The popularity of Congas has crossed the boundaries of the Caribbean Islands, and now they have become an integral part of all music genres.
They add to the fun of music and are great if you have that inside musical spirit that wants to go wild.
If you are a music enthusiast, wanting to explore this beautiful instrument, you might get overwhelmed by the variety of congas available in the market.
But, worry not! This ultimate guide will help you choose the best one.
What are the best congas and stands worth investing in right now?
Let’s discuss the best congas on the market!
Best Congas in 2021 – Our Top Picks
Here’s our list of the best congas in 2020 that you should definitely check out:
Pearl Fiberglass Conga Set
This is a fundamental, yet one of the most durable congas sets available in the market. The monotone exterior looks very classy and professional.
The set comes with two conga drums of different heights (10 and 11 inches). Despite the sturdy construction, these congas are not very heavy.
The pair weighs at just 29lbs. There are no protective pads for the congas, so it is best if you purchase a conga set along with it.
The shell is made of fiberglass, which makes it weather resistant and perfect for outdoor use. The heads are made of synthetic Remo skin, which adds to the durability.
If you are on a budget, invest in this product. It is not only reasonably priced but also has great sound quality. Due to the head material, the sound quality will not decline over time.
So, if you are starting out, this is the best option for you. The conga sets are best suited for warm tones.
Key Features
- Fiberglass exterior
- Lightweight
Pearl Fiberglass Conga Set Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Best for concerts
- Best congas for beginners
Pearl Fiberglass Conga Set Cons:
- More suited for warm tones
Latin Percussion LP City Wood Congas 10″ & 11″ Set
When it comes to creating a perfect blend of quality and design aesthetics, this brand never disappoints. This conga set will instantly win your heart at first glance.
The sleek exterior and beautiful colors make this conga set a piece of art. The best feature of this conga set is that it is exceptionally reasonable and hence so popular.
The set comes with two conga sets of different heights, one measure at 10 inches, and the other one at 11 inches. The exterior is made of Siam Oak, which is weather-resistant and very durable.
The set is very long-lasting, and the sound quality does not deteriorate with time. Both congas are 28 inches in length.
The bottom part of the congas comes with a protective rubber pad, in case you are not mounting them on a conga stand.
The conga set is suitable for all sounds – from sharp sounds to heavy bass. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this set is perfect for you!
Key Features
- Weather-resistant
- Beautiful design
Latin Percussion Conga Pros:
- Durable
- Reasonably priced
Latin Percussion Conga Cons:
- We could not identify any
Latin Percussion LP World Beat Caribe Conga
The sleek design instantly catches the eye. The exterior is made of Siam Oak and has a sleek finish. The rim has curved edges that add to the comfort level.
The key feature of this conga set is its compact design. It is only 21 inches in length and so lightweight that you can easily carry it.
But, at the same time, the shell is very sturdy and weather resistant. The head size measures up to 9 inches, and the sound is very smooth. The instrument is suited for beginners and professionals alike.
Key Features
- Compact size
- Durable Siam Oak body
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Travel friendly
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy bass
Best Conga Stands
If you want to enjoy playing congas, you should not underestimate the importance of investing in the right conga stand.
Conga stands come in a wide range of dimensions, materials, and quality. We have reviewed 2 of the best conga stands that are travel friendly, and compatible with almost all types of conga sets.
Gibraltar Double-braced Double Conga Stand
This is one of the most popular conga stands designed by Gibraltar. The double stand can fit 2 conga drums at a time. It is straightforward to assemble and dismember the parts. The product is specially designed for frequent travelers and concerts.
The height of the stand is adjustable, and there is a special position lock feature that helps you remember the last adjusted height.
Despite its sturdy construction, the stand is quite lightweight and weighs only 11 lbs. The legs of the stand are protected by rubber covers, which prevent accidental sliding or scratches on the floor.
The product is compatible with almost all manufacturers like LP, Pearl, and Toca.
As far as the weight tolerance of the stand is concerned, it can hold all types of congas – from small-sized to heavy tumbadoras.
Key Features
- Position lock function
- Compatible with multiple makers
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- Expensive
LP Double Conga Stand
Latin Percussion not only designs the best conga sets, but they also offer very durable and handy conga stands. Their stands are not only compatible with their brand but also with any other manufacturer’s.
The stand is supposed to hold a pair of conga sets in a vertical position. It is made of chrome coated steel, which makes it weather and rust-resistant.
The product is very durable and long-lasting. The height of the stand measures up to 31 inches and is adjustable. The key feature of this product is heavy-gauge casters.
This ensures a tight grip and prevents any accidental movements, even when the congas are played with full power.
The adjustable separators allow the users to position the instruments at their preferred angles.
Although the conga set is made to bear heavy congas, the weight of the product itself is just 3.5 oz. The user can easily dismount and carry it.
Key Features
- Adjustable position separators
- Weather and rust-resistant
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Compatible with various brands
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
How To Buy The Best Congas – Buying Guide
Congas come in a wide range of sizes, designs, quality, and sound.
Choosing the right type could get a lot easier if you are familiar with the anatomy of the congas.
Here are some key features you should check to make an informed decision:
The Material of The Conga
The shell refers to the exterior of the conga set, which is either wooden or fiberglass.
Both types have their pros and cons. Wood shells are sturdy and generate a deep sound, but they are quite heavy and not travel friendly. Fiberglass shells are very lightweight and have a crispy tone, but the durability might be a concern.
The Shape of The Rim
The purpose of the rim is to hold the conga head in place. Old-fashioned congas used to have a flat rim which had a tight grip but players ended up injuring their hands. To avoid this, the latest conga designs come with a curved rim.
The Conga Head
The sound quality of the conga depends on the type and size of the head. Conga heads can either be rawhide or synthetic.
Rawhide congas are more suitable for bass, as they have a heavy sound.
On the other hand, synthetic heads produce a sharp sound, suitable for all genres.
The Price of The Conga Set
This is the biggest concern of buyers. Expensive congas aren’t necessarily the best ones; some of the highly recommended congas are quite reasonably priced. You can check our picks for the top three, best-rated congas above.
What Are The Standard sizes of Conga Sets?
Congas come in 3 standard sizes, depending on the head measurement: Small, Medium, and Tumbadoras.
The head in small congas measures up to 11-inches, these congas are best suited for beginners. In medium-sized and tumbadoras congas the head size is not fixed, but it doesn’t exceed 11.75 inches and 12.75 inches respectively.
Which Conga Size Is Best For Me?
For choosing the right size, you should know the kind of sound your desire. If you want to create smooth tunes, go for small-sized congas.
However, if you are a beginner and want to experience something crispy with this instrument, go for medium-sized congas, as they are the most versatile ones.
How To Set Up A Conga Mic?
To make the best of your conga sets, it is very important to invest in a high-quality drum mic set.
The best placement for the mic, as recommended by experts, is at the top of conga heads pointing down at an angle of 45 degrees. There are overhead adjustable stands used for optimal microphone settings.
Should I Invest In Protective Gear For The Congas?
Definitely! Although congas are quite rugged, investing in high-quality protective gear like conga covers can make them even more long-lasting.
Conga Drums Buying Guide Conclusion
Hope that the guide helped you learn about the ins and outs of conga drums. We have only reviewed the best-rated conga sets available in the market; you can explore more options as per your preferences and budget.
Now that you are on board with what to look for in a conga set, it’s time to hit the market. Invest in a good conga set and create beautiful and alluring music.
Good luck!
