Congas vs. Pleneras/panderos de plena

[Miguel7]

Hi all,
I have a question that kinda goes along wtih my recording topic, because it will make a difference in my recording (and in anyone else's who records like I do). I recently got a Puerto Rican cuatro (a small 10-stringed guitar) and I've been experimenting with the Plena beat. I really like plena and I've heard some great songs with that rhythm, but like so many other Latin genres plena is traditionally played with other drums, called pleneras or panderos.

Now obviously this rhythm can be done on congas (and I've gotten pretty good at it lol) and I've heard bands that use them, but on the other hand most bands only add them to the pleneras... so what are your thoughts on plena? Should I look for some pleneras or stick with the congas? Thanks

[RitmoBoricua]

Is entirely up tp you. You can play plena all day until the cows come home and then some on congas.
"Las Panderetas" is the tradition and way more portable than congas. You can't go wrong with either
choice.

[Miguel7]

Thanks RitmoBoricua. I appreciate your opinion (especially since we're talkin' musica boricua con mucho ritmo LOL). At this point, I'm thinking I'll stick with congas till my next birthday then ask for the panderetas (I'm doing the same thing with the tambora for merengue lol). Congas are so awesome, u can use them for just about anything

[RitmoBoricua]

Here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0mI9RvZ ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W19gqfNZP0E&NR=1

[Miguel7]

Very cool! I sure do like the panderetas. It's funny because he's singing about "la plena tradicional" which I suppose kinda answers teh question, at least in the long term