Welcome to the LP Blog! The goal of this site is to connect players and create a forum in which to explore the world of percussion. The “unedited” content of our blog is divided into 5 sections: In the Studio, From the Road, LP Products, Events and Players’ Videos. Visit often, ask questions, make comments, network and enjoy!
In the Studio
The LP Studio is a place where LP comes alive. Here we can do everything from photos, videos, audio recordings to product sound evaluation with R&D department, this is one of the spots that makes LP what it is today.
In the past LP would release a yearly CD featuring the bands and percussionists that have performed in the studio. In order to reach a larger audience, we’ve decided to use our blog to present the studio happenings. LP is pleased to bring you the videos/MP3 downloads that were recorded in the studio of 2009 along with other studio recordings. Stay tuned! – Tom Schwarz
From the Road
This section will give you a backstage pass to shows covering all genres of music with one thing in common: they all feature LP’s artists, who are, undoubtedly, the best of the best in the world of percussion. From intimate shows in small clubs to major concerts in large arenas, we’ll present music from around the world and “From the Road” will be your front row seat to LP artists live music. -Steve Nigohosian
LP Products
The LP Research and Development Department is the heart and soul of our company. It is where we brainstorm with players from around the world, work as a team on a myriad of design and sound issues, in order to create the best percussion instruments on the scene today. As the Director of R & D, I am pleased to have this platform to discuss how our products are conceived from the first concept to the final stage. I look forward to reading your comments. -Ray Enhoffer
Events
This is the place to find out what is happening with LP and the musicians who play our instruments. Whether that is a Giovanni Hidalgo clinic at a music store, the latest details from the NAMM show or information on the Latin Music USA documentary on PBS. Accompanied by photos, videos and first hand accounts, we will let you know where, when and what Latin Percussion is up to.
Player’s Videos
We invite you to post your youtube performance videos playing LP instruments. Sharing your talent with other players is a fun way to get involved. Simply enter your “youtube url” with the letter “v” after the “http” in the comment area on the Player’s Videos section.
I would like to know where Giovanni Hidalgo will have his next clinic in florida … thank you … Ismael
Hi Ismael,
Thanks for asking about Giovanni clinics. Since clinics often times come up without much notice, please log on to our Clinic and Workshop page regularly for upcoming events!
http://lpmusic.com/Play_Like_A_Pro/Workshop_Clinic/index.html
I recently gave an LP Aspire Cajon to a friend and she is asking if it can be painted without harming the drum or altering the sound. Please let me know what your advice is. Thank you.
Bob P.
It would OK to paint the box part of the Aspire Cajon, but do not paint the front striking panel.
I currently use a set of
Thunder Timbales 15” & 16” (stainless steel)
Is there a sound difference between stainless steel & bronzes ones
Banda Sol,
Yes, there is a difference between the Cascara (shell sound) with all the different materials we use. The Stainless will have a dry sound, compared to bronze that will be brighter and more articulate sound.
Ray
Where are LP products made? How many employees work there? I’m looking at doing a tv commercial for a client — I own an ad agency — that features Latino related companies.
Thx.
Tony
I’m wondering if it’s possible to use a normal hide head on a LP compact conga I have, and if it will sound as good.
thanks
Steve
Steve,
I suggest you keep the plastic head, The isn’t the same amount of tuning travel on the compact drum, to take up the stretching of a skin.
Ray
Thanks Ray,
so you’re saying that it MAY work for awhile if it fits initially, but when the head stretches, it will eventually not hold any tension anymore? if so, I think I can work with that…I may give it a try, but I’ll definitely hang on to the original head. I’ll report back if I have any success.
thanks,
Steve
hi everyone Ray, I live in Colombia, South America and I want to buy a bongo (to be exact LP Galaxy Giovanni Series Wood Bongo) but I would like to buy exactly the same bongo that appear in the profile because I love the colour of the wood and while I was in the web I found only bongos with a different colour. thanks
I have a Santana Aspire Conga set coming in from Musician’s Friend. Can I use the Aspire bongo holder on the stand? I have LP Classic II bongos. I don’t have much floor space, and would like to attach the bongos to the same stand as the congas.
Thanks – I’ve used LP products for years.
joel in Dallas
Joel,
You will need the LPA244S Bongo Mount. It works with the slide mount style conga stand.
Ray
Would you pease let me know how can I play a cajon using a kick drum pedal. Do the LP havin some kind of adapters?
Thanks
Ricardo, from Brazil.
Ricardo,
As of now we do not make an adaptor for using a foot pedal on a cajon.
Ray
Is performer series the same as aspire congas and bongos?
Value lp the best of the world.
A melhor de todas fabricantes de percussão. (Best of all manufacturers of percussion.)
Hyland,
The hardware used on the Perfomer Series is the similar to the Aspire. The main difference has to do with the drum sizes. The Performer are 11″, 11-3/4″, 12-1/2″ compare to the Aspire 10″, 11″ and 12″.
What’s the best way to keep shells and hardware looking clean and looking good?
Hi Ray!! I have a 10in and a 11in head Timbale set. I can’t find replacements for them. Do you sell 10in and a 11in head?
Hyland,
For me to answer your question about keeping the shells and hardware looking good, please tell we which instruments you are referring to?
