Drum Combinations - Which drums?

[120decibels]

I have a quinto, a conga and a tumba. When at home, I play all three. Normally, I play them in a V pattern with the quinto between my legs, the segundo (conga) to my left and the tumba to my right. Therfore, when I play patterns for two drums, I end up playing my quinto and tumba.

My question is, when I go someplace where I only want two drums, which two should I take? I'm sure that this is a matter of personal preference and playing environment, but I would appreciate it if some of the more experienced folks could share their practices.

When I first started with these drums, I took out my conga and tumba when I took out two drums. However, this seem illogical, because I was practicing with the quinto and tumba (mostly). Also, I notice that a lot of my buddies who own three drums but often gig with two will bring out thier quinto and tumba.

Any thoughts?

Zach

[JohnnyConga]

HI ...THE Normal routine is Quinto -tumba. Just remember that the quinto isn't always tuned too high,when using 2 drums. Normally the tuning is a 4th apart G to C. And when using three then u can crank up the quinto a little more . My tuning for 3 drums is G- Bflat-C sharp or the octave C. For me that is the way I like to hear my congas. You may like to hear them differently. try different tunings,have fun.....At your Service...JC JOHNNY CONGA...

[120decibels]

Johnny,

Thanks.

Why the Bflat? It just seems like an odd set of intervals with the Bflat in there.

Also, I am curious about the quinto C. When I try to tune my quinto to middle C (C4), it rings for a long time and the overtones seem to take over the sound. If I tune it the octave up (C5), it sounds more like that cuban sound, with the initial tone and just a few short ringing overtones. I tend to like the higher pitch.

I guess my basic questions are: How did you come to those intervals? Do the intervals and notes that you tune to change from one set of drums (and heads) to the next? The acoustic engineer in me wants to know!

Thanks again,

Zach

[michael rosario]

answer to you question. if you have to take 2 drums to a gig or rehearsal take you quinto and tumbadora... these 2 drums have the greates range of tone you can tune the quinto a little low and the tumba a little high.. in most cases there is a inche and a half between the drums which is perfect
for tone range.. quinto congas too close in range, conga tumba too close in range... quinto/ tumbadora is the way to go.. good luck fyodor21@aol.com

[JohnnyConga]

Actually it is a way that Patato tunes his drums,and I kinda like that configuration of notes,or as i say in tuning from the old song 'It's cheaper to keep her". tumba quinto/segundo tumba quinto/segundo. But play around with the sounds . Some guys like to tune low and others high,it's just personal preference, outside of "traditional' tuning. Hope it helps...At your Service ....JC JOHNNY CONGA...

[120decibels]

Thanks Johnny and all those who have straightend me out.

Johnny,

I guess that the tuning is just a matter of personal preference (as many have posted here before). I've been working with your G Bb C tuning lately, and it's growing on me. The minor third between the conga and tumba and the whole step or ninth between conga and quinto took a bit of getting used to, but I'm really starting to dig having a minor interval to play with.

Thanks,

Zach

[JohnnyConga]

Hi ...I like that "off sounding" minor 3rd,for me it adds more to a melodic sounding approach with the 9th added. Plus it's the way that kinda sets me apart musically from other tunings. Glad u like it,but don;t stop there keep experimenting with intervals...At your Service...JC JOHNNY CONGA