How to Change a Conga Head - Complete Instructions

[@solomongrundy6806]

First of all Thank you Kalani so much for this video. Next, hopefully this will help other people: My experience has been than there is still sagging at the top after I was done following the instructions given here. The sagging was not as much as Kalani describes here but some. The reason is that there is not a concrete direction as to how much one should tighten the lugs. I followed Kalani's instructions and actually, I thought I was tightening it too much. Not enough I still had a bit of sagging. So, a couple of things: 1) I solved it by placing a damped towel on the top of the mounted conga head for around 6 hours to loosen up the skin. Then, when loose, I tighten it again to flatten it. Then I put a plastic bag on the floor and placed the conga upside down to dry. I did a 1/4 turn on it every 5 hours. That fixed the sagging issue. I will put a second comment explaining what is happening and a method to prevent it from initial skin installation in 50 mins or so as the US is about to play Iran on a World Cup Soccer (Fútbol) match and I don't want to miss it.

[@leobatuki2949]

I watched your video until the point of soaking the skin - I paused the video, soaked in my conga head - and then enjoyed watching the rest of your video :) Best advice I took from your video: Take the time that's needed, no rush no matter what gigs are coming. Playing a drum and maintaining it are indeed connected to each other. Now I gonna enjoy taking care of the drum shell. Thank you for all your dedicated time, greetings from the Netherlands

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Thank you! Glad to be helpful.

[@haleypruett7307]

I appreciate you! This is the most informative/honest video I’ve found on this!

[@jonathanchardukian7650]

this guy is hilarious

[@TheUnclesamurai]

Great video! Dry humor, timing and the experience. Enjoyed!

[@ericperry1861]

Long pause after the stubborn mule part. Love it.

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Gotta keep it fun

[@federicollanos267]

Great teaching. Keep it up.

[@willymiranda5537]

Glad u showed us this process / it will be helpful down the road.

[@betsyperkins8078]

This is a great video. I feel ready to replace my conga head now. THANK YOU! If people live in PNW, Centralia Fur and Hide has a very nice supply of skins for all size drums. They also do online sales, but is is great to be able to go to the store and look and feel the heads, bring your drum and show the drum maker in residence there.

[@catbellinger5383]

I appreciate your humor!! 😂you seem like a lot of fun! I’m a DYI woman as well. Thank You!!

[@jonthedrummer]

Thanks!! Doing two drums right now!

[@nemirify]

excellent, and you managed to mitigate the effects of the long video with humour!

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

I do my best

[@guemesferrytrail2380]

Thank you for all your tips, advice and humor.

[@shinejclightemanuel5213]

You're too funny..... I loved every 'long' moment of the video 😂😂😂

[@isarpercussion1837]

never changed skins myself before but this video encouraged me! thanx for this! (and nevermind the metric system ;-))

[@corneliahonig6563]

Great definition! Now I know everything about this. Thank you

[@jeanbrown7489]

I greatly appreciate this video. I am going to attempt to put on my very first skin this Saturday. And this video has been very helpful. thank you

[@bebeto85yo]

Nice! Great step by step video

[@Ramilkos]

Thanks! This was a helpful and entertaining video, love it!

[@zitozentinel]

Thanks for this video bro, right on!

[@bipinkhandagale5724]

I will be tray definitely. Nice video.. Thank you so much.

[@calidoso70]

Very well explained...couldn't be better Pacero...Listo para tocar SALSA

[@chrispreston362]

Thanks a lot mate, I'm about to attempt this. Only the second time in my life: first time was twenty years ago and it didn't go too well. I feel like I've got a much better chance this time! We'll see. Watched the whole video twice and your daft sense of humour made that much more enjoyable than most instructional videos. I'm in the UK so inches work for me :) Thank you!

[@chrispreston362]

Well, it was just like in your video until I actually started trying to get the hoop over the skin, then it all went wrong 😅 the skin was so thick that it just threw the clamps off every time. Luckily my son came home just as I was about to give up and an extra pair of hands saved the day. Super thick skin combined with a curved comfort-rim. Challenging, but we got it on.

[@petervad]

Great vid, and love your humour!! Thank you.

