Ready For Custom Made Congas

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Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby afrocubarico » Sat Jun 17, 2017 9:34 pm

Hello everyone & Happy Father's Day!
After owning a set of LP Classic congas for over 10 years, I'm ready to own a set of custom made wood congas but I'm not sure which set to go with. A few years ago I admired the ISLA Percussion congas but I understand they're no longer being made. These will be mostly for home use as I only play for fun but I do want a set that sounds really good. I prefer the warm, rich sound from wood congas with mule skins. What makers do you guys suggest I look into? I did reach out to Manito Percussion as the solid shell drums intrigue me however, they're pretty pricey and will probably take close to a year to be made.

Do you guys think that solid shells are worth the extra expense and wait time or should I go with stave wood congas? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!



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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby Psych1 » Sun Jun 18, 2017 5:32 pm

You couldn't do better than the JCR's that Mr. Rumba has listed here. Not cheap but well worth it and should go up in value over time. Big plus, made in Da Bronx!!
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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby afrocubarico » Sun Jun 18, 2017 10:11 pm

Hi Pshych1,
Yes, I saw those and I was tempted to reach out to him but I'm looking for a set of three drums (quinto, segundo, hembra) and I think he only has two drums for sale. Do you, or anyone else, know who's making custom made drums nowadays? Thanks!
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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby carlito » Tue Jun 20, 2017 5:40 am

Hi afrocubarico,

maybe the new Meinl Congas are interesting for you. They are made first time with three ply, before Meinl has made Congas with two ply, and they should have mule Skins. If you buy this drums, please check the mule skins, wether they are really mule and not buffalo, because at first production the factory has a little misunderstanding. :wink:

https://meinlpercussion.com/products/Pr ... e-headline

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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby afrocubarico » Tue Jun 20, 2017 4:22 pm

Hello Carlito,
Thank you for your response. MEINL congas, aren't they mass produced drums? If so, I rather stay with my LP Classics. I'm interested in custom made wood drums, not anything that is mass produced. The problem is that I'm not sure who is making congas nowadays, it seems to be a dying art. ISLA Percussion and MERPAC are no longer producing drums. I reached out to Volcano Percussion and received an email that they're currently in the process of moving and are not making any drums.

I did reach out to Manito Percussion and they would take about a year to make and are also quite expensive. I do admire those solid shell drums of his, they are beautiful and judging from the YouTube videos, they sound great! I'm just trying to see who else is currently making custom made congas. I'm even willing to buy a used set (quinto, conga, tumba) that are in excellent condition. As far as the skins, I do like Mule skins but it's not a must. As long as they're not synthetic heads. Thank you again Carlito and if you come across anyone that is currently making quality custom drums, please let me know.


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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby carlito » Wed Jun 21, 2017 7:57 am

Hello Robert,

yes its correct, Meinl produced en mass instruments, the same as LP. Maybe in the same factory in Thailand but I don't know it, it's my guess.

I know two little factorys in Germany, they have good critiques.

http://www.simonsen-holzart.de/munz-und ... conga.html

http://www.bauerpercussion.de/
this homepage is currently not available

You wrote Merperc, did you mean Moperc? This manufacturer should still produce Congas. And I have read from a Polish manufacturer, but I have not remembered his name. This drums are made from whole wood like Manito.

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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby Chtimulato » Wed Jun 21, 2017 11:41 am

Hi everybody.

Speaking of german builders, there's also this one : http://www.reiche-trommelbau.de/

The prices seem interesting.

If you're looking for solid construction congas, you may have a look at this page : http://www.rhythmhousedrums.com/. The maker is also forum member here.

Since you seem to live in the USA, you've certainly heard of Matt Smith's Ritmo. A long time waiting, a certainly high price, but it's worth it.

You can also try to find second (or more) hand drums : SOS, Junior, JCR, as Psych1 said, Valje, Gon Bops. They seem rather easy to find for US members, in comparison to here in Europe anyhow. And you should be satisfied with them.

Good luck.
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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby afrocubarico » Fri Jun 23, 2017 2:57 am

Hey guys, I checked out MOPERC's website and sent an email to Michel who provided me with some info on his custom made congas. I checked out his latest models on his Facebook page, The Rumbero Series, and boy they look and sound insane!! Those are just the type of drums I'm looking for. I will more than likely be placing an order with him for a set of three drums, I just need to find out what method of payment he accepts. I'm super excited!!!

Thank you Carlito for letting me know that MOPERC is still making drums. I thought I read somewhere on this forum that they were no longer producing drums. Thank you guys for your suggestions!!!


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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby carlito » Fri Jun 23, 2017 6:17 am

You're welcome Roberto! If you buy a new set please let us see the new congas. :wink:

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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby afrocubarico » Fri Jun 23, 2017 4:01 pm

Oh absolutely! I will definitely share pics. Btw, the picture below shows the drums I want and the exact color. They're his latest model, The Rumbero Series, made with Ash wood.


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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby carlito » Mon Jun 26, 2017 9:52 am

Mopercs Congas are fine Instruments. I would buy also a Quinto, Conga and Tumba, but I think shipping costs to Europe are very expensive.
I would be interested in the quality and the sound difference between ash, marple and mahogany. Is there any specialist for wood and sound?

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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby windhorse » Tue Jun 27, 2017 1:14 pm

carlito wrote:interested in the quality and the sound difference between ash, maple and mahogany.


Carlito, they're all about the same. The Ash Mopercs will serve you well! Excellent choice!
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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby carlito » Wed Jun 28, 2017 6:43 am

windhorse wrote:Carlito, they're all about the same. The Ash Mopercs will serve you well! Excellent choice!



Thx for your answer, maybe you're right, it interested me.
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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby afrocubarico » Wed Jun 28, 2017 4:40 pm

The Ash Mopercs will serve you well! Excellent choice![/quote]


Thanks windhorse! I just sent Michel my deposit for the Rumbero drums! I truly cannot wait to have these in my home. I'll share pics once they come in!
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Re: Ready For Custom Made Congas

Postby Derbeno » Mon Jul 10, 2017 9:10 am

Good choice
Echale candela, p'afinar los cueros
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