congaplace.com

I'm interested in buying the Pearl Primero Pro Congas with traditional head sizes 11 3/4 and 12 1/2 http://www.interstatemusic.com/webapp/w ... &langId=-1. The set is only $359.00 without stands, with stands they're about $60 more. I guess Pearl just started making the Primero's with pro head sizes last year. I've seen that a nice amount of people have recommended the Primero pro congas with the 10 and 11 in. heads, so I figured that the pro sizes would be much better especially since they are the same price as the 10"/11" set at Musiciansfriend. I'm wondering if anyone owns them or has used them and what they think of them. This will be my first set of congas and I'm on a pretty small budget, so it seems like a good deal. I would really appreciate any information you can offer thanks.

conguera2,

Nothing personal against Pearl Primero Pro Congas, but, since you mentioned that you're on a small budget, for about $100 less each, you can buy the very attractive Gon Bops Tumbao Pro, also at pro sizes. What I especially like about them are their sleek-looking contour traditional chromed rims. IMO, they're the one of the best-looking and most-efficiently designed rims. They're the same rims put on Gon Bops' top-of-the-line California Series congas which now sell for around $1,000 each (net).

Prices for the Gon Bops Tumbao Pro are $239.99 for the 11-1/2" conga and $279.99 for the 12-1/4" tumbao at Interstate Music (http://www.interstatemusic.com/webapp/w ... =900206541).

Gon Bops, if you haven't heard about it, are owned by DW (Drum Workshop) makers of some of the finest, if not the finest, drum kits in the world.

Best of luck in your drum search,

2nd thread deleted (duplicate)

post from KING CONGA:

KING CONGA wrote:Hi conguera2. Good choice. That is no doubt a good buy. These sizes are definitely ideal because they give you room to grow as you become more experienced. Also, one of the things that impresses me about the pearl congas is their hardware, very good. I have no doubt that you will be happy with them. If you do decide to get them please post some pictures for us.

PS. Welcome to the forum, your going to enjoy it.

Here are photos of the Gon Bops Tumbao Pro available in 3 finishes: Burnt Toast Burst, Mahogany and Natural.

IMO, they have one of the best looking and functioning crowns/rims available.

And for the price (from low $200 to high $200), it's an awesome value.

Btw, I'm neither employed by Gon Bops/DW nor any of their dealers. I'm just a very satisfied Gon Bops customer and can vouch for both the excellent performance and quality of their products.

I have a Tumbao Pro conga and tumba on order, in mahogany, and it's hard to wait for their arrival. Based on the Tumbao Pro bongos which I purchased for one of my sons, they will be top notch all the way as far as the shells and the hardware, although the skins that come with them will be water buffalo. Even if you factor in the cost of replacement skins, they will be a great value.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I did look at the Gon Bops a couple of months ago, but I won't have that amount of money for a long while. I just graduated high school last month and will be going to college soon. It would probably be next summer before I could save up enough for the Gon Bops. I've wanted a set of congas since last November, so I really wouldn't want to wait that long to get some. They do look like nice congas though. I haven't seen any other deal like the Pearl congas it's really hard to find pro sized congas for under 400 dollars. Plus I've heard a lot of good things about Pearl congas. Now I'm just waiting for the Guitar Center near me to get them in stock, so I can try them out. I probably will upgrade at some point, but not until I have a full time job. Thanks for the information and I definitely will post pictures when I get them. If anyone has played them and could tell me what you thought I'd still appreciate it thanks again.

You are right, I was thinking you were contemplating $359 per drum or thereabouts, rather than $359 for the pair. My pair of Gon Bops totaled $519 so that would be an $80 per drum upper. That looks like a great price! It looks like a very good deal to me. Like the Gon Bops the hardware should be strong and substantial, and with good shells and hardware, the upgrade path is to great skins anyway.

conguera2,

Sorry, I didn't notice that you wrote that Interstate Music is offering the Pearl Primero Pro Congas set for only $359. I don't think you can beat that price. I say go for it. At this price, you shouldn't go wrong with these drums. Pearl is one of the top drum makers.

Btw, I've had great experience with Interstate Music. I've bought quite a good number of drum accessories from them. Their prices are very competitive, delivery is prompt and customer service is quite courteous. I wouldn't hesitate dealing with them again in the future.

Best of luck.