Matador (fiberglass) Conga Set Project

[Kaban]

Hey guys,

I bought some really old beat up, ugly Matador drums (11.75 &12.5), to work on them on my spare time. So far I wash them, yes - they were really that bad, and bought a fiberglass restoration kit. They, the bodies, are looking really good, but I don't know what kind of skin I should buy? Should I buy the replacement skin, do I go for steer, cow, thick, thin...etc? Please give my your ideas/opinions. Little by little I am buying the hardware, lugs & rubber side pieces, but I got enough working lugs to fit one drum with a skin.

Thanks,
Jesse

[onile]

Alafia Abure Kaban!
I hope that you are well and abundantly blessed!

Congratulations first of all on your aquisition of some fixer uppers (Matadors), that's always a fun, and sometimes frustrating project. Refinishing is the main challenge, skins on the other hand is a matter of preference. I have several drums that have cow hides, and some that have mule. I also have Pearl Travel Congas (PTCs) which have synthetic heads. As for which one is best, again that's a point of preference, you should play a drum with the selected head you are considering. That is in order for you to "feel", and "hear" what it sounds like. I still have yet to play a synthetic head on a fiberglass drum myself, I'm sure that someone on here will chime in and tell you how that must sound.

Again, it's going to be up to you and what you like. Cost is yet another consideraton.......

If you take a look at the comprehensive list of skin suppliers on the forum here, thanks to the great members and their contribution, you can get an idea of some cost and locations of suppliers.

Either way, have fun with your project.......

Stay well!

Onile!

[CongaTick]

I've got glass matadors skinned with their original buffalo. Go with buffalo. Cheap and works well with the glass matadors.

[Kaban]

Thanks for all the pro advise, I appreciate it, based on my money situation at the time. I am going with the best deal I can get on heads, and so far, it's Matador replacement heads; i found them really cheap. I really wanted to do something different, but it can wait a little longer. So, instead of having them sit for so long until I can get some real money to experiment, it's best I get those puppies singing as soon as possible. Being that i invested so much time into them, (and almost returning them when I first got them) I don't feel that I can sell them when I am done; my wife is going to hammer me.

God Speed,
Jesse

[CongaTick]

Those matadors with the replacement heads will serve you well for many, many years. They're solid, utilitarian drums that you'll always want to hang onto.

[Kaban]

Tada! I finished my project, here they are. I replace the heads with a good used conga head, a brand new tumba head, the tumba has new hooks and lugs. I filled the battle scars with hard wax to get a smooth finish, used countless chemicals for a much better then new shine. Unfortunately I can only keep one set (promised my wife), my Pearl Folkloric drums are better, so I am selling these rehabbed Matadors in Craigslist. It was fun, frustrating, and a much better time then the model airplanes I've done.

[Kaban]

For whatever reason, the pics are not full size, so your going to have to click on the pics to get the full definition photo; sorry.

[Gallichio]

Kaban,
The drums look brand new. You did a great job.
Enjoy!

[congalou]

Congrats ! Nice job !

Congalou.

[KING CONGA]

Great job Kaban those tabores look sweet.
Congratulations on a job well done.
K.C.

[sielbo]

¡Very Nice!

They look better than brand new!

-What specific wax and chemicals did you use in order to obtain such a great shine?

[Kaban]

¡Very Nice!

They look better than brand new!

-What specific wax and chemicals did you use in order to obtain such a great shine?

[sielbo]

Thanks Kaban!

I'm definitely going to try these products. Hopefully I'll score a shine on my congas much like yours!