congaplace.com

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 6:33 am**

I searched the forums here before posting this question, but suprisingly didn't see this question asked before....

Pretty much a newbie looking to buy a decent set of congas. I had a set of 2 CP congas 8 years ago that played ok, but the hardware was pretty crappy (bent a couple rims) and I don't want to make that mistake again....

I have a fairly limited budget ($300-$600) and I think I'd like to just start with a set of 2 as I have a nice set of Matador Bongos and I think 2 congas plus the bongos would be just fine.

I'm looking at the LP Performer series and the LP Classic II series. In looking at the drums the LP performers are definitely a step up from the CP's in terms of hardware, and the Classic II's are even better. Guitar Center has the LP Classic II's on sale right now--you can get the set of 3 (quinto, conga, and tumba) for $600 which to me seems like a pretty good deal! I could also just buy 2--and that's where I need your help!

If I'm just getting 2 drums, should I get a Quinto and a Conga or a Conga and a Tumba???

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions!

NP

Edited By Nonprophet on 1196147109

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 6:53 am**

HI,
I RECOMMEND THE CONGA AND TUMBA. FOR THE DEEPER TONES. THEN EVENTUALLY GET A QUINTO. I WOULD STAY AWAY FROM THE LP PERFORMERS. THEY ARE NOT GOOD DRUMS.
THE CROWN WILL BEND THE TENSION HOOKS WILL BEND. AND THEY WON'T STAY IN TUNE. THE CLASSIC 2'S FORGET THOSE AS WELL. IF LP IS THE BRAND YOU WANT TO GO WITH, BY A PAIR OF LP CLASSICS. OR A PAIR OF LP MATADORS. MATADOR'S ARE EXCELLENT AFFORDABLY PRICED CONGAS.

HEY BRO PLEASE CHECK OUT MY PROFILE ON THE MYCONGAPLACE ROSTER. DOUBLE CLICK ON "ELCOQUI" AND CLICK ON THE PHOTOS AND READ THE INFO THANKS.

Edited By yambu321 on 1196146516

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:03 am**

Thanks Yambu!

Near as I can tell the only major difference between the LP Classic and the Classic II is that the Classic II's don't have the fiberglass strip on the inside of the drum over the hardware backing plates. Both the Classic and Classic II's use 5/16's hardware with six lugs, and the same rims too. I also think they use the same LP "hand picked" skins. Is there some other difference I'm missing?

I know that you almost always get what you pay for, but if the only real difference between the two LP Classics is the fiberglass strip, to me that's not that big a deal--I can add the fiberglass myself, and many drum makers don't use that anyway.

Any others have an opinion/advice?

Thanks!

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:29 am**

THE CLASSIC IS A REAL LP CONGA, THE CROWN IS SUPERIOR TO THE 2'S. THE FIBERGLASS ON THE INSIDE IS NOT THE ONLY THING. IF YOU CAN, GO BACK TO THE GUITAR CENTER AND TRULY LOOK AT EACH OF THE TWO DRUMS, LIFT THEM UP ALSO LOOK AT THE INSIDE OF THE DRUM. LP SKINS ARE NOT VERY GOOD IT IS BETTER TO UPRADE TO COWHIDE, OR STEER.

BOTH DRUMS ARE BY THE SAME MAKER ONE LP CLASSIC DRUM IS JUST ABOUT $200.00 LESS THAN THREE OF THE TWO'S. THINK ABOUT IT. YES, IN THIS CASE, YOU'LL GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. THE CLASSIC IS JUST A BETTER DRUM.

GOOD LUCK

Edited By yambu321 on 1196148777

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 12:43 pm**

Matadors. Conga and Tumba. They will serve you well under just about all conditions, are an excellent value, and with mule heads will keep you slap-happy for many years.

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:38 pm**

MEINL Marathons are also decent congas at a moderate price level.
In Germany, a set of Conga and tumba would cost you only 430 EURO - which would be about 550 US-$ I suppose.
But I guess the MEINL are more expensive in the US.
Anyway, my two cents and one thumb up for a German quality product

manufactured in Thailand

But you really get the deep, old skool conga sound out of those!

Mike

Edited By Mike on 1196174405

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:49 pm**

I can contest , I have a set of 3 meinl marathon classics with mule skins they sound as good as any mass produced tumba .

German owned meinl have got it right first time .

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 4:35 pm**

Meinl if you can, Matador's or LP Classics next.

I recommend using all your money to get the two best drums you can, which will be fine for a long time. Better to get two good drums now, instead of 3 mediocre ones.

Later on add a quinto to match if you want. You will have plenty of time to add a quinto, which are usually the least expensive drum.

Buy the best drums you can afford right now, it'll save you having to replace , or fix cheaper ones. Better drums also hold their value and are easier to sell if it comes to that.

Edited By bongosnotbombs on 1196181517

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 4:48 pm**

I can contest , I have a set of 3 meinl marathon classics with mule skins they sound as good as any mass produced tumba .

Have the skins broken in already? How do you like the sound?
Full tone and everything? I could imagine that, given the fact that MEINL Marathons are well-built and strong enough for that mule beast :;):
My only tumbadora with mule skin so far is the quinto (apart from bongos) and I like it very much.
On the other hand, I´m also very content with thick cowhide on my other (LP+Pearl) congas.

Posted: **Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:23 pm**

There is nothing wrong with buying used, as long as you inspect the drum, and are sure about it's condition.

I've seen sets of 3 LP Classics going for around $600, so finding two may not be a problem. Try ebay, and craigslist.

These original model Lp's are on Miami Craigslist right now for $400.

Edited By PRDRconguero on 1196184314

Posted: **Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:38 am**

Well, I did a little research and here's what I found.

