More and more often, I am seeing these showing up at gigs.....


Latin Percussion Compact Conga Bongo Set

Is anyone out there using them exclusively? Thoughts? Usually, I see someone with just one as a side conga, and they don't seem to get much use.

I've tried them out and they sound pretty good, I thought. They sure would be easy on the back to tote around, not to mention the space saved. Of course, they don't LOOK as satisfying as real congas. But, mic-ed properly, why not? 

a church that i played kit for had just one of these (conga-size) and the latin percussionist always played them with sticks so they sounded a little odd. but i've always wanted to try it and see how how it sounds on a snare drum...anyone know or want to try?

the lp congas do sound great, however, you won't be able to get any low end out of them because of the lack of a shell.  they would make an interesting addition to any drum setup (check out glen kotche sporting one on the latest md).

I recently got a chance to play a bit on one while at this year's Afro-Cuban Dance Drum and Song camp in Arcata. One of the students brought one to save space and energy since they had a packed car. The thing is perfect for practicing strokes and working on new rhythms! Great sound on slaps and tones, and the feel of the drum head is much nicer than tapping on a leg or a table top. But, of course there is no bass whatsoever.
If you're a learner and need something small for traveling to your next lesson, then it's perfect!
This is an overt opinion - but, I would NEVER bring one of these to a gig!

(Just joined; my first post here.)

I bought a complete set January including stand and Giovanni "practice" bongos. I sometimes play at parties with just the set and sometimes I complement them with some cajon-congas.

They play very much like regular shelled congas but--like said before--they do not produce the deep bass sound real congas with the same head diameter do. The people who hear me play think they sound like real congas and they are very satisfying that way.

Portability is the main benefit but the rack and stand make the whole set quite heavy.

Right now I'm trying to find the sweet spots in tuning and I'm trying to get rid of ringing and overtones. My friends don't hear the overtones but it bothers me a little.

The bongos--in my opinion--are the best part of the set. They are very portable and have a quick-release wingnut. I often take them with me to parties, to friends and to parks. I think they sound at least as good as "real" bongos with fantastic cutting tones.

I came to this site in hopes of finding out if anyone has tried putting real skin heads on the practice congas and bongos. I wonder if that would make the tone more like real congas?

All in all, the LP set has a very professional feel of quality.

I do like the bongos more than the congas although I'm starting to appreciate the congas more now that I tuned them more to my liking.

One thing I found this past summer after an all-night rave outdoors was how my old bongos detuned themselves when the morning dew and humidity came (I had forgotten my wrench and they went totally flat; came back when the sun came up). The artificial heads that came with the LPs didn't have that problem.

You'll also find that the synthetic heads tolerate stick banging much more than real skin.

Where was that? He is mostly seen in PR playing salsa/rumba or latin jazz gigs with the traditional congero rig, not that more contemporary percussionist kind of setup.

Oh, it was a clinic... now I get it 

The clave/cowbell beater thing on the tumba is/was widely used for traditional merengues, substituting the tambora when not available. I have Luis Conte's Studio Percussionist video and he used a similar approach on a songo, playing conga and cowbell with a beater  with his right hand while the left was on some other stuff.

Back on track - sorry for the hijack 

I remember when those where released a couple years ago. Tried one at a store and liked the sound, but the lack of body made me hesitate. I was playing percussion on a Compa/Zouk band back then and the gig called for full-bodied drums; so I bought my Matadors instead. But I think they do great for electronic music.