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wood shrunk metal bands loose.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 4:40 pm
by godskin
On my 2 floatunes there is a narrow metal band.
I have never encountered these on a conga and I wonder what their fuction is.
There conga's are almost 30 years old so the wood has shrunk a bit and the bands are loose.
I removed the one on the quinto because It vibrated when I played it.

Will not having these band have some negative impact ?
Could I replace them with maybe 2 connected long tie straps ?

Re: wood shrunk metal bands loose.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 5:06 pm
by KING CONGA
Greetings godskin.
The thought behind bands is that they help to keep stable the drum's integrity, keeping it together in case the staves start to come loose, however, The glues that are being used now a days to construct most modern drums are of higher quality, stronger that in the past therefore eliminating the need for bands.
So, more times than not, the bands are more cosmetic, maintaining a more traditional look.
In other words, I would not worry about having them on, if the drums have not split in 30 they probably won't.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
K.C.

Re: wood shrunk metal bands loose.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 5:07 pm
by Mike
You could do without them,
I once owned a pair of Afro congas,
and the bands were also loose.
In my opinion they do not add much to the
stability of the shell.

P.S.: Still enjoying your Reiche congas? :wink:

Edit: I have just noticed this is my post #2000.
Gee, I think I´ll have to retire now :lol:

Re: wood shrunk metal bands loose.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 5:28 pm
by godskin
Thanks guys I already thought there was nothing to worry about.
Good to have this confirmed. :D
I willl keep to bands of, you dont even see it with the skins mounted.

@ mike.
The reiches have been on a holliday they just arrived back home this weekend so I did not have much time to play them.
Thanks for the the good deal on the meinl lugs and shields.
Now I can get those floatunes in great shape.

Dont retire bro I think you still have a lot of sence in you :)

Re: wood shrunk metal bands loose.

PostPosted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 9:41 pm
by Ebongo
Nice looking shells for 30 years.