DRUMMER CAFE - Community Forum

My wonderful wife picked up a the 11&12" Meinl Headliner Conga set with maple finish (hc512ma - http://meinlpercussion.com/products/meinl_percussion/congas/headlinerseries1112congas.html).  It's a very pretty set.  I've not spent any time learning about Congas to date and I'm not planning on making it my main hobby but I do want to fool around and develop some facility with them.  A percussionist friend is coming over tomorrow to help tune and to look em over.  Just looking for some input on from the cafe members regarding these babies. 

Anyone played em?  What do you think? 

This set came with the basket style stands - they seem sturdy and adjustable how do they compare to the tripod style stand?

Comes with hand selected buffalo heads. They seem more like synthetic heads to me, at least compared to the calf skin or goat skin heads I've seen on other instruments.  Are these good heads?  Would you recommend replacing?

I have banged on these at drum stores. they sound very decent for the cost, which is very cheap. they definitely fit te bill as bang around congas for fun. comparable to lp aspires.
I would prefer these budget meinls, to the lp, to  tell the truth.

basket stands are great. very sturdy and very light, which is better, usually than te heavier stands on wheels.

the stock heads are going to be ok when tuned up higher. if you arent planning on being much of a conga player, I wouldnt bother changing them out for something better. they should sound fine when tuned, and played w something resembling a practiced technique.

have fun! 8)

Thanks for the great feedback.  A friend came over and said the same thing.  He helped tune them up nicely and they sound very good.  We will definately have some fun with these babies.

Hey eardrum, if you dont mind me asking, how much were those congas?  I am looking into buying a pair and am not sure how much I should spend.

These were a little under $300 at a local store.  I checked around and found em for $289 online.  If there's not a big price difference we usually give the business to the local shops.