Calling all bongo experts

[gadabout]

My new bongos have no resonance. They just sort of sound like banging on a cereal box. Is this a sign that they are tuned too low, tuned too high, or that they just suck?

[1001gear]

What kind?

[gadabout]

CP 221

[1001gear]

Can you compare to these?

[video=youtube;TbWQg7XUTGQ]

 

[rayboomboom]

Maybe they're either not in tune with themselves or they're tuned too low.

 

I've found if mine are tuned too low they sound dead, especially the hembra (larger) one.

 

maybe this will help:

 

http://www.get-tuned.com/bongo-drum.php

[techristian]

I'm glad to see that this is a real bongo drum thread. My friend ,who plays hand drums, gets up in arms because most people call all hand drums. "bongos". Dejembe , conga, bata etc..all "bongos"

 

 

Dan

[rayboomboom]

Yeah, my pet peeve is pronouncing congas - long O sound

with a long U sound - cungas.

[Mikeo]

Hand drums are cool. I have a set of bongos in my box stuff.They are a touch plunky, compared to a set of congas

 

I think if my memory is correct mine are made by Earth Works and have a natural skin on them. I don't think they make em any more.

 

Best bongo scene ever.

 

[video=youtube;YkB07o0wurA]

[gadabout]

Yeah, they do seem to be improving a bit as I tune them up. Not sure how far I could or should go. The CP bongos in the video in post #4 are the same as mine, and sound not too far off. Most of the others that I hear on YouTube are a lot more resonant. Of course, some of it is just my unpracticed technique.

[rayboomboom]

Remember also that they need to be in tune with themselves. That is the head needs to be the same pitch at each tuning point. That will help a lot with rezo too.