I new to the forum.  I'm basically a self-taught conga player.  Used to play djembe drum with Kankouran African Dance Troupe in DC - in the community class group.  Played bongos since 12 yrs old - now 59.  Just got into conga last year, now want to expand horizon to include timbales.  Also the percussion player in a small group. 

We got together for office holiday party... now want to keep it going.

But I know nothing about timbales other than I like the sound.  Any pointers would be helpful.

Looking for info on what I should look for in a decent set.

Should state I am not overflowing in cash, so price is a consideration.

Thank you

Personally I would not call LP Timbales 'so so'. The ones I have seen are very well made and sound authentic. The LP Matadors are affordable and heavy duty. The LP Tito Puente model is a great set of drums, period.

Thanks for the advice from all of you.  After I searched around I found the JCR timbales online.  I like the idea that they are handmade, but Drumlooney sort of got a negative vibe from them.  I dunno.

I will try to play some, especially the LP Matador series and take a look at Tito's namesake model as well. 

I kind of thought the JCR's would have out-classed the LP because of the way they are made, but maybe "hand-made" does not always add up to being the best.

Thanks for your advice...

Sorry for not getting back sooner Drumlooney...

I thank you for your answer, and I appreciate your advice.  Like everything else, it all comes down to personal preference... and of course how deep your pockets are...lol

I found out too that the JCR website is supposedly a hoax or as it was described to me, a dead site.  Someone is taking advantage of the situation, because I was told they do not have any product.  So if you place an order with them, I do not know what will happen?

So buyers beware.

I a little curious about another USA  manufacturer that is located in CA.  The company is Gon Bops.  I believe they have come back to life after being off the scene for a while.  They make congas, bongos, and timbales. 

I don't know if anybody has some information or experience with their timbales, but it would be nice to know how their product compares to Cali's JCR brand?  Of course it will based on personal perceptions...lol

Talk with you soon, and again thanks for taking the time to respond...

Peace,

Great idea... Timbales are great.

When you purchase them (whatever you decide) make sure that you check out the mounting mechanism... Basicall ythe the way the timbales hook onto the stand. Different brands have different systems. Some have clips on some have  a bracket with a Cowbell stand and a screw.... Be careful of these because when this bracket goes or the screw goes you can't mount the timbales...
I had a cheap pair that broke mid gig. even though they sounded great I couldn't mount them again so had to buy a complete new set. I should've bought the better set the first time and I would've saved money....

Good luck whith whatever you get.

P.S the cheaper ones I had sound better than the new more expensive...  Also don't get woooded ones... I saw a set break when a drunk guy landed on them at a Feastival during this Reggae gig... He was obvisouly on the wrong stuff...

I have a similar question, more specific maybe.  I'm also interested in timbales, but not so much manufacturer, as material.

What tonal differences are there between steel, brass, and bronze? 
Is one more common than the other?  Is any partcular one the 'standard sound' ?

What kind of heads are typically used on timbales?