congaplace.com

Anyway, I am not sure if I like the black mirror hardware finish.
A bit more than gold, but chrome (or even brushed stainless steel
is still the winner for me.
Each to his own though.

I had a set of gold LP's Giovanni Galaxy congas for years. They did their job really well and I liked them when I got them. Lot's of people seemed to have an issue with the hardware though, but it didn't really matter to me. They were set up with good heads and sounded great.

Everything I have now is chrome and I have 2 drums with black anodized hardware from SOS. I like the mat finish of the anodized hardware, funny thing is that people seem to underestimate what the drums actually are because the hardware isn't shiny - sort of like they're "dressed down". Suits me just fine

I have the blackened hardware on my new generation marianos and some rockin dark skins from Manito. I like the darker hardware, dark skin and dark wood look. I would even go with unpolished stainless steel in the future. Never seen the anodized hardware though. Just my tastes.

marcus

Saludo, sweat from the hands deteriorate the gold hardware finish. That is what I seen. I either use Chrome, SS or black hardware, to me it does not matter. Congas, Bongos & Timbales are meant to be play.