The Reyes model is a nice instrument and is a nice portable performing and practice aid. My comments about pairing this with the Pearl Travel Congas are only suggestions. I recommend you stick to your own plan. Most of my modifications also work well on the Pearl Practice Congas.
- Gon Bops Reyes Practice Conga
- Side View
- Bottom View
- Interior View
Beforehand, I purchased the Gon Bops Reyes Practice Conga, I had a set of Pearl Travel Congas. I was really impressed by the full tone of the Pearl Travel Congas. I tuned the Pearl set's Fiberskyn heads with duct tape to lessen the plastic overtones, oiled the interior of the wood shell with Tung oil and added rubber padding under the bases. I found the overall tone improved dramatically afterwards with a fuller warmer tonal body.
Afterwards due to my good experience with the Pearl Travel Congas, I found a Reyes Practice Conga on Ebay. I was impressed by the cutting tone but it lacked the overall tonal quality of the Pearl Travel Congas. To experiment I first used duct tape on the holes of the Reyes Practice Conga and put the drum on a towel with good results. Also, I noticed the tuning nuts were digging into the metal frame of the Reyes model. I found that when the holes of the Reyes model were covered the shell worked like a resonator like the Pearl Travel Congas.
I decided that I would like to make these modifications permanent and more visually appealing. (The duct tape on the outside looked like sh**) One thing that makes this process easier is the bottom of the Reyes model is easily removable due to a Velcro attachment.
I made the following modifications to the Reyes model with great success.
1) Tuned the Fiberskyn head to control overtones with duct tape on the interior side.
2) Closed the holes on the shell with wood paneling. I calculated the circumference by multiplying the diameter by 3.14. I accidentally cut it a little short but it worked out in the end (because I was able put a little short strip a filler). I soaked the paneling strip in my bathtub prior to bending it. I prestressed the paneling with a bending it every inch or so along the length of the piece. I fit the piece inside the shell. (The piece wants to open up but the metal shell keeps it in place with the tension between the two pieces) I also tung oil the wood later.
3) I added the rubber pad underneath the drum. I epoxy the pad on.
4) I added large washers between the tuning nuts and the metal frame. (I also used lithium grease for lubrication between the washer and nut as well on the threads)
Enjoy the drum.