smaller congas

[Whopbamboom]

I'd like to add something to my set that is between bongo's and conga's in sound... something to bridge the drastic gap in sound (I have LP Gio wood bongo's and conga's).

I'm looking at adding some Jr. Conga's, and possibly, a "carribe" conga (about 9" x 21", depending on manufacturer). I know that LP has the caribe in wood, as well as the Jr. conga's in both fiberglass and wood. But there are other manufacturers out there (plenty of even cheaper ones to choose from).

My questions:

1) Do any of these smaller conga's actually sound good in their own right?
2) Recommended manufacturer, or material to look for?

[korman]

I have had opportunity to try LP junior congas during one workshop, and did not like them at all. They're too small to sound like real conga, and too deep to sound like bongo. But maybe that's what your're looking for!
And maybe they can do as changui bongos.

[Bongorific]

Hello I went through the same feelings about 15 years ago. I was playing full size matadors at the time. I found a set of Tocas 8 1/4x 24" and 9 3/4x20" came on a stand with fibrye skin heads same finish as my LP's they sounded GREAT ..were bright very quinto sounding on small one and a bridge sound on bigger one to full size congas.
Quality was good they were the Siam oak.
I played that set pro for almost 12 yrs and until some recent purchases on E-bay of some Gon Bops. I think toca makes a nice set of !3/4 size congas ...they will really add to your sound
I agree that Minis are to bassie and will not get job done to bridge from bongos to congas

[Bongorific]

here's a pic

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... 06_web.jpg

[Bongorific]

sorry wrong picture this one shows two sets..tocas on left

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... 07_web.jpg

[deadhead]

Theres a set of small Gon Bops on a stand on ebay right now, the guy is asking $900 though ??? Beautiful drumset by the way Bongorific!

[Bongorific]

I have a set of those...but didn't pay $900. guy think Calso Santanas drummer used them. their sweet but the 7 3/4 will tune up and hit middle range between bongos and conga 9" when tight sounds Quinto like. I tune low for some serious JUNGLE beats

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... eb_web.jpg

[Whopbamboom]

Thanks for the input--

I should clarify first, that I am a percussionist and not currently performing TRADITIONAL latin stuff. At least not currently (I will grow into that over time). So, I don't have to have a PERFECT bridge between conga and bongo... all I need is a decent drum sound in its own right, and I will figure out how to fit those sounds into whatever music I am working with. Heck, I even use mallets on occasion to try to get just the right sound!

Now, I did not realize that Toca had two different sizes of the 3/4-scale conga's. I can't find them on their website. Are they discontinued models?

[Bongorific]

whopbamboom, I'll do a little search of my own. my Toca's are not new andthey may have stop making them. check back and see if I've found a link. they really help climb the scale and allow you to play cromatically(does cromatic work for drums?) Anyway I'll look.
good luck and Enjoy