Drums on stands vs. Seated - Who, Where, When, Why?

[120decibels]

I've been considering buying a stand for my congas. I normally play seated. I'm curious as to what y'all think are the advantages to playing standing up with the drums on stands.

Here's how I see it. By either propping my tumba and conga on a pair of timbale sticks or putting them on LP's conga feet, I can get all 3 of my drums to project all of their sounds really well. (the quinto, of course, is tilted between my legs.) I can get whatever extra volume I need out of the sound system with a couple of mics.

I can think of two reasons to put the drums on a stand. First, there are situations when I might not be able to be mic'ed. Secondly, there is a asthetic appeal to standing.

Can any of you more experienced players add to this and help me to decide one way or the other? I know that some of it has to do with personal preference, but I'd like to hear about situations where stands work better than playing seated.

I have two old, cheap basket stands that I could use, but I might want to have all 3 drums, so I am contemplating spending some money. I'd also be interested in opinions on good stands.

Thanks,

Zach

[120decibels]

I suppose also that the drums do sound quite different when they are up on stands..... I've never been a big fan of this sound, but I'm curious to hear what others have to say.

Zach

[JohnnyConga]

iF YOUR JUST PLAYING CONGAS IT IS A PERSONAL THING AS TO HOW YOU WANT TO PLAY THEM ,NOW IF YOUR A MULTI-PERCUSSIONIST LIKE I AM I HAVE TO PLAY STANDING SO I CAN MOVE QUICKLY AROUND MY INSTRUMENTS-tIMBALES BONGOS TOYS ETC. wHEN I WAS ON THE LATIN SCENE I HAD ALWAYS PLAYED SITTING,THOUGH TODAY IT SEEMS MORE FASHIONABLE TO PLAY STANDING...AT YOUR SERVICE...JC JOHNNY CONGA...

[Bongo Boy]

Seems there's two different issues here. One is whether or not you want your congas on stands at all, vs sitting directly on the floor. The other issue is whether YOU want to be standing or not.

So...if you want to stand on your feet (or have to), then I guess you have to have stands for your drums. But, if you just want your drums off the floor (I play over carpet--the drums have to be supported by something), then of course you can still use stands yet play seated (which is what I do).

They pretty much sound like crap either way, for me, so it's really just a matter of loud crap or muffled, unstable crap. I'm opted for the former.

I use Gilbratar CS-LSP ( I think that's the model) stands. They're extremely sturdy, and provide adequate height adjustment for most congas. Kind of a goofy design tho, in a way.



Edited By Bongo Boy on Oct. 03 2002 at 18:29

[Simon B]

I find one of the problems with stands and mounted percussion in general is the cost. Cheap basket stands are no good for me if I'm standing - I'm 6'2'' and I get back-ache since they're too small. Now I looked into getting one of those sturdy double hoop stands on wheels - they all seem at least £150 (or for most of you over $200). Now that's a good new pair of bongos, which I desparately need, or a third conga, or some other instrument. For the while I'm happy sitting with my congas, my number one instrument, and occasionally working out on some bells or hand-held stuff for some colour. I'll return to my old dream about becoming the most elaborate multi-percussionist in the world and having a huge console like Airto Morreira or somebody and a million and one toys when I get enough money to pay someone to buy all the stands and the clamps required to set it all up!

Simon B

[120decibels]

Simon,

I agree. I stand about 6'1" and have trouble with stands. However, they make some nice (read expensive) stuff these days.

I think I've decided to stay seated for my current gig with a regaee/latin rock band. I can mic my congas, sit on my cajon, put the bongos on a stand, and have a trap table for my shakers and other toys. I don't know that I'll ever have an Airto-esque setup, but I'll do my best.

Thanks,

Zach

[Simon B]

I can mic my congas, sit on my cajon, put the bongos on a stand

Hi Zach

What make of cajon do you have? It is a good height for conga playing I take it?

Simon B

[120decibels]

Simon,

I made my cajon. The one I was speaking of here is a large box that I use as a seat. It is 19" (H) x 13" (D) x 12" (H). The 19" height is perfect for me when I'm playing congas. I put an old seat cushion on it, too.

I am working on some new ones with better materials. I was really happy with my first try, but I've had some conversations with people, thought about the acoustics, and I think I'm ready to make another. Maybe I'll put some snares in this one.

I'm also going to try to make some conga-like ones. I am designing them after the Fat Congas cajones.

Zach

[congabebe]

hi,
I struggled with this also. I have a CP conga double stand with the memory lock, a universal stand for the 3rd drum. I have to play standing and the double stand has that tripod on the bottom, if I use 3 drums I end up trying to step on it or feel my feet are cramped, so I am thinking about converting to all baskets stands, except the prices on the good ones are high. The Universal stand is good but it wobbles and needs to be tightened alot. Plus, changing heights is troublesome with 3 legs, 2 bolts for each leg. And the basket stand will not adjust low enough for me to use while sitting. I have had to play standing because of 'space' issues on stage. I want to add other instruments on stands but there is barely room for a trap table. I tried the rubber feet made by LP. And they are awkward. So, for now, I am standing. And on the plus side, my playing is louder when standing. I have a problem getting the slaps and volume that I want and I can be more aggressive standing. So, it is better for me to stand when with the band.

my 2 cents,
Congabebe