picture thread

[vinnieL]

nothing wrong with that set of drums! Ardientes actually sound nice i played a set that belong to a friend. Enjoy brother thats what it's all about. We can't fall into the conga world version of keeping up with the jones's if we do the rat race will never end. At the end of it all it's about playing and loving what you do. Thank you helping to keep this thread going it's really enjoyable seeing what everyone plays.

[CongaTick]

Thanks Vinnie. For me, it's always been technique, technique and technique....making those beaters give me some love....I would have a very hard time giving up on them, even if I could afford higher end replacements. Those women have been very good to me. Losing them would be painful.

[Mike]

Hey Congatick,
that original Palisades Park glass tumba must sound awesome with Isaac´s mule on it
A living memory!
I know exactly how you feel: You have grown very fond of them, like in a lucky and happy relationship.
Be good to women that are good to you

Bottom line is: I eagerly await the Arrival of my original Palisades Park glass QUINTO that I have won at ebay,
it is almost like waiting for a child to arrive Unfortunately the seller is not really a quick shipper, so i am really getting the heebie-jeebies right now. But hopefully I will be able post some picture in the near future..

All the best
Mike

[CongaTick]

Yeah Mike,
That old glass tumba is sweet. Very sensitive to "micro" tuning. Hang in bro... they'll be there, and when they are you can start "falling in love again."

[docarroyo]

While surfing I found this interesting photo of Marlon Brando and the Cuban Poet Guilermo Cabrera Infante. The drum appears to be a Vergara, the photo was taken on one of Marlons visits to Havana back int the 50's. Supposedly he went to Cuba to pick up a drum because he wanted the best. I have gathered on the web that there was a sale of the Brando estate and some of his congas were auction off. Boy would I liked to have known about that.

[docarroyo]

Another photo of Brando playing a drum

[akdom]

Hi all.


I am so happy to see some old and beat up drums in here... I own very old drums and I feel less lonely now lol.

My drums are instruments and not furniture. They are scratched everywhere and rusty but they sound amazingly great! I have to change washers and even hooks every now and then (thanks to Galou by the way) but they are so loyal to me and the skins are so good (thanks Galou again ) and they sound so great.

I would love to have new impeccable drums, but I wouldn't now how to handle them.. Gigs, car trunks, drums scratching each other when playing etc...

So please post more pictures of functional drums!

Thanks and season's greetings

B

[CongaTick]

Akdom bro,

I know how you feel . Having a brand new set of Ritmos or Volcanics would scare the crap out of me. First off would need the best conga cases, then a vehicle to put all of them into. Right now my beater Ardientes are travel protected by "conga condoms" made out of old padded comforter my wife sewed together. All three drums, their stands,an 18" Remo djembe and stand, bongos, mixer, mic stands perc toy bag and throne all fit into a 4 door Mitsubishi Mirage. Imagine having to forcefully turn away all the drunks who want to play your tubs during a break or --God forbid-- actually do so while you are away from your setup taking a leak!!!. I would freak out.

[umannyt]

...Having a brand new set of Ritmos or Volcanics would scare the crap out of me. First off would need the best conga cases, then a vehicle to put all of them into...Imagine having to forcefully turn away all the drunks who want to play your tubs during a break or --God forbid-- actually do so while you are away from your setup taking a leak!!!. I would freak out.

CongaTick,

No different than having a trophy wife, I suppose!

[ABAKUA]

I agree with JC on this matter. Your drums should be an extension of how you present and carry both yourself and your playing.
For years 12 yrs I had my battle congas, a set of 3 LP Classics, which I learnt on, "came up with" and gigged with etc.They had battle scars all over them, I was young n foolsih, didnt know how to take care of them properly, would let them bang up against each other etc. That all changed once I started to get a name in the scene.
When I was offered a partial LP endorsement, I got a set of 3 new Palladiums, padded bags to suit etc etc and I endorsed the Palladiums for over a year, not a scratch on them, always bagged for travel, even if going to a rumba.
When I traded them in and got the new deal with a set of 3 Classics (dark wine red) and a Giovanni Galaxy with mule skin, I got new padded bags for them also, along with bongos, chekere's bells etc etc..
I began using and endorsing these: Racket Protection cases, hardcore industrial strength stiching and very well put together exterior canvas with padded inner case, featuring thick sheep wool/fleece interiors. Keeps the drums nice n snug. Great staps to carry as a back pack as well as very strong handles if you wish to just carry them. They are by far, the best cases I have ever seen or used in my 15 yrs of playing pro.




Have been using my current set for 3 years almost now and there is not a scratch on them. I gig 3-4 times a week, rehearse with several bands, play in rumbas etc etc and they are as they came off the showroom floor day one.





I use a large towel to cover my drums between sets or when Im not on stage before the gig etc. No motherfucker gets on my drums without me ok'ing it.

[CongaTick]

Abakua,

I've got the big towel cover in place and that seems to work, expecially since it's got "NO, YOU CAN'T PLAY MY DRUMS!' written on it in large black letters. However the cases you've invested in to care for your tubs-- are a bit out of my budget league for now.. And as for a name--- you have a strong and (what I gather, growing) rumba scene down under. We here in Philly got next to nothing. Have to also say my playing has not been focused on the traditional and folkloric (not that there's anything wrong with that, right? ) Your abilitiies and talent brought you to the attention of a critical audience and an endorsement was well deserved. I guess it's all a matter of dedication and sacrifice and the ability and resources to afford them. I'm not there. Probably will never be, and will envy with great respect those such as yourself and JC who've acquired industry recognition in a market with such diverse and strong competition. I don't necessarily believe that conga "battle scars" reflect on one's character as a musician. Somertimes it does, but not always. In any case-- please don't take my reply as an overly-sensitive defense for all of us with battle-scarred tubs. Just mine.

[KING CONGA]

So there you have my mutts. but I love them. And they love me back.

Congratulations on your drums CongaTick, the most important thing here is that you have fun with your drums, many times I think that we loose that focus, yes having a good set of SOS, Mats, volcanos or Islas etc. sure I wont lie to you it's nice but the bottom line is that no one need's this calibre drums in order to have real personal fun just like I know that you yourself will continue to enjoy them
Goza el Tambor!!!!!

[akdom]

Well, I have no case, so my drums are all scratched.... I guess this will change when I get an endorsment.. lol


Now, most of you guys are talking about people playing your drums between sets????? Now this is something I hate. But never happened to me while gigging. I do not cover my drums and no one ever came near them..

I assume that Euros are more respectful than others lol


B

[CongaTick]

Akdom,

Probably true. Unfortunately, ll too common an occurrence on my gigs. My last with a reggae/rock/funk band-- As I was wrapping up, a sweet young drunk thing wearing multiple rings on both hands wanted to play them. When I said no, she was astounded and couldn't believe it. On another gig, a bar stool patron with a snootful said he had congas at home and wanted to play. When I refused his request, his friend pleaded his case to me. My continued refusal resulted in both giving me the evil eye throughout the set and grumbling about the "asshole conga player". Never acquired an endorsement, but I have acquired a name.

[KING CONGA]

I truly believe that there are enough new comers on this forum to get this awesome thread going once again. Please post and let us see pictures of your congas, new or used we would love to see them