Tuning a conga using traditional tuning system
Over the years, I’ve changed more heads and tuned more congas then one could imagine. The mechanical tuning system that has been used on congas for as long as anyone can remember is not the most efficient. Most artists are so used to it that they don’t think twice about the design.
If you play seated, you can’t adjust the tuning unless the drum is spun around, or if mounted on a stand, the drum has to be removed to get all the tuning points. During a performance you don’t have the time to adjust all the tuning points.
If a head isn’t evenly tuned the drum will not produce a good fundamental pitch and overtones. When using natural heads, the head will adjust to a degree, a synthetic head is less forgiving.
LP Top Tuning Conga System
The Top Tuning Conga is very similar to the tuning system used on traditional drums. The tuning can be accomplished all from the top using a keyed folding wrench. If the wrench is lost a 7/16” hex socket will work as well, making it quick and easy to adjust the tension at all tuning points.
The challenge, was keeping the tuning hardware low enough to be out of the way of the players hands while still using our Comfort Curve rim design. Replacing the traditional “curved hooks” with straight rods made the tuning more efficient. Our factory came up with a “floating self centering threaded insert” that resides in the side plate to replace the traditional nuts.
Replacing the Head on an LP Top Tuning Conga
Another advantage I like is, that to replace a head, all you have to do is unscrew the rods and lift the rim. No longer do you have to deal with unhooking the lugs, the washers and the nuts. It is very easy.
Thanks for reading this post. I look forward to reading your comments.
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Looks good… But as it just provides a bit more convenience, I wouldn’t replace all my congas because of it. Also I have LP Originals as I like the lower 28″ height, so unless you are providing this new system all across your line-up I’ll prolly never see it.
Greywoulf
Thank you for your comment. As of now we are just offering the top tuning on the 30″ congas. Below is a video giving more information.
Ray Enhoffer
Ray,
I think this approach is great. And just as I was getting ready to purchase a LP Classic conga. I’ve contacted several places, including wwbw.com, and no one I can find seems to have these yet. Also, any chance of getting one in lava red or wine color? Again, great idea!
Don,
Go to the link below and hit the “buy now” button. I should take you to a online dealer.
Right now the drums are only available in the AW finish. It might be possible to special order other finishes. You could have your dealer contact us if you are interested.
http://lpmusic.com/Product_Showcase/Whats_New/top-tuning-congas.html
This may not be the correct place to pose my question, but here it goes.
Does LP make a conga called the Performer Series? If so, where can I find it on your website? Thanks.
Yes, LP makes a Performer Conga. It is a special drum that is made for Guitar Center. We do not have information regarding this drum on our website. You can contact our Customer Service department if you have specific questions regarding this series. 877-622-4569
I have personally experienced the inconvenience of tuning the bolts near the stand. Sounds like a great innovation with very good benefits but I have questions:
Other colors? Also manufactured in 28″? When Amazon or other online shopping stores wiil be offering this product?
I am looking to buy very soon a set of congas and I would buy this system. Thanks
We plan on adding additional colors in 2011. As of now we are just offering top tuning on the 30″ drums. This does not rule out adding this feature at some point in the future on the 28″.
You can find a dealer at:
http://lpmusic.com/Product_Showcase/Whats_New/top-tuning-congas.html
Webmaster, would it be ok if I post a snippet from this article on my forum? I’ll be sure to give you a link to this article in return. Thanks?
Yes, it would be fine to use a snippet of the article on your forum. Please post the link, we would love to read the posting.
Marcia
LP Webmaster
Have you considered adding this type of tuning system to pre-existing LP congas ? This way one can convert to this system and have this option. I own LP Gio Hidalgo congas. Re-Quinto,Ouinto,Conga and Tumbadora. This would be a great additional effort @ LP for their dedicated Conguero customers. Something to think about. Talk about Creative rights and seeing beyond what you have introduced to the market. Thanks.
The side plates on the top tuning drums are mounted higher on the shell compared to the traditional tuning system. It wouldn’t work on existing congas. The geometry of the rim side plates etc. would not make it possible. However we are adding more finishes to the top tuning line. The advantages are obvious.
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This is a great video, I will be posting this to my Latin Percussion website congabongodrum.com
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