Ray
Ray,
Please tell me the brand and model of the 10 & 11″ Timbales that need the the heads.
Ray
Hi Ray I have a pair from Canada called Mano percussion i found on ebay i should have bought an LP set of timbalitos the LP MODEL # LPC 272 timbalitos, LP timbalitos 10in 12in heads with a great price!!
11IN HEADS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND LoL!! All the rest of my setup is LP I should have stayed with the best!!! LP PERCUSSION!!
(CANADA DOESN”T SHIP REPLACEMENT HEADS TO THE U.S.!)
The drums are Caliente Series LPC 272 Timbalitos.
I have the Performer Series in the natural finish and chrome hardware.
Ray,
The replacement part numbers for the LPC272 are 10″ M279A and 12″ M279B. They should be available in Canada.
Ray
Hyland,
You may use any good quality furniture polish for the wood shells. I would use a light chrome polish for the metal parts but usually they clean up with just a damp cloth.
Ray
Hi Fred,
Sorry but we don’t have any information on the “Shawn Rock Beat”. Even our R & D dept has not heard of the product. Thanks for visiting our blog site. -LP
What happen to the LP conga pendant. Keep up the good work LP rocks!
Check our gear site, the LP conga pendant is back in stock!
http://www.latinpercussion.biz/access/conga.html
I am interested in clinic in the South Florida area. Do yo know of any?
Thanks for asking about LP clinics. Since clinics often times come up without much notice, please log on to our Clinic and Workshop page regularly for upcoming events!
http://lpmusic.com/Play_Like_A_Pro/Workshop_Clinic/index.html
I have a set of Performer Series bongos that are impossible to find replacement heads; 6 3/4 specifically. However when I search, I see Cp, Remos etc. What model Lp heads will fit the 6 3/4 bongo?
We hope you are enjoying your LP Performer Series Bongos. The LPP663A is for the smaller head and the LPP663B is for the larger head. Both available through Guitar Center. -LP
I want to learn Latin percussion. My local drum shop has a set of LP Aspires (quinto and conga) for $300. But I’m thinking about starting out with a Matador Conga (better quality, about the same price). Which way should I go?
Sorry–just clarify my last entry–I’m wondering if I should spend 300 on TWO entry level Aspire drum or 300 on ONE better Matador drum, and then just save up for a second Matador. Are a couple of Aspires all a dude needs to learn and bang out his heart at home? Thanks.
This is really a matter of personal choice. If all you plan to do is “learn and bang out your heart at home”, then the Aspire series will suit you just fine. If your goal is to one day play even semi-professionally, then you may want to go with the Matador series.
http://lpmusic.com/Product_Showcase/Congas/index.html
Thanks for the feedback. Went ahead and bought Aspire 11 and 12 congas with basket stands in the dark wood finish. Is playing standing up vs sitting down pure preference?
Congratulations on your new set of LP Aspire Congas! Yes, whether you play sitting or standing is purely the percussionist’s choice. We have many online lessons to help you learn how to play conga. Log on and start learning!
http://lpmusic.com/Play_Like_A_Pro/index.html
Ask Brazil to buy the convenience store GEAR SHOP. Many musicians want to buy their products, but the store’s LP does not send to Brazil. They are musicians from all over Brazil who would like to buy sweaters, caps, thongs, glasses and others. We have stores in Brazil to sell these products. Thanks and I look ok! Thanks!
Percussionist-Luciano Pinto Borges
Address: Calle Carlos Bravo No. 30 / 201
Neighborhood: Piety
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Cep: 20740-430
http://www.latinpercussion.biz/
Hi Luciano,
Unfortunately because of the high cost of shipping and duty, LP does not sale LP brand clothing and accessories internationally. Please contact the authorized LP distributor in Brazil. They may stock the items that you are interested in purchasing.
Pride Music
Rua Pedro Cacunda, 400
Jardim Sao Paulo – Sao Paulo – SP
CEP 02046-090
Phone: +55 11 2975 2711
Fax: +55 11 2975 2772
E-mail: info@pridemusic.com.br
Thank you for your interest.
I would like to practice playing my congas and other Latin percussion instruments to just piano and bass salsa music like Pablo Chino Nunez did in his instructional videos produced by lp. I have volume one and two, but I am looking for a wider selection of songs with just piano, bass and brass. Any ideas?
Can anyone help me out with what to do after your gig is over with your congas? Un-tune them completely or leave them alone?
Is there a preferred method to conserve the skin? I have asked 3 different people and got 3 different answers.
Gracias,
Cesar T, Washington DC
The drums should be tuned down. The will extend the life of the head, and help prevent the drum from going out of round.
Nobody gives me an answer,but answering Cesar, what most players are doing is using synthetic skins, these dont go out of tune and they stand climatic changes too.
Howdy – Just bought a set of two LP “La Rosa” congas. Don’t know much about them except that LP is da bomb! I can’t find anything about this model. Any insights?
Thanks!!
Rich
That is one of the best things about playing any of the cajon style drums. No messing around with your head.
LP has never offered a drum or series named “La Rosa”.
Will the comfort curve II rim fit on the matador
How can I get a sponser from LP. Im very young but would like to know when I get good enough at the Timbales how that would be possible. I am 14 and live in Cali.