LP Quinto Evolution

[RitmoBoricua]

When I am talking about cheap and talking about LP being cheap when they massproduce the Gios. I think beside the flat sawn wood they should have a quarter sawn option and other finish and exotic harwood options as well. Specially since we are talking about the flagship of the LP conga line. I am just not a big fan of the finish. Nothing wrong with ash, I think ash is an excellent choice for congas and bongos. I played a set of Gio Galaxies some years back on a gig and they sounded very good. In a nutshell I just think LP can do a way better job with their top of the line conga drum.

[BMac]

Back to the OP's original question ... those drums represent not only a timeline, but a range of product models as well. LP makes and has made many models. It shouldn't be too surprising to see Gio's shaped differently from Classics shaped differently from Potatos ... and so forth. After all, it would seem disingenuous for LP to give ten names to the same drum design.

It would be interesting to see a line of Classics ranging across the years ... or a line of Galaxies ... or a line of Matadors ... and so forth. Then we'd see if the general shape of each product line was preserved as, for example, the hardware de-volved from traditional rims to those silly "comfort" jobbies. That might more succinctly help us explore the subject matter intended in the original question.

(Please excuse my disdain for anything but simple traditional rims ... we all have our preferences after all ... so y'all can play those fancy shiney hub-caps if you want ... I'm kidding ... settle down.)

Cheers,
BMac

[RitmoBoricua]

Leedy already answered why the Gio's shape is different. Matthew Smith designed it. I do not think LP original congas (fiberglass) shape has change any. Patato model congas most likely had Carlos "Patato" Valdes input on the design.

[KING CONGA]

Just to clarify my personal statement about Gios, I never said they were cheep drums nor that they don't sound good, they are in fact NOT bad drums and as for the sound, they are no doubt a good sounding drum just listen to the man himself play them, Giovani

[Mike]

It would be interesting to see a line of Classics ranging across the years ... or a line of Galaxies ... or a line of Matadors ... and so forth. Then we'd see if the general shape of each product line was preserved as, for example, the hardware de-volved from traditional rims to those silly "comfort" jobbies. That might more succinctly help us explore the subject matter intended in the original question.

That´s a good idea, everybody please feel free to contribute photos - actually it was my intention when starting this thread to compare and discuss various LP models.

I am with you concerning comfort curve rims, BMac or the golden hardware
but once the drums are there, they are there... Change of hardware costs a fortune here ...
Alas, in the 1990s there was practically no other model available in Europe than the ones equipped with the "fancy shiney hub-caps" , at least as far as the Gios are concerned from my knowledge. I knew I would kick up a rumpus with my comfy curve rims

From today´s perspective, I should have gotten a pair of decent chrome´n´traditional-rim Matador congas - but then, everybody makes mistakes...

[Anonimo]

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[Anonimo]

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[BMac]

I too can't necessarily tell any shape differences between the shells of some LP models relative to other LP models having different names. I don't know where their threshold lies for using a different name. It does seem a little silly if a different paint job gets a different name ... or if a different head material (hide versus synthetic) gets a different name. But, as y'all say, marketing strategies in any industry sometimes seem silly. But, you gotta admit that some of the models shown in the following link differ a lot from some other models. The Classics look like they have bigger bellies than the Aspires. The Originals have wider bases than the Potatos. The Matadors, having many subcategory names, are all over the place.

But hey, if I could get a few extra bucks or some free drums to choose a color scheme, you can bet there would be a BMac line of LP congas. I'd settle for one month's worth of child support payment. Where's my contract? I'm ready to sign! I'll do it for a keg of beer! How much would you charge to endorse a "Leedy2" line?

http://www.lpmusic.com/Product_Showcase ... index.html

Cheers,
BMac

[Anonimo]

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[Isaac]

re: "The mold is copied from Matthew"

...sorry guys, there's a lot of half-baked, half-truths passing here for
accurate information. As Leedy2 correctly pointed out - shapes changed over time with the plant changes from
NJ to Thailand, just like the food quality changes at a restaurant when the
staff, equipment and suppliers changes. The shapes of Gon Bops continuously change as well,
depending on where they're made. It's also the manufacturer's or craftsman's
creative perogative to experiment with shapes & sounds...and to move their business
to where it can survive & thrive. ( like Isla recently did )

As for Palladiums having copied the idea
of using bands,...This is just speculation. No one has a copyright on "bands".
Now Tycoon has done the same. Big deal. They are "attempting" to give us
what they think we want. Getting it right? that's a matter of opinion,
and not just of the few who read our forum. The largest market for
instruments still remains schools.

No one is getting a contract or money for the reintroduction of old school
use of bands, anymore than one would get residuals by reintroducing the use
of suspenders. The bands, when only cosmetic, are useless anyway, and won't
prevent possible cracking.

~ Isaac

[ABAKUA]

I wont comment publicly any further for legal reasons. But Isaac, next time you have the chance, bring up the topic about LP, the Palladiums etc with M.S.
Funny how LP owe him so many 'favours'....

[Isaac]

Let me rephrase that - "who wouldn't want to emulate Matthew" he's the best conga maker out there.
He fills a specialty niche market, for many here.
LP, Pearl, Meinl, etc are a very different type of market & business model.
Congas for the masses... ( and the Pro guys who want free stuff )

~ ISAAC

[Anonimo]

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