Real vs Fake - What's the Best Conga Head

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Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 102

@DavidGB215 7 ай бұрын

Anyone have any tips on tweaking the synthetic heads? I purchased the pearl travel conga, have the tumba and quinto on the way. THANKS Hawaii here.

@georgebuendia3491 2 жыл бұрын

I like the sound and feel of Real skins way better than synthetics. However, I played at the ESL ( 18th Street Lounge in DC) for 15 years as the original conga player in a straight ahead jazz group. After a few years some in the group got tied of hearing congas and amped up their electronics making it harder for me to be heard and messing up my hands. Now I almost have to play synthetics to be able to play my other passions sax and keyboards.

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

I hear you George. ... sometimes I bring mics and sound support for gigs like that (when it's worth it).

@luiscolon6123 Жыл бұрын

I personally love the skin much more sharper sound especially when you slap with the synthetics you don't have to untune. the sound is unique

@RhythmNotes Жыл бұрын

I totally agree.

@jimmiranda7181 2 жыл бұрын

I have three sets of heads for lp quinto, 2 congas and tumba. Remo nuskyn, lp hand picked and manito dark steer. You're absolutely correct. They all sound different. Since I play outdoors a lot here in Southern California and exposed to various elements of dry wind, high humidity, and sunshine and sometimes all three during the same gig. I do like the durability and the reliability of the synthetic head. Having said that, my favorite is the sound and tone of all the voices using the manito heads. They were tough to get the right sound that I was looking for, but after about a week of the water application and the slow tightening and playing during that week, the drums finally sounded like what I had hoped for. On a side tip I would keep a spray bottle of warm water handy and I would spray inside the drum directly to the head and just let it sit until the water would evaporate. Then I would continue tuning sometimes even an eighth of a turn on each lug.

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

That’s a great tip, Jim! Thank you

@chrispantazi81 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful Choice Kevin! Really good insight about how the sound quality of your drums effects/improves your creative process. Thank you for posting….

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@jacobygears2843 9 ай бұрын

I know its an unpopular opinion but I really enjoy the bright sound of the synthetic heads as well as their ease of use and overall the asthetic look they have. Will probably stick to those

@RhythmNotes 9 ай бұрын

Good sounds are good sounds. I hear you. The sound quality is different and some may prefer the synthetic heads. I prefer them for certain drums and most live performances.

@waveriderz2687 4 ай бұрын

I have 3 sets of heads for each of my congas. Steer, rawhide, and Remo Skyndeep. Tried original Fiberskyn and didn't care much for them, however i think Remo might have improved them? Only time i use synthetics is when I'm called to play with a large, loud band, and need to cut through the mix. Synthetics produce overtones which aren't as noticeable in a a band with electrified instruments. If i could only pick one it would be steer. Good thing about synthetic is that they're not as susceptible to temperature changes, and are easier on the hands. They're cheaper too. Thing that makes the most difference is...practice! :)

@RhythmNotes 4 ай бұрын

I could not agree more. ... the temperature with steer heads hasn't been my problem. It's the humidity. Whenever it drops below 40 percent or above 60 percent, for me, it's harder to maintain consistency. What is the humidity like where you live?

@samuelmedina5700 Жыл бұрын

no is not just you! I also like the natural rawhide skin heads, to me it has a more solid sound especially with a wooden conga, I've been saying this for decades, as for the synthetic, it has an overtone sound, let me just add that I prefer wooden congas over the fiberglass ones. Thanks for you post

@RhythmNotes Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!!

@ceemor3404 3 жыл бұрын

That is true that real steer skin is quieter but with good recording techniques and an awesome mix engineer it can sound as sharp and bright as a synthetic drumhead.

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

Very true!

@seabeepirate 2 жыл бұрын

I like to take my drums outside so I’m all about the synthetic heads. I turned my back when you were comparing and I could hear a subtle difference but I could not say which was which. They’re close enough that without a side by side comparison, the only one who will probably notice is you.

