Evans/LP synthetic heads LOL

[Tonio]

Ok whats the deal on the these fake heads? LP has an OEM synthetic head made by Evans and costs more?? Whats up with that?
why would someone buy a LP synthetic head for a price gouging when you can get a Evans-which is exactly the same thing for less?

On another note, I noticed some old school -big names use the synthetic heads. Other than the tempurature/humidity, no tunning issues, are there other considerations as to why congueros like them?
I do hve a Remo fyberskin on my macho bongo.

T

[Raymond]

First thing...

Evans heads with LP logos....Yes, they will cost more is marketing..Get the Evans without the logos if the price is a problem....Some people like to have the heads with the brand of the conga logo...so it will cost you more if you want them...

Second...discussed here in various posts of this forum are the various opinions and/or issues about synthetic heads... Besides what you bring which is true...Synthetic heads are nicer to your hands. (Somebody also brought up that in some places are easier to get than natural heads and in case while traveling or in a gig a head breaks...is easier to replace). Furthermore, you get a more "consistant" sound...You know what sound are you going to get...That is not true with natural heads sometimes...

Also, be aware that some famous players are being approached by the major synthetic manufacturers for endorsement and they agree because is the "right business thing to do" but some do not even use them in gigs or care...Again, marketing!

Saludos!

[LDP]

I can only speak for myself, but I'm a big fan of the Remo NuSkyn heads, mainly for the reasons you've already mentioned. I find that natural heads are best for recording, or for playing in a studio, but if I'm out at a club there's less of a need for a "pure" tone and more of a need for consistency. Natural drumheads of different sizes will expand and contract at different rates, and the more drums you're playing on, the more out-of-tune with each other they'll get in a hot environment. It's even more of a pain if you're tuned to a specific key. Synthetic skins let you concentrate on playing, rather than having to constantly tune and re-tune your heads. Plus, they're much more forgiving of sweat

[Tonio]

Hola Raymond,
Yes it appears marketing is a big factor, plus the gigging needs. As far as the logo matching the drum. I can agree with that sentiment, especially if you are an endorser-Martin would love that LOL.

LDP -agreed, I don't think I can handle using a synthetic head for recording, unless there is a specific sound thats called for.
To me moisture/tunning is the greatest application for this, especially on macho bongo. I used to go through alot natural skins. Tubs, its just not for me. May be a good back up on the road and " constintancy".

T

[Bongorific]

I was recently at a local store called Woodwind & Brasswind..they were perchased by Music 123. Their percussion department is much larger than Guitar Center. Anyway I was shopping a meihl(sp) bongo stand for some new Tumba bongos...Anyway remo bongos on a stand that caught my eye.
I was very impressed with the sound of Remo Fiberskyn. very crisp and cutting. While it isn't as earthy as "Real" skins very plesant. Could be very usefull in a loud Band situation. Hard to discribe but I'm probably going to get some synthetic (Remo like Bongos) with plastic heads for Rock aplications. I'll still use real bongos and skins in more traditional sessions.
I claimed never to want electronic drums but I have Rolands and Handsonic now. You must be open to change even if it is difficult.

Peace

Bongo

[Whopbamboom]

I think it might also depend on the drum....

I have heard Remo Fiberskyn's on Pearl fiberglass bongo's, and they made a nice crisp sound. Sounded real good to me.

But, I have a Remo NuSkyn head (14"), and it does not sound very good on either a Remo djembe or a Remo tubano. Sounds like the "boing" you get when bouncing that cheap plastic kids' ball on the floor at the local K-Mart store...

Not sure how NuSkyn sounds on conga's, but my point is, it probably will depend on the drum type as well. Or even the size of the drum.

[JohnnyConga]

Just give me "skin on skin" ..can't feel them "artificial" skins when i play ....plastic heads have changed the sound of the drum....and to me they sound like "garbage cans"...not congas...but that's me....the guys using them use them cause they get them for free from the drum company's and I'll bet they have real skins on drums at home....for us "pro's" that are Endorsed by a drum company ( I'm Endorsed by Pearl), if we land a major tour or any tour, whatever equipment we need to use is provided for us...and most cats on tour choose the 'plastic' heads because they stay in tune and no weather effect on them...to each his own...."JC" Johnny Conga...

[congamyk]

I would never use synthetic heads on the conga or tumba.
To me those drums require the fullness and ripeness of skin for sure.

Now quinto.... yeah maybe. It keeps the tuning high and maintenance free. But I don't play quinto much at all.