newbie needs NYC shops - I'm looking for authentic stores in NYC

[michelebow]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and preparing for my first conga purchase. I'm a jazz drummer, ready, like many others here, to expand my horizons with a conga. I realize this will take years and I look forward to learning this amazing new instrument.

My question is: I'd like to look at a wide selection of congas and possibly go for something off the beaten path. Can anyone recommend any stores in the New York City area that specialize in Afro-Cuban percussion that would offer congas?

Thanks a lot!



Edited By michelebow on July 30 2003 at 16:00

[JohnnyConga]

I would recommend "Manny's" drum store on 48th between broadway and 6th ave. It has been there for over 40 years and has a wide variety of drums....At your Service. JC JOHNNY CONGA...

[RayBoogie]

You could checkout Sam Ash right across the street from Manny's.

[mco]

I have found that both Manny's and Sam Ash in NYC carry the same old stuff that Guitar Center and myriad other shops stock like LP and Toca. Both stores are very disappointing, IMHO. Interestingly, there is a website that claims that Sam Ash actually owns Manny's and that people who are price shopping between the two stores and are trying to play one store off the other to get the best deal aren't really getting a deal (according to this person's website).
If you want something off the beaten path, go to Drummers World at 151 West 46th Street. On the floor I have seen a Bauer tumba (handsome drum!) and a Ritmo (not familiar with this brand) conga, both with cowhide heads. They also carry LP and Meinl. There is a nice selection of Brazilian percussion instruments, doumbeks, and African percussion. They can also rehead your congas with cowhide. The store is located on the second floor of the building. Happy shopping.

[mco]

Let me add that although Drummer's World has a Bauer tumba in stock, they told me that as of last May they were unable to get any more Bauer drums in because Bauer lost their US distributor. Too bad! I have seen a website called http://www.brazilianpercussion.com from Brazil that carries Bauer and claims to ship to the US. Has anyone had any experience with them? I would love to get a set of Bauers based on what I've seen and heard.

[michelebow]

Hey, thanks guys for the advice. I'm definitely going to check out Drummer's World. I'd forgotten about them...I think that's where I saw Elvin Jones play a clinic the weekend after 9/11. Cool shop.

I'll report back with what I find, if anyone's interested...

Thanks again.
Michele

[Raymond]

Although I am from PR, I have visited the three stores, Sam Ash, Manny's and Drummers World. Sam Ash and Manny's are just in front of each other. (Is the address JC gave you but is very close, I think less than a block from the Time Square/Broadway area). Drummer's World is a couple of blocks up from them and is in a second or third floor of the building is in

Manny has good prices and is the "nicer" store. Sam Ash is sort of all the percussion instruments in one floorm stacked there. (Sam Ash has one store just of percussion and another of 'other' instruments). I saw good prices at both places, specially for close outs. Also, Sam Ash and Manny's get some "special edition' things from LP that you cannot get there. Drummer's World very informal and quiete. Not that much traffic in the store going on like in Manny's and Sam Ash.

Good luck in your search!



Edited By Raymond on July 31 2003 at 17:59

[RayBoogie]

I totally forgot about Drummer's World. I will say this about Drummer's World, if cannot find what you want in either Sam Ash or Manny's you can definitely find it at Drummer's World!

[michelebow]

Drummer's World came through for me...I found a used Gon Bops 11" quinto in mint condition, the Mariano model in mahogany with original cow skin GB head. She sounds and looks great! I played all the drums there and it was the best sounding one. I'm really honored to have found one of these and look forward to learning to play it.

Thanks again for your advice; see you around the forum!

[Simon B]

Hi MCO.

Bauer are available in the UK. I have a set of their bongos - very very nice - and though I don't have their congas I know players who feel that they are superior in sound to LP.

Simon B

[michelebow]

Now that you mention it, I saw the Bauer tumba at Drummer's World, for $500-something.

[topfig]

What ever happened to Casa Latina on 116 and Lexington by the subway station. They were there when I was groing up and were still there when I was stationed in NY in the late 90's. They always had a good selection. I just recently tried to purchase a set of bauer congas (4 drums) and could not find anyone to import a complete set for me. I ended up having Mountain Rythym make me four custom drums. Either way, Good luck.

Fig

[Ivan]

Let me add that although Drummer's World has a Bauer tumba in stock, they told me that as of last May they were unable to get any more Bauer drums in because Bauer lost their US distributor. Too bad!

I agree the Bauer is a beatiful drum, but you should be warned that they are known for their shells cracking. The hardware and the shape of the drum are great, however Brazilian wood is very soft and will crack easily.

Just a warning to you that I am not sure you were aware of.

Paz.
Ivan

[mco]

Thanks for the word of caution, Ivan. Although I admire the look of the Bauers, I'm now loving the sound of my LP Classics since putting on the muleskin heads from Isaac. I also like the fact that LP applies fiberglass around the area of the lugs for reinforcement of the shell. I'll be sticking with my LP's for a while.