Re: New LP Matador bongos -a tuning problem cured
Originally Posted by
mapperboy
I bought a brand new set of LP Matador bongos -made in Taiwan, 'Siam' Oak shells, preformed calf (?) heads from one of our reputable big box music retailer here in Vancouver BC Canada.
I couldn't get the macho (7 1/4") side to tune up to produce a nice high tone pop. It would go up so high and just refused to get any higher no matter how tight I made the tuning nuts. I am a multi instrumentalist and always do my own setup and maintenance when ever possible.
So in my quest to learn more about bongo mechanics and materials, I removed the rim to investigate. When I lifted the skin I felt a definite resistance on one side before it came off with a little pop. On examining the underside of the skin I found stain and lacquer (or what ever the finish is) stuck to the inner surface of the head where it contacts the shell. Obviously a bit too much haste mounting the skin after the staining and spraying operation at the factory. It probably wasn't complete dry.
I figured that the enough of the outer rim of the skin was sticking so much that it wouldn't stretch enough to tune up to a high tone.
I scraped and carefully sanded with fine grit all traces of the shell finish, applied a light rub of paraffin wax to the top of the shell where the skin contacts (I don't know if this was necessary but I wanted to make sure to provide a good slippery surface to the top rim of the shell).
Remounted the head and voila the head tune up as high as I wanted it, nice pop from the macho drum now!
Great job! Welcome aboard, mapperboy, and thanks for sharin' that input with our brother and sister skin-slappers!
keep the beat goin' ... Don't keep it to yourself!
Charlie
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." --Henry David Thoreau, "Walden," 1854
"There's a lot to be said for Time Honored tradition and value." --In memory of Frank "fiacovaz" Iacovazzi
"Maybe your drums can be beat, but you can't."--Jack Keck
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