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

I agree, the player will notice more than anyone.

@cpineiro 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, I enjoy the real heads they seem more comfortable on the hands after playing a while. I also heard that cocoa hand lotion also helps soften the heads. Don't forget to take of any jewelry so you wont damage those new skins.

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!!

@Thor962 3 жыл бұрын

I live in south Texas where it is ridiculously humid, so I never use actual skin heads since they get loose super quick.

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

That makes a lot of sense.

@proverbalizer Жыл бұрын

Real skins work fine in Cuba where the instrument evolved. I live in Nigeria and use real skins on my congas, bongos and Bata drums throughout the rainy season with no problems (unless you're actually outside in the rain)

@percussionistanthonyrobert12 Ай бұрын

I am making the head switch on my Latin Percussion Galaxy Giovanni Series Congas/Bongos. I am replacing the raw hides with Remo Fiberskyn, I am tired of putting lanolin lotion on the raw hides and they still sound dead! My thought is, if raw hides are best, why don't drummers demand raw hides for their kits?

@RhythmNotes Ай бұрын

That's a fair point. I think the best type of head depends on the sound you're looking for and the consistency you expect regardless of the environmental elements affecting the head. ... I think you answered the question (or it was rhetorical). Real skins are a lot of work to achieve good sounds.

@vernonbaros1195 3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you did this video bro! I havent tuned nor detuned my congas in years thinking i didnt have to. I have the crimplock symetry puerto rican heads on a LP Performers series congas. I like those congas, they are cheap but good gigging drums and held up over the years. I would luke to get traditional rims and put calf skin eventually. Good content as always.

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Vernon!

@DavidGarcia-ov3bg Жыл бұрын

LP Original Model 28" the best head sount is with synthetic, I read some recomendation made the replacement and now sount great specialy on the 11" quito.....beleive me...

@RhythmNotes Жыл бұрын

I'm with you, David. In fact, I've been wanting to get a set of LP Original Model drums for a while for the purpose of having a set that sounds good with synthetic heads.

@MaTTheWish Жыл бұрын

Just my two cents: I have tried different heads, in regards to synthetic, the evans heads are my favorite, siund so good. Remo, eh, not as good. Right now I play LP Galaxy heads and they are awesome. I never put any lotion on them, they are treated with a thick coating of something. When I replace these Ill go back to the evens and I will mot detune them. No need. Thanks Kevin.

@RhythmNotes Жыл бұрын

The only reason I detune my synthetic heads when transporting them is because of the tension on the drum shell. If you drop a conga drum under high tension, you risk warping the shell. It's happened to me ... I don't why I didn't include this example in the video.

@MaTTheWish Жыл бұрын

@@RhythmNotes interesting point. I never move mine. Also I think with synthetic there is less tension than rawhide. But I get it. Everyone is different with details like this. It's fun conversing about it. No right or wrong. Peace .

@cuatroenlamiraoficial 9 ай бұрын

Thx for the video!! That’s the sound I’ve been looking for. now I know I need real heads for that particular sound. Synthetic sounds too bright for me similar to toms with no Moon gel. (Too much ring) I’m a fan of a more focused sound.

@RhythmNotes 9 ай бұрын

Glad I could help!

@SWH2012 5 ай бұрын

Actually this is not quite true what you write. I will explain: most people still have ONLY the Remo fiberskyn sound in their heads (their first generation congaheads that they still produce and sell today, a little improved). BUT the company has made tremendous progress with their synthetic world percussion heads and NuSkyn has a very focused sound: there is no ringing at all! It comes quite close to real steer skin. Of course it will never be 100% that round and warm, but man, let me tell you: Remo has done a great job in getting it close to that. Try to this NuSkyn in a store someday to see what I mean.

@videotampa 2 ай бұрын

Are there any companies that sell Or custom make 8" and 9" synthetic heads for LP's Junior Congas?

