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.
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.
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! :)
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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 .
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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?
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 80 | คู่เอก "รักษ์ vs ยอดนำชัย"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ckLMRorsMeY/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
I hear you George. ... sometimes I bring mics and sound support for gigs like that (when it's worth it).
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
I totally agree.
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.
Beautiful Choice Kevin! Really good insight about how the sound quality of your drums effects/improves your creative process. Thank you for posting….
Glad you liked it!
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.
That’s a great tip, Jim! Thank you
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! :)
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?
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
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.
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.
I agree, the player will notice more than anyone.
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.
Very true!
I live in south Texas where it is ridiculously humid, so I never use actual skin heads since they get loose super quick.
That makes a lot of sense.
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)
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.
Thanks Vernon!
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.
Thanks for sharing!!
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
Thanks for sharing!!
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
Glad I could help!
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.
Can you share details of the double mic stand you are using? Also which Mics are those? Thanks
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.
@@RhythmNotes Many Thanks...much appreciated!!.
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...
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.
Are there any companies that sell Or custom make 8" and 9" synthetic heads for LP's Junior Congas?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
@@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 .
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.
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".
I prefer natural steer skins. They feel, sound, & the projection of sound, works best, for me.
That’s what it’s all about.
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.
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.
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
Thanks Morgane!
How often do you apply the oil to the skins?
I apply either shea butter or bag balm every 3 months for my drums that stay in the studio.
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!
I totally get it. I live in Massachusetts and won't even dare bring a natural skin to a gig.
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
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.
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
Right on, Larry! My tumba skin just arrived yesterday. Can’t wait to have all three drums with Manito skins.
Awesome video Kevin!
Thanks Eric! You inspired me to try the Manito heads awhile back and I’m lovin the results so far.
@@RhythmNotes that’s great… and they only get better with time… you’ll see after a year! Haha
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.
You and I are on the same page, Mark.
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 .
I've been thinking of going with Manito skins on bongo. That's probably my next move.
Need to purchase real skins for my 3 congas. LP
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.
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.
I could not agree more, Hector. Thanks for sharing.
I rather play with synthetic drum heads, so because I rather play congas with sticks, so my hands won't get too red
Do you like the sound or durability of the synthetic heads?
@@RhythmNotes Yes both
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.
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.
Real 100%
✔️
Nice video brother!
Appreciate it!
Real all the way.
For sure!
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?
I could not agree more!
Need hands to make good sound that takes years of practice
For sure!
Real. The synthetic heads sound like cans
✔️
Leather! Synthetics sound like you are playing tin cans!
For sure!
many professional congueros play synthetics so they must be playing tin cans lol
@@anthonyh7286 yes !
@@chriscrichton98 lol
@@anthonyh7286 lol 😆
Prefer real
For sure
Real skin is like having a natural woman with everything natural a much better experience than with touched up faux women 😅
I hear you 100%. Nothing like the real thing.