[@Mystic_Light]

Thanks for sharing this. It's an awesome resource 🙏

[@darrelledgell3328]

I enjoyed the marathon lol. I change all my drum kit heads, I have an 11 inch conga that I want to change the tone of the drum. Next will be my 10 in quinto this will be by first so wish me a lot of luck.. Thanks man

[@juanpablopena7913]

Thanks man, really great stuff

[@carlandpamelopez1034]

Thanks again for excellent content 👍🥳😎

[@AntonioPortnyagin]

Great sense of humor! 👏😄

[@mattildahubbardo]

Love these videos, your awesome

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Thanks

[@solomongrundy6806]

Ok Part 2: So reading about it the explanation I saw was that the top part of the drum is drying faster than around the rim and that causes the sagging as explained by Kalani. The method to avoid this is to tighten it and place the drum upside down on top of a plastic bag. The bag slows the drying process of the top of the conga head. Still tighten the lugs 1/4 turn every 4 hours. The second drum I did with a thick skin (manitos' thick steer) I did that process and no sagging. Good luck to all who do this. It's an awesome thing to do.

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Thanks for the tip and “plastic bag” suggestion. I always just tighten the head to make sure the head stays flat and don’t have a problem, but your way might be even “safer” when it comes to preventing the dip around the edge.

[@evalonious]

Thanks for the Video. Just finished my Quinto. Wow, was tuff but I did it. I will say trimming was a breeze with a small serrated knife. Doing the Conga next. I've had this CP set for 30 years and they have needed heads for over 30 years😂. Seriously, thanks! (By the way scoreed 3 LP heads for $15 each in the clearance rack at local shop. They said they've had them in stock for 20 yrs. Just waiting for me.😂)

[@rupakmajumder8646]

thank you for this video

[@mattildahubbardo]

Im sotting here watching this in real time. Thanks for the tips 🥁🎺🎶

[@yaskynemma9220]

So here I am, I dont play conga, I dont own a conga, have been passed years since I have played anything but now I know how the conga head is replaced, interesting and cool

[@gbroon5918]

Good vid, thanks!

[@Captain_Bri]

Thanks for the video. I just put a goat skin on my garage sale 10 inch conga. It seems a lot thinner than what you used. Now for the drying. I hope it works out :)

[@aquamatch]

...not goat skins for Congas. Goat (non-castrated) work for Djembes, Batàs, and other drums. Cow hides are best for Congas... The video is long and talks so much, without pointing the basics...

[@Captain_Bri]

@@aquamatchI wish I would have bought the correct hide for the thing but so far the goat skin is still holding up. Sounds light/high but it's still fun.

[@MaTTheWish]

Great fun and informative video K.

[@svetislavvidenovic7573]

Hilarious!, I love this video, he is so cool and funny!

[@marceloalves2097]

Thanks for the tips.....

[@murllymaturai752]

Thanks for explaine sir

[@fededimaggiotomeu726]

Gracias❤❤

[@pattybreiland7015]

Question: I installed my drum head and have that little "valley". Do you know if there's a way I can correct that now that my head is almost fully dry (I'm two days into the drying)?

[@olgai.menendez9493]

Put it back in water but don’t take the ring off. And take needle nose plyers pull the skin. Or use the extension and tighten the nuts. 👍

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

You can take the head off, flip it over (like a shallow bowl) and fill 1/2 with water. Let it get a little soft, then dry off and reinstall. Follow the drying guidelines from the video (keep tightening to maintain a low tone).

[@ivanravello5687]

I'm thinking of buying a pair o f used congas , no money enough for new ones , any recomendations please ? great video , greetings from Peru /////////

[@blanket101]

Dude I love your vids just got into playing conga’s (drummer) stoked didn’t even know this process of changing heads totally thought it was like drum heads haha… question how about like right out the box how long would it take for it to change the heads?! Just a heads up or ballpark feel to know I know it’s like how often you play or whatever but just to know for beginners. Alright thanks man.

[@jacobsilva5423]

Hi, I have a 11 inch 30th anniversary conga (quinto), my head got damage. What tycoon head would you recommend for this conga? The reason I am asking, tycoon does not have the black original conga head. Thank you for your advise .

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Hmmm - Do they make a regular replacement head? I suppose you could try dying it. I would ask them.

[@bmuhamad]

@@WORLDDRUMCLUB I saw someone's video from Cuba, who dyed there heads. He had LP's Patato's, white conga & quinto, looks like cowhide, that look like dark steerhide or similar to mulehide.

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Where do you like to purchase your conga heads?

[@tanmoybanerjee4922]

Please suggest. Can be shipped to India?

[@totoroutes5389]

for great cow skins, www.moperc.com/en/contact.php for natural steer skins, www.manitopercussion.com/skins/ Request your preferred thickness.

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

On ebay to get my pre mounted heads for bongos & congas has best deals if you want pre mounted heads!

[@MaTTheWish]

I have LP, Galaxy rims and prefer the Galaxy hand picked pre-mounted heads they are exceptional! I also have a set of limited edition Toca conga's and the Galaxy heads fit them beautifully. I figure if they are good enough for Giovanni then they're good enough for lil ol me. Oh one more thing, Evans synthetic heads are really good too! And you can find them anywhere. Good video!

