by TigerBongo » Wed Aug 03, 2005 11:45 am
I'm a Meinl user (mainly because of the limited options available to me here in NZ)....I've had my Meinl Marathons (10", 11", 11 3/4" 12 1/2") since about '97 and have put them through quite abit. The stock heads that came with them were ok - but after upgrading to Isaacs skins - I don't think I'll ever go back. They now sound so much better than they ever did.
For those who are somewhat cash-strapped - buy some medium/good congas - and spend the money to get some of Isaacs heads - best thing you can do to get a great sound with out spending heaps.
The Conguero in the band 'Ritmo Latino' i play in, plays Moperc congas & bongos and also JCR bongos.....His Moperc congas are totally something else - they totally kick the butts of an of the mass-produced congas (LP,Meinl,Pearl,Toca).....he also uses heads from Isaac.
I am looking at buying another set of conga and if I don't go to the likes of Moperc, Timba or another highend manufacturer - I'll probably settle on Lp Patatos - I feel they would be a good contrast to my wood shell congas - and also i do alot of theatre and outdoor gigs during summer - so think the the patatos with nuskyns or evans heads would be the answer....