Hi!  I just found this forum and it looks pretty good so I joined.

Anyway, I play LP Giovanni congas (quinto, conga, tumba) and I have custom-made cowhide heads for my conga and tumba - they sound great!  Very musical - like plucking a string.

My problem is that my friend who made the heads for me has ldft the country and I'm stuck with the stock buffalo head on my quinto.  It sounds exactly like the sound you would get if you slapped a small buffalo.  ugh!

I'm trying to order a head from Mountain Rythym because their heads sound really good but I don't have any idea if it will actually fit.   Besides, ordering anything from Mountain Rythym seems to be virtually impossible.

Any other suggestions?  anybody know a good "crafter of quality quinto heads"?

Thanks!
Al

Thanks!  I emailed him after checking out his store on eBay.

I'm a little bit concerned about how dry the mule skin might be.  I don't want my quinto to sound like a djembe but, I might give it a try because I'm sure it will be better than the LP junk head that's on there now.  That head is only good for sharp slaps and to hold the place of where a real head should be!  ;-)

Thanks for the tip!  Having never played mula heads, I didn't know how to answer when Isaac asked me if I preferred thick or thin.  So, you're saying I should probably go with thick?  His prices are good so, I'm tempted to order one of each and see how they play/sound.

BTW - I don't know if it makes any difference but, I tend to tune my quinto up high - almost into the requinto range.  I think what I really want is a requinto to add to my set but I think my wife isn't ready for that yet.  ;-)

Good tip!  If I can deform these Giovanni shells, it will give me a whole new respect for mules.  ;-)

I've been considering buying a conga or a pair recently.

So, I'm thinking, if you took a mediocre conga and reheaded it, would it be nearly as good as a pricey one?

opinions vary but, a great conga with a crummy head just sounds crummy.  a crummy conga with  a great head might sound OK.  I don't know if it's an either/or situation - you need a good resonance chamber (the shell) to get a good sound but you need a good head to vibrate to give you something worth resonating to begin with.  

if you're budget-challenged, try your idea - you may be very pleasantly surprised and I think you'd be off to a good start.

I got this email from Isaac yesterday and placed my order immediately:
Dear friends and fellow percussionists,
the long wait is over and the shipment
of Colombian mule skins is finally here.
I have 50 each of 11", 11.75" and 12.5"
of the premounted ones (standard LP conga sizes) that fit most other brands as well. There's a mix of thin, medium and thick, so you must state your preference.
 For those of my long waiting list, I'll will try to choose your heads first if you order soon...they go very fast.
 There's also a great selection of
18" and 22" primo quality untreated mule skins and smaller for bongos. Custom rings can be made for you at $7 or less for bongos.
 I can also send you detailed instructions on mounting your head and am always available to "talk" you through it if you should encounter any problems.
I've been mounting my own heads since 1978 and have encountered a few common mistakes that can be avoided.
Email for pictures, prices and discounts for larger orders.
ISAAC,
percussionist / Auth. Rep. for JCR Percussion Co.
funkytradition@yahoo.com

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FUNKY TRADITION
Passion for Percussion