Subject Says It All.

My favorites would have to be what I own ... LP Generation II Bongos.

If you are budget conscious ... my recommendation would be the Matador bongos. I'm sure some other people will have some great suggestions too ... but that's mine. Also, in my opinion, stay away from Cosmic Percussion; the quality is lacking to the point that you can't get a decent sound out of them (IMO).

I had no idea that "CP" was "Cosmic Percussion".   Good to know they are one and the same.

thanks for the responses guys.

All of the above.

If you take the head off a CP conga or bongo here's what you'll see.

A thick, rough shell with little or no bearing edge to accommodate a calf-skin head ... and that calfskin head isn't tucked correctly ... just folded over and SEWN!!!

In defense of CP, they are trying to keep the costs down in making a drum that is affordable to customers with little or no money, or who don't want to spend money on a nice set of bongos. Most people don't know the difference, and certainly can't hear the difference ... or they wouldn't buy CP bongos or congas. So what happens? Making this sub-par series of instruments (which many manufactures are guilty of) brings the general public to a lower level of understanding and respect for the instrument. Sound familiar? You could say that about most of the music you hear on the radio!

That's why I like Matador bongos and congas. If you don't have a lot of money, fine. You can get a decent sounding instrument for a fraction of what professional models run. I just think that CP goes too far. They look like bongos and sort of sound like bongos ... but when you compare then to other brands/makes/models ... whoa baby there's a difference.

Don't waste your money on crappy gear. If you can't afford something, save your pennies until you have enough to at least get a decent sounding instrument. It doesn't have to be pro quality, the Matadors aren't, but boy, the sure sound good compared to what you pay for them!

FYI ... I used to own a drumshop ... so some of my experience and opinion is coming from this fact ... and the fact that I've been forced to play on crappy gear provided by churches, schools and even backline companies. Now, when I'm not bringing my own instruments, I now know to be very picky and ask lots of questions.

Perhaps CP has changed over the years; if so, that's news to me. I'm not trying dog anyone who may own CP gear; I just don't think it's a good investment for anyone ... novice or otherwise.

I wish I had a Maynard G. Krebbs signature model.  

Thanks everyone for your help!!

I'm currently looking into Matador's

If you:
A) Can find them and
B) Can afford them

There is no substitute for genuine professional wood drums.  I have original Valje bongos and Gon Bops Mahogany Congas which have stood the test (and sound) of time ever since I bought them in the late 50's.

Once you have played (and heard) pro wood drums, you'll never forget them.

That's my opinion anyway (see A & B).

 Hands down (pun INTENDED),   L.P. is the way to go.
No CP, Matador, etc.   save a while if you need but the
tone and construction of LP is unsurpassed.   At one time or another Iv'e owned them all. and will settle for no less then LP anymore.

I own Matador bongos, with the dark wood finish... they look and sound great, and you can tune them up tight if you want... I love em!  I know one drummer that used to play them with sticks at clubs, as part of his normal drum kit.  Sounded nice.

I've used my Matadors (with LP heads) on short film soundtracks, and got years of compliments!  Then sound nice, feel good on the hands, they record well, etc.   Be sure you can tune the bongos.  Any drums you can't tune get on my nerves almost within the hour!

Someone told me Matador is owned by LP, but I can't verify this... could be a music-store-clerk-lie.