congaplace.com

Hey everyone! First post!
I'm going to buy my first set of congas from pearl and I'm trying to decide between the elite and primero pro. I know that the main differences are the heads, hardware and handles, but is there a huge quality difference?

Wiesty wrote:Hey everyone! First post!
I'm going to buy my first set of congas from pearl and I'm trying to decide between the elite and primero pro. I know that the main differences are the heads, hardware and handles, but is there a huge quality difference?

Welcome Wiestly. WADR, I believe that you just answered your own question.
You need a drum that will grow with your playing skills. If you get drums with cheep/mediocre hardware or skins, which is what I did because then I did not know any better nor did I know of congaplace, you will regret it. This hardware tends to buckle and/or bend. Also, the better the skin the better the sound.
Make the investment and spend a little more, you wont regret it.
Hope this helps.
Take care and once again, welcome to congaplace.
Cheers
K.C.

The Elite for sure. It will be a drum that will carry you for many years.

Wiesty wrote:... is there a huge quality difference?

There IS, be sure!
The Elite are very fine congas, the primero more or less crappy beginner "congas".
If you can spare the extra cash, by all means do ot and get the Elite set!

I think my mind was already made up...but my wallet was disagreeing! Either way, I decided to order the the Elite series!
Quinto, Conga and Tumba in natural finish, all for $800

Cant wait for them to arrive!

Good Man! that's the right choice.

I bought my first set of congas back in 1990, they were a set of solid wood Pearl congas. 31" tall, deep bass tones, traditional hardware, wine red color. I ended up trading them on some Giovani Galaxy congas and looking back, it was a questionable decision. The Pearl's were still in great shape after 15 years and had I known more about heads back then I would have just switched out the heads and kept them.

Funny story was that someone I met years later showed up at my house to rehearse with my old Pearl drums! It was such a weird experience watching the drums come through the door about 5 years after I traded them and thought they were gone for ever. I ended up helping her switch out the heads and now they sound great! 23 years old and they're in great shape, round, no cracks, finish has held up, hardware is in good shape etc.

Please let us know when they arrive and how you like them ok?
Congrats, happy for you.

I bought a set of 3 Elites 6 years ago and I still love 'em