@RhythmNotes 2 ай бұрын

I don't know of a company that makes synthetic heads specifically for junior congas. I would try different brands and be ready to send back some of them that don't fit the rim or shell. That's a tough one. Let us know if you're able to find synthetic heads that fit. ... I would also try to contact DC gogo drummers through youtube video comments. You might find someone who knows for sure.

@derbeno1152 Ай бұрын

Can you share details of the double mic stand you are using? Also which Mics are those? Thanks

@RhythmNotes Ай бұрын

The mic stand is a low-profile boom stand with a stereo array spacing bar. I only buy array bars that include horizontal adjustment for each mic. The cheap ones are often fixed, making it hard to position a variety of mics. The mics are Sennheiser e 604s. These are exceptional mics for the price. But if you don't have the preamps and A/D converters to really notice the quality, SM 57s are a cheaper option that are never a waste of money.

@derbeno1152 Ай бұрын

@@RhythmNotes Many Thanks...much appreciated!!.

@flddoc2 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Just found your channel and subscribed. I love the sound of skin and prefer them to synthetic. However, I live in SE North Carolina where the humidity seems to make it nearly impossible to have my instrument set up and ready to play in a timely manner. I once saw a middle eastern percussionist in Europe who had, what looked like, a work lamp, the type with the metal dome, setting on top of his heads prior to the show and between sets? We couldn’t communicate, or he just refused to I couldn’t figure which, but I thought maybe this is a technique to maintain head tuning consistency? Any thoughts. Thanks!

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

I haven’t heard of anything like that for congas, but it reminds me of bongoceros tuning tacked on bingo heads with sterno cans - the kind caterers use to keep food warm. … I’ll have to look into the heat lamp idea.

@APercussionLife 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video Kevin!

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eric! You inspired me to try the Manito heads awhile back and I’m lovin the results so far.

@APercussionLife 3 жыл бұрын

@@RhythmNotes that’s great… and they only get better with time… you’ll see after a year! Haha

@Ohiogobli 6 ай бұрын

I will probably never be able to have a drum with a natural head, because I live in a region with VERY unpredictable weather. (Ohio weather does whatever it wants, whenever it wants lol) It’s a good thing I like the sound of synthetic heads!

@RhythmNotes 6 ай бұрын

I totally get it. I live in Massachusetts and won't even dare bring a natural skin to a gig.

@Gk2003m Жыл бұрын

The obvious advantage of synthetic: impervious to weather. And in circumstances where weather is an issue, they sound “good enough” to do the needed job. But they don’t sound as good to my ears as natural skins, and they certainly don’t feel as good when you’re playing them.

@RhythmNotes Жыл бұрын

Preach on! That's the trade off either way. ... Studio drums with natural skins and gigging drums with synthetic is how I deal with it.

@Therealbrandonmyoung 6 ай бұрын

What size conga head and type did you buy? I was on the Manito website and you can buy different thickness…what thickness did you buy?

@RhythmNotes 6 ай бұрын

I went with Manito’s recommendation, which was middle eastern steer. I don’t remember the thickness, but you can email Swen at Manito Percussion and he’ll recommend skins based on the model and size. The email is in the contact us page of the the website.

@TheCudabug 3 жыл бұрын

I prefer real skins as per from Manito, which I have on my bongos, Quinto and Conga. Gotta get one for my Tumba. Awesome different for me

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

Right on, Larry! My tumba skin just arrived yesterday. Can’t wait to have all three drums with Manito skins.

@bmuhamad 3 жыл бұрын

I prefer natural steer skins. They feel, sound, & the projection of sound, works best, for me.

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

That’s what it’s all about.

@lajeanette33 3 жыл бұрын

Nota bene: there no sound from 6:00 to 6:20. Just so you know Cheers from Switzerland 🇨🇭 Ps: as a vegan synthetic all the way 😊 plus i love the feeling and sustain

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Morgane!

