Meinl Free Ride Bongo

[torpedo tom]

I have found a set of new old stock Meinl Free Ride Bongo for sale. They are of the same series as my MEINL Pro congas. They are 7 inch and 8 1/2 inch and are $279 w/free shipping. Is this a good deal or not? Please advise. Thanks, Torpedo Tom

[Mike]

Depending on where you are located, I find it pretty expensive, espeially if you are looking at this set:
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend ... sku=445094

[caballoballo]

I would rather buy the new LP Dandy Rodriguez signature series for only $245 at Steve Weise even if they charge shipping. Is a 7" & 9" traditional Crowns Ect. I am not a fan of mass produce stuff but Dandy took part on the desing ,he knows what to look for in a Bongo to make it sound good. With a good set of skins that should be ok. I do not know why Meinl invented that free ride device because playing inside a rhytm section will not make any difference soundwise. just my opinion

[torpedo tom]

Depending on where you are located, I find it pretty expensive, espeially if you are looking at this set:
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend ... sku=445094

No Mike, the ones I'm looking at are the 400 series.

[Mike]

Depending on where you are located, I find it pretty expensive, espeially if you are looking at this set:
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend ... sku=445094

No Mike, the ones I'm looking at are the 400 series.

Alright, but I would still back up Caballoballo, the LP Dandy Rodriguez Bongos will exceed the Meinls as far as I have heard so far.

[korman]

Have you played Meinls before? While they're well made and good sounding bongos that can really cut through, I would say they are mostly appropriate for playing on a stand.
They are a bit on the heavy side (though by no means the heaviest I've seen). And the "free ride" system makes them wider, and does not allow you to rotate the hardware for more comfortable holding between your legs.

[Mike]

Have you played Meinls before? While they're well made and good sounding bongos that can really cut through, I would say they are mostly appropriate for playing on a stand.
They are a bit on the heavy side (though by no means the heaviest I've seen). And the "free ride" system makes them wider, and does not allow you to rotate the hardware for more comfortable holding between your legs.

I agree with you in all points! Yes, I have tried out Meinl bongos, and they are by no means bad.
the "free ride" system is not bad either, but I prefer a wooden center block that keeps macho and hembra closer together for seated playing.
It is funny, I have seen many pros using Meinl bongos on a stand indeed, e.g. this one http://www.westcoastdrums.com/mefrriwosebo.html

The reason why Caballoballo as well as me would still opt for the LP Rodriguez model if given chance and finance is the fact that the artist himself has given much input into the production, and who would not acknowledge Johnny Rodriguez as one of the leading bongoceros?

[OLSONGO]

Mike for that kind of money I can get 1 solid piece of wood bongos , not staves. And solid hardware. 3/8 hooks.
Paz
Olsongo

[No.2-1820]

hey Tom, where are you ? If your are local to me I have a lovely set of those with upgraded skins I would sell you for 200, they are as new, they were my starter set before i got jcr's, great sound but I like to rotate the hardware now. Oh and I switched the hardware to LP trad rims, much nicer.

Barrie