Problems with Pearl bongo hardware

[itikitak-itikitok]

Saludos bongoceros,

I've got a pair of Pearl Folkloric bongos which I bought when I was in the States, less than a year old. I always slacken the heads after playing, and I'm careful to keep the lugs well lubed.

However, recently it seemed like the nuts were seizing when I tightened the macho. I checked the lugs, and although they seemed well lubed, I put on some more just in case, but it didn't seem to help. Finally, I realized what the problem was: the washers were scored and deformed, as were the metal tabs that Pearl puts between the washer and the bottom hoop (they seem to be what holds the nut and washer in place). Some of the nuts had dug so far into the washers that I couldn't even separate them. Of course, the fact that the washers didn't fall off when I took off the nuts should have alerted me, but I'm not the most mechanical person

I swapped out the washers and tabs on the macho for the ones on the hembra, which are in much better condition, and put a little lube between the washers and bolts (something I didn't think would be necessary — did I blow it here?), but I'm annoyed at what seems like a lack of quality in a supposedly pro level bongo.

I know that some of you are going to recommend I get a hand-made bongo, but I work as a teacher in Poland and the zloty is not the strongest currency, so that will entail some serious saving, plus the shipping from the Americas would probably be astronomical.

So, in the short term, I'm wondering what to do:
a) Warranty coverage (assuming there is any and I can find a receipt)? Is it worth getting the same parts if they seem so flimsy?
b) Should I get some washers from the hardware store and use them, maybe double washers on the macho even? Should I keep lubing the the washers? What about the metal tabs?
c) Is there a source of better quality bongo parts that I could order from? How expensive would that be?
d) What about Meinl? They are readily available here and the quality of the woodwork and hardware seems better than my Pearl, although I don't like the thin, translucent heads.
e) Or should I go for all wooden bongos? Schlagwerk makes some sweet sounding "bongo-cajones" for about 50 Euro/220+ zloty, the build quality is excellent, and no lugs or heads to worry about. My only "gigs" are playing along with the CD player and some acoustic jams and performances with fellow teachers at school, so I'm thinking that projection won't be a problem.

I'm looking forward to some advice from the experienced players here. Thanks.

[bongosnotbombs]

Assuming all the other hardware is in good condition, and you like this bongo
I would just get some new washers, double them up or get thicker ones, and
make sure you pay attention to them when you tune your drum.

[itikitak-itikitok]

Thanks BNB, I think I'll do that for a the time being, and hope that the tabs hold up.

[Raymond]

Ikititak,

Too bad you had the problem with Pearl Folkloric bongo. (I think is a one in a million problem...As a Pearl endorser, I've used mine for over 3 years and is doing fine in regards to the washers and holding very well through lots of gigging. I am passing your post to the right person in Pearl to address that problem).

Personally, I think the Pearl Folkloric bongos are among the best sounding bongos in the market. (A lot of people here in Puerto Rico, including endorsers for other companies think they sound great. They are probably the only set of bongos that are ready to be played from the "box" due to their Venezuelan heads..no need to change heads like you have to do with practically all bongos from major manufacturers).

My recommendation, get some new washers and if you want to, keep us posted on what you do with them...

Saludos!

[vinnieL]

Pearl is known for having great hardware on their drums this is surprising to say the least.

[itikitak-itikitok]

Pearl is known for having great hardware on their drums this is surprising to say the least.

I had heard good things about them too. The tension hooks, and both top and bottom and hoops seem to be fine. It's just the washers and the tab that fits on the bottom hoop between the washer and the tension-hook nut that seem to be made of weak metal. The double washers seem to be good idea though.

[akdom]

Hi there

I have been following this thread and I suggest you post a picture of the damage so that we can better understand your concern.
B

[itikitak-itikitok]

Raymond, I agree with you about the quality of the heads. They are why I picked this model.

Akdom, here are some photos:

The first is a photo of the hex nuts, washers and the tabs that go between the washers and the bottom hoop. Notice the two hex nuts that have dug so far into the washers that I can't separate them; and how the tab on the left is scored and starting to deform — I had been using it on the macho for most of the past year.

hex nuts, washers, tabs

The second is a photo of the bongo as a whole, with two of the tabs removed.

whole bongo

Thanks for your help.