@markborges3056 4 ай бұрын

Real skins are softer and easier on my hands, I’ve actually split my finger tips at a live gig with synthetic heads playing to hard to be heard. I don’t like the after ring of the fake heads either. Natural skins have warmer tones also, and I still get a crisp slap with an effortless stroke. However when I play live I prefer fake because they’re louder, I just tape my fingers. But in drum circles or playing at home it’s natural for me.

@RhythmNotes 4 ай бұрын

You and I are on the same page, Mark.

@vwrivera 2 жыл бұрын

Do you know the thickness of the Manito skins you purchased? Thickness also affects the sound and your skins so mice. I assume they’re not too thick.

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

I went with the recommendations from Manito ... Middle Eastern Steer- 1.8mm for the 11", 2mm for the 11.75", 2.2mm for the 12.5".

@carlosnovaes6993 2 жыл бұрын

Very usefull information!! I got a question? With real skin you tune them, play and detune when you finished your rehearsal or show. With synthetic heads you do the same? Or let them tuned on congas forever ? lol

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

I detune the real skins every time I stop playing for the day - at least a crank all around. I detune the real skins a bit more when I move them from one location to another. I used to keep my synthetic heads defined when ever I stopped playing and they lasted like 10 years. The moment I stopped detaining them, they lost their tone and I was not happy with them. So it’s safer to detune both types even if you’re not moving to a different location.

@KenMarc1970 7 ай бұрын

How often do you apply the oil to the skins?

@RhythmNotes 7 ай бұрын

I apply either shea butter or bag balm every 3 months for my drums that stay in the studio.

@chriscrichton98 2 жыл бұрын

Yup ! I like leather . Synthetic sound metallic to me . Sounds like your playing tin cans . But i do like synthetic on bongos . Every one has a different ear .

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

I've been thinking of going with Manito skins on bongo. That's probably my next move.

@backstories933 Ай бұрын

I rather play with synthetic drum heads, so because I rather play congas with sticks, so my hands won't get too red

@RhythmNotes Ай бұрын

Do you like the sound or durability of the synthetic heads?

@backstories933 Ай бұрын

@@RhythmNotes Yes both

@RomanPercussion 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video brother!

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate it!

@frankwhitfield1915 2 жыл бұрын

Need to purchase real skins for my 3 congas. LP

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

I’m a huge fan of Manito Percussion. It’s a small business with excellent customer service. I thought I knew what I wanted but they gave me different recommendations and I’m very happy.

@borikero1 Жыл бұрын

Some musicians pay obscene amounts of money for more expensive instruments with barely perceptible sound differences, slightly better tone and sound characteristics...we conga players are among the very few musicians completely willing to sound worse just to "cut a bit more thru the mix" or sound a bit "more articulated", or just because of bit of extra convenience. I do own skyndeeps and nuskyns just in case tho jajaja. Whatever rocks your boat of course.

@RhythmNotes Жыл бұрын

I could not agree more, Hector. Thanks for sharing.

@Geekeric 3 жыл бұрын

I have Meinl Headliners with buffalo heads (I think). They never sounded good, too ringy with bad overtones. I tuned them up, down, conditioned the heads, never any way to make them sound better. I thought of trying synthetic heads but maybe I just need to buy better congas.

@RhythmNotes 3 жыл бұрын

Trying the synthetic heads would be a less expensive option, but if you’re in the market for better drums than that’s probably the better option.

@TimothyGatee Ай бұрын

Real 100%

@RhythmNotes Ай бұрын

✔️

@waveriderz2687 2 жыл бұрын

Both have their use? Synthetic heads..easier slaps, more projection, and less tuning. If I only had one type to choose from they would be real. Professional players who have played a long time know exactly what I mean. Learn as much about your instrument and what to do with it as possible! It's all about the process?

@RhythmNotes 2 жыл бұрын

I could not agree more!