Upon closer examination, I think that I agree with others that the Performers are very much entry level--just a step above the Aspires. The do look nice and sound good, but the rims and lugs are so-so. Better than the CP's or the Aspires, but still just ok.

The LP Classic II's are very interesting. I had a long talk with a rep at LP. The LP Classic II's are only sold through Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. They are nearly identical to the LP Classics. The Classic II's have the exact same hardware (lugs, rims, backing plates. etc.) as the LP Classics (6 8mm lugs, with 4mm rims). They use the same 2-ply siam oak staves. The only real difference (according to LP) is that the Classic II's don't have the fiberglass reinforcing strip on the inside behind the hardware, and the Classic II bodies have just a tiny bit more of a taper to them. The skins on the Classics are hand-picked rawhide (cow, I guess) and the skins on the Classic II's are hand-picked water buffalo.

I asked the rep how the Classic II's compared to the Matador Wood and Custom Wood series--he said the Classic II's are a better drum as far as LP is concerned.

So here's the deal, Classic II's retail for Quinto $545, Conga $555, and Tumba $575. Guitar Center and MF almost always have them on sale for Q $345, C $354, and T $374. But right now they are running a "holiday special" on the Classic II's-- Q $172, C $174, and T $225!!! Each store only gets one set at the promo price--so hurry!! They are considered a "loss leader" priced very low to get people in the door. When I told the LP rep what GC was selling them for on special, he was shocked! He said that at those prices they are basically selling them at cost.

I liked the Matadors, but they cost quite a bit more. I looked into the Meinl Marathons, but the 2.5mm rims seemed too thin to me.

So far, it looks to me like the Classic II's are really a pretty good deal. I wouldn't mind at all picking up a nice used set, but if they're not local (I've been looking--nothin yet)
A) you have to trust the person selling them, and B) if they're not local you have to pay shipping which can really add up!

Given what the LP rep told me about the classic II's don't they seem like a pretty good drum at the special sale price?

Thanks!

NP

Edited By Nonprophet on 1196221558

Posted: **Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:18 am**

Nonprophet wrote:Well, I did a little research and here's what I found.Given what the LP rep told me about the classic II's don't they seem like a pretty good drum at the special sale price?

Thanks!

NP

No offense to water buffalo lovers, but I've never heard that stuff sound right..
They won't be worth it, and he's wrong that the Classic 11's are better than a Matador.
Just not true :angry:

Edited By windhorse on 1196223726

Posted: **Wed Nov 28, 2007 6:41 am**

Nonprophet wrote:Well, I did a little research and here's what I found.

Upon closer examination, I think that I agree with others that the Performers are very much entry level--just a step above the Aspires. The do look nice and sound good, but the rims and lugs are so-so. Better than the CP's or the Aspires, but still just ok.

The LP Classic II's are very interesting. I had a long talk with a rep at LP. The LP Classic II's are only sold through Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. They are nearly identical to the LP Classics. The Classic II's have the exact same hardware (lugs, rims, backing plates. etc.) as the LP Classics (6 8mm lugs, with 4mm rims). They use the same 2-ply siam oak staves. The only real difference (according to LP) is that the Classic II's don't have the fiberglass reinforcing strip on the inside behind the hardware, and the Classic II bodies have just a tiny bit more of a taper to them. The skins on the Classics are hand-picked rawhide (cow, I guess) and the skins on the Classic II's are hand-picked water buffalo.

I asked the rep how the Classic II's compared to the Matador Wood and Custom Wood series--he said the Classic II's are a better drum as far as LP is concerned.

So here's the deal, Classic II's retail for Quinto $545, Conga $555, and Tumba $575. Guitar Center and MF almost always have them on sale for Q $345, C $354, and T $374. But right now they are running a "holiday special" on the Classic II's-- Q $172, C $174, and T $225!!! Each store only gets one set at the promo price--so hurry!! They are considered a "loss leader" priced very low to get people in the door. When I told the LP rep what GC was selling them for on special, he was shocked! He said that at those prices they are basically selling them at cost.

I liked the Matadors, but they cost quite a bit more. I looked into the Meinl Marathons, but the 2.5mm rims seemed too thin to me.

So far, it looks to me like the Classic II's are really a pretty good deal. I wouldn't mind at all picking up a nice used set, but if they're not local (I've been looking--nothin yet)
A) you have to trust the person selling them, and B) if they're not local you have to pay shipping which can really add up!

Given what the LP rep told me about the classic II's don't they seem like a pretty good drum at the special sale price?

Thanks!

NP

I think the classic II's are better than Matadors. You can get all 3 for $600. That's a great deal.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product....=447039

The other difference between the Classics and Classic II's are the II's don't have the comfort curve generation II hoops, which I prefer.

Posted: **Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:49 pm**

Here's some you might want to consider. They're good drums and the hardware is very strong. It looks like they have a crappy finish but that is OK. Good luck, Buckoh
[url=http://cgi.ebay.com/Conga-Congas-Meinl-Flotunes-Quinto-Conga-Tumba_W0QQitemZ330193605068QQihZ014QQcategoryZ380
94QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]http://cgi.ebay.com/Conga-C....iewItem[/url]

Posted: **Wed Nov 28, 2007 5:44 pm**

Brother,

seriously, if these dont have cracks or other big problems,

They are way nicer than anything talked about so far.

Others will back me on this one, this is a fat deal for a great set.

[url=http://cgi.ebay.com/Conga-Congas-Meinl-Flotunes-Quinto-Conga-Tumba_W0QQitemZ330193605068QQihZ014QQcategoryZ380
94QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]http://cgi.ebay.com/Conga-C....iewItem[/url]

have fun,

Tony

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

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Which Congas: Tumba, Quinto, or Conga?