by PowerSemantic » Sat Oct 15, 2011 4:09 pm
Leedy2, what you say about these being sub-matador (either on this or one of the other two threads that has sprung up) seems right.
What I've noticed about LP is most of their professional congas are sold separately as a matter of course: think Giovanni, Classic, Matador, and some of the other signature and designer drums. If you want to buy a set with stands, its usually between the dealer and you if you want a good deal.
Budget lines tend to be sold bundled together with stands or bongos or both: CP, Aspire, Caliente, Classic II, Performer, Ardiente, even Matador Custom -- of course these drums are not created equal, but none of them approach the Classic model in quality. A lot of those lines are also "exlusively" distributed by the big box stores. Beginners think they're getting a great value, and then a year later craigslist is full of unplayed student drums that nobody wants (especially "Caliente"). That's LP's strategy, and it probably helps their bottom line.
Here comes "GO-DPS" ahead of LP themselves with an exclusive line of their own, same height and head size as Aspire, sold in bundles. Nice looking, but a little gimmicky. Its a shame they don't put traditional rims on any of their professional drums anymore.
My 2 cents.