[@orlandodecima4116]

Me gusto ese grito de karate mr kalani estuvo muy chistoso cuando el parche ya estaba en la conga jajajajajaja

[@markbra]

why don`t you start cutting from inside the the counter hoop ?

[@Captain_Bri]

Thanks for the handy video. I have a question about the flesh ring. Mine is not a welded circle, it's open ended. Is that normal? I got my 8" conga at a garage sale with a broken skin. I ordered a goat skin before I saw your video, hope it works. Thanks again for the video.

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

The rings are usually solid and welded. If possible, have yours welded. It may not make a big difference, but best to stick with the norm.

[@irmagonzalez2134]

Amusing intro

[@mattekudasai8249]

would putting it next to a dehumidifier during the drying process help speed up the process or could that possibly damage it?

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

I think it would be OK, just no direct heat.

[@sterob09]

hello is it be possible to reuse the old skin on a much smaller drum

[@Captain_Bri]

I'm no expert but I think if there's enough good hide left to use on a smaller drum it should work.

[@TheDrumDuke]

Roughly what diameter should a head be compared to the diameter of the conga? Thanks.

[@davidmcaninch4714]

And now it’s time for Silly Songs with Larry, the part of the show where Larry comes out and sings a Silly Song. So without further ado, Silly Songs with Larry. The Water Buffalo Song!!! Everybody’s got a water buffalo Yours is fast but mine is slow Oh where do you get them? I don’t know, but Everybody’s got a water buffalo Oooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhh I took my buffalo to the store He got his head stuck in the door Spilled some Lima beans on the floor Oh everybody’s got a water buff...... Stop it!!! Stop!! Stop right this instant!! What do you think you’re doing?!?!?!?!?!?! You can’t say everybody has a water buffalo when everyone does NOT have a water buffalo!!! We are gonna get nasty letters saying, “Where’s MY water buffalo?!?!?!” “Why don’t I have a water buffalo?!?!?!” And are you prepared to deal with that?!?!??!?!?!?!!! I don’t think so!! Just stop!!! Being so!!!! SILLY!!!!!!!!! This has been Silly Songs with Larry. Tune in next time to hear Larry sing: Everybody’s got a baby kangaroo Yours is pink but mine is blue Hers was small but... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! If you don’t know where this song came from, then you did NOT have a good childhood.

[@bobc.8224]

Can the other piece that was remove from the conga head be use for the bongos.

[@SaadToumi-xy9jm]

What type of leather is used or made for this Please and thank you ?

[@thehaloofthesun]

I looked up flesh hoops, but I’m having difficulty finding a new one. Any recommendations?

[@felipegarciajr2641]

Where can I buy the skins for DIY replacement?

[@totoroutes5389]

What’s your go-to supplier for skins? I like Moperc, and ManitoPercussion.

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

I agree.

[@rainergoertz2070]

Thi Congadrum inside is a oak wood drum... Its possible this is a drum from Gon Bops??????

[@arieswaters]

How long did he let the head dry out after he soaked it

[@af049486]

🤣🤣You got me on that one bro

[@johnatanfuzzally9630]

how long does it takes to soak the skin ?

[@rainergoertz2070]

i have a trick to cut the skin... between the Skin and the kniff yo do a Kredit Cart... so protect against a mistake by 31.41 ...Excuse me, my English is not good. I translate through google But I have a question ... what are the benefits of the rough side of the fur and the smooth side? How effective is it in gaming and sound?

[@Captain_Bri]

I don't know the answer but I think the fur side would be smoother on your hands.

[@rainergoertz2070]

@@Captain_Bri Hi Captain.... Thanks for the answer... The little trick is... once you have pulled the skin on, the last step is to cut off the rest of the skin. I put an old credit card between the skin and the rest so that I could easily and safely remove the rest... with a bladed knife or a scalpel..

[@alanpayne7656]

Hi, I know this is late. How thick is the skin in this video?

[@melvinjacobs5198]

Can you use the skin for Bongos

[@conlangknow8787]

6:45 that congo head be vibin’ doe

[@pulusibagoomba7920]

2 questions: 1. How long do you soak it? 2. I saw other vids that say it should be warm water? You say cold Which is it?

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Depends on thickness. Soak until it’s pliable and bends easily. Room-temp water is fine. I wouldn’t go too warm, but it might be fine. I always use room temp.

[@bmuhamad]

I have a black mule hide that I have ordered.

[@redrubeNYC]

You got a million links there which one is for where to buy a conga drum head? Is there any advantage to doing it this way as opposed to the pre fab heads?

