Height of the head

[gav]

What is the best height for the conga head to be? should you arms be at 90 degrees when playing, or should they be higher/lower. I find fast rolls easier if i lower my body towards the drums? is this bad practice? Also, what about the angle of the head. Should it always be parallel with the ground? The bongos are tilted between the legs, would a slight tilt away from the body be correct for the congas?

[CongaMan]

I have also heard about the 90 degrees but I think that the best way is the way you feel more comfortable !... just an opinion... may be wrong!
Bye gav

[Bongo Boy]

I've tried to pay attention to pro players while they are seated at the drums (dums upright, head parallel to floor). In particular, when they are resting their hands on the head (as in during explanations on instructional videos). It seems to vary a small amount, but with the palms flat on the head, the typical position seems to be close to 90 deg, or slightly less (the hands slightly higher).

Players I've noted include Patato, Candido, and Giovanni (all with drums standing on end), and Bobby Sanabria with drum held between the legs and tipped away. Giovanni seems to play with the drum head a wee bit higher than others--but then, if you want to play with your elbows you're going to have to, I think .

Kalani also corroborates--"about 90 degrees".

[JohnnyConga]

My technique is the elbow at 90 degrees where the drum head is just above the navel by 2 inches or so. Depends on your height too. Here is a Mongo story for you .Mongo's technique in holding his drum wasn't very good for him. He sat too low in his chair and the drum sat around chest high. He also tips the drum forward so the bottem is facing the crowd,instead of tipped to the right(if righty),so when it came time for him to "palm" the drum he would have to lift it very high, which today created a hip replacement for him. Posture in playing is very important, to sit up straight. I enjoy playing sitting down and did for many years now I'm playing standing up with my band, and feel more comfortable and no back problems,or hip. Believe me when I tell u if you don't know how to play the instrument you will strain your kidneys and urinate Blood. It's happened to me twice in my life. You don't want that to happen. People don't realize how "physical" the conga drum is and how much body and energy goes into it...the Drum CAN hurt you!...My style is what people call a "Floating" hands style from side to side not so much as up and down...try it you'll like it........At your Service....JC JOHNNY CONGA.....