newbie question

[Beatlefreek]

Hi, all ... total newbie here.

First of all I am not a conga player, a drummer, or an otherwise percussuionist of some sort or description. I am a guitar player. But I am looking around at getting a conga (a single) to add to my percussion gear for home recording purposes.

I've come across a single conga available on craigslist for $145, including a hoop stand. It's 32" high in the stand, 29" without. From the picture it looks to be in very good condition, and it is made of wood. The brand is Mark II, but I am unable to find anything about this make anywhere.

So ... is anyone here familiar with this brand and what kind of quality might we be talking about, and whether it's worth even looking at in the first place. I know there are undoubtedly many more great brands of congas out there, but I'm not looking for the absolute best, just something that will basically do the job.

Thanks.

[CongaTick]

Welcome Beatlefreek.

Don't know what a Mark II is, however the most reliable and cost-effective investment that is excellent quality (but not a boutique conga) which will give you years of durable mileage is a Matador conga.

[bongosnotbombs]

Pictures?

[Beatlefreek]

Here's a picture:

[Beatlefreek]

Actually, in the same craigslist, just listed today, and for exactly $100 more (although I'm sure I could talk the guy down as he does not say the price is firm) I can get a Matador double conga set.

One measures 11" and the other 12.5". And they look exactly like the black one that CongaTick posted, except they come with built -in telescoping legs.

The guy says they were "used only briefly", and I can clearly see the logo still on the heads.

[bongosnotbombs]

Get the Matadors....but I've never heard of or seen Matadors built with telescoping legs. Maybe a modification? Can you post the link or pictures?

[Beatlefreek]

Here ya go:

By the way, I noticed the rubber feet on the one conga are missing. Not a big deal. And maybe "telecscoping" wasn't the right word. The legs themselves may not telescope, but rather slide into the conga body for height adjustment.

[Psych1]

I believe everyone here is going to tell you the same thing.

Get the Matadors!

[windhorse]

Hey guys, those legs are modifications right? I've never seen them like that either.

[RitmoBoricua]

Here ya go: The legs themselves may not telescope, but rather slide into the conga body for height adjustment.

Matador are good solid drums but them legs, that is called conga cruelty.

[Beatlefreek]

Well, as I said, I'm a total newbie about things conga.

So, after having the issue brought up about the legs (which I wouldn't have been concerned about before), has this guy perhaps compromised the tone/sound or even the structural integrity of these drums (since there are now three holes bunched through the body)? Or has he just compromised them aesthetically, and arguably their resale value?

[RitmoBoricua]

Well, as I said, I'm a total newbie about things conga.
So, after having the issue brought up about the legs (which I wouldn't have been concerned about before), has this guy perhaps compromised the tone/sound or even the structural integrity of these drums (since there are now three holes bunched through the body)? Or has he just compromised them aesthetically, and arguably their resale value?

That's something that is going to require an up-close visual inspection of the inner and outer shell. Also, I would use my hand to feel around where
the leg hardware attaches to the shell, in and out. Just imagine somebody pounding on the drums, the area where the leg brackets connects to the
shell is going to take most of the force. A very good idea to check for structural integrity, otherwise Matador drums are good solid drums.

[KING CONGA]

Here's a picture:

5Nb5F75Me3Ia3Fd3H7c47856e315ea25d19dc.jpg

Would not touch it with a ten foot pole. Matadors or Classics anytime

[rhythmrhyme]

That Mark II is in Vancouver on Craigslist right?

I would choose these classics from what's on the Craigslist thread... http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/m ... 32953.html If you put any effort into learning how to play Conga's, in a few month's you'll probably want a second drum anyway. Best not to be "that guy" who has the conga drum but can't make it sing

The seller states in CAPS that he won't take lowball offers, but I'd still lead in with an offer of $325 or so to see if he'll flex.

[Beatlefreek]

That Mark II is in Vancouver on Craigslist right?

I would choose these classics from what's on the Craigslist thread... http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/m ... 32953.html If you put any effort into learning how to play Conga's, in a few month's you'll probably want a second drum anyway. Best not to be "that guy" who has the conga drum but can't make it sing

The seller states in CAPS that he won't take lowball offers, but I'd still lead in with an offer of $325 or so to see if he'll flex.

Yes, both the Mark II and the Matadors are in the Vancouver Craigslist.

What made me reluctant about the Mark II is that I couldn't find a single thing on the brand, and no one here has been able to provide any info either. So that leaves me suspicious (of any instrument, really) when you can't find a single thing about it on the web.

And something I wouldn't have been suspicious about at all (until you guys pointed it out ... thanks) were the legs attached to the Matadors. After looking further into, I realize that that probably shouldn't have been done ... drilling into an instrument like that.
And also yes, getting a "proper pair" is probably the best way to go in the long run.

Thanks again, everybody. You've been extremely helpful! ... and very friendly.