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Pre-fitted are ok, but you have more options when doing it yourself, such as steer skin or mule.

[@deannedipietro]

Also, pre-tucked heads are not available for some drums@@WORLDDRUMCLUB

[@Threlgar]

And I am stubbornly continuing to watch & listen regardless...(blink blink....)

[@ronin6158]

u got me dude. lol.

[@zakumusic1636]

from where I can get the conga head ( online )

[@tanmoybanerjee4922]

Kalani Sir, Please advice Me on Urgent basis, whether the inside of the Conga Drums if painted with a Coat of Primer and a Coat of Oil Paint will have any Adverse Effect or not?

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Paint would probably make the inside more reflective, which might add some ringing and overtones. It shouldn't cause any damage, but is not a common practice. I would also ask a conga maker.

[@tanmoybanerjee4922]

Sir, Thank U for Ur Advice. Also I will be eagerly waiting for Your Reply after U consult a Conga Maker.

[@greglee50]

I need to reskin my djembe , had for 6 months , but the skin ripped

[@joshua5483]

FLOOR GANG

[@Threlgar]

U have ‘mitigated’ the need to use the term again this week....😎👍🏻

[@manueldelosantos3286]

Thank you for the info. What can you put non the floor to enhance the sound.

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

Crazy but round serving trays thanks to my friend Eric Perez for on my horrible carpet it works fantastic & brings out the sound of your congas without spending a lot of money!!!

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

@@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544 I agree. Plywood circles from the hardware store are also good

[@michaelthomson5101]

You keep suggesting WD-40. Keep that stuff away from your drums. there is a lubricant in it but it will evaporate and leave a tacky, dirt attracting film that is not conducive to anything ever. Nice... I've got skins for my bongos that need replacing.

[@arieswaters]

I got my goatskin from the Native American Trading Post here in Salt Lake for $10

[@ricktiberio]

A tub has deep end??????

[@petrplachy5714]

Nothing compares synthetic head.. Even, the animal no needs to die

[@miguelsegunda9630]

Try using a cordless trimming shear to cut the hide. 1 minute cut, no worries. Cheap tool.

[@armandotorres-iy1cw]

All skins are horrible in humidity...i had cow skin on a potato lp...the skin sweats. You can't tune it...

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

Kalani, it is better to have pre mounted heads just me!!!

[@pc2778]

Omg, just get to it already. I appreciate the video of course, but it could of been a 5 min video without all the repeating and silly comment.

[@TrebleHook]

Next time trim cut from the inside out to reduce the risk of accidentally cutting through the other side around the drum.

[@tshark2787]

Use new razor everytime

[@greglee50]

Your brill

[@Chambelona59]

"MULE"..... not Asian water buffalo... not bison.... not horse.... not bull. TIP: Be sure you have the right side up.

[@alenoirs]

Claudio Bisio suona le Conga

[@selenastenta9212]

Ladies, gals, yes...you never really do know how to refer to anyone nowadays...but you may call me, ma lady.

[@rainergoertz2070]

Schmutzi Stuff... schmutzig is a german word.= means dirty. .....very interesting the german words have become naturalized in english ...

[@lefteragri6005]

the skin Looks like a tortilla

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

It tasted a little bit like a very old one.

[@lefteragri6005]

😂😂😂😂 yeh

[@lbrtptrsnmmm445]

So this guy spends 40 minutes showing how to change a conga head but does not provide a link on where to buy the head. He then includes a link on where to buy his entire home furniture… 😂

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

This guy spends hours sharing years of professional experience for free and some guy complains because the video doesn’t do even more.

[@solomongrundy6806]

@@WORLDDRUMCLUB hahahahahahahahahah awesome answer!

[@slayde1087]

Say "women"

[@zarapico]

Man, You talk too much. Bring your jokes and side talk down two notches

[@tmo7734]

Sorry, this guy’s personality is so annoying...

[@JackyHeijmans]

Matter of taste, I like him. :)

[@ButtRepairer]

WD40 tends to set up and polymerize, it has solvents in it which is why it can unfreeze frozen joints, side effect is it will set up over time (that;s why we *NEVER* use WD40 in locks) I would suggest that a pure heavy oil (manteca de corojo, coconut oil, or similar) might be a better choice... Obviously, if you've had success with this method, then it must not be too bad, but I am wary of anything as sticky as WD40 around a subtly moving part.

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Great advice. That's why I only use WD40 for cleaning and not for long lasting lubrication purposes. Heavy oil or grease is the best choice for tuning nuts.

[@bmuhamad]

@@WORLDDRUMCLUB Would lithium grease be a better choice?

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

@@bmuhamad Probably would work fine.