you can't get a throne use a cushion or whatever to get yourself at a
good playing height.