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Traditional Crowns vs. Comfort Curve

PostPosted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:37 pm
by torpedo tom
Why does it seem that traditional crowns are more preferred over the comfort curve crowns to the point of changing perfectly good/new comfort curve crowns for extra cost after-market traditionals?

Re: Traditional Crowns vs. Comfort Curve

PostPosted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 8:11 pm
by KING CONGA
One word, Tradition.
I have had them both but really prefer the traditional crown over the comfort curve.
There is something about a traditional looking Conga that just captivates me, the crown the bands, not to mention the natural skins.
I did find, however, that the comfort curve is more comfortable, not to mention, that in some cases the rivets on a traditional crown sometimes become loose and so there is a need for repair.
I believe that you will find that most of the Congueros that have been playing longer would lean more towards the traditional Conga.
My 2 cts.
Cheers.
K.C.

See attached Image showing a classic example of traditional congas, Requena and Skin on Skin side by side.
I titled this picture "Two legends meet" :mrgreen:

Re: Traditional Crowns vs. Comfort Curve

PostPosted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 2:27 pm
by burke
Although I've never re skinned comfort curve myself I think I've read its more difficult than traditional rims.

Re: Traditional Crowns vs. Comfort Curve

PostPosted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 4:47 pm
by Mike
burke wrote:Although I've never re skinned comfort curve myself I think I've read its more difficult than traditional rims.


It IS!
Especially with thick and stubborn skins.
Wrestling with alligators comes to mind...

Re: Traditional Crowns vs. Comfort Curve

PostPosted: Thu Feb 13, 2014 10:38 am
by Gallichio
I love the traditional rims. (shown on the Volcanos and Slingerlands) I believe it's because it was what I learned on. I believe if you have good technique you will never hurt your hands on the old style rims. It helps you learn that really fast. Comfort curves are OK but I feel at home with the traditional. In fact I wish my LP Galaxy fiberglass had traditional rims . Anyone have a set of 4 LP gold tone traditional rims to trade for comfort curves? I don't know if they sell them for all 4 sizes. I also like the quarter round rims. (Shown on Volcano Bongos)I think they look just as nice as traditional and are a bit easier on the hands/fingers, They could be the best of both worlds.

Re: Traditional Crowns vs. Comfort Curve

PostPosted: Thu Feb 13, 2014 4:05 pm
by Omelenko1
As a small child in Cuba I grew up looking at tumbadoras by Vergara and Requena, that classic Cuban look (steamline) has stuck with me forever. I hate the looks of comfort curved crowns and of goldplated hardware, give me traditional crowns always!

Re: Traditional Crowns vs. Comfort Curve

PostPosted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:50 am
by congamyk
I agree with everyone above.
The traditional look is the classic look.
Once you get used to seeing the conga that way, the comfort curve rims look bulky and tacky.
I also like the feel of the traditional rim barely missing my hand as I play - it keeps my technique straight!