The Basics Discussions Mike Robertson'sTutorial Photo courtesy of Koko Photo courtesy of Drums On Sale The Basics Finding information on how to build a conga on the internet has been somewhat difficult. In may be partly because many people just hand carve them so there isn't much else to tell, but the other theory is that the complex stave shape discourages most builders. After some research and lots of discussion the plans for a stave method conga are presented below. One important note: conga building is not a money saving venture. If you want to go the least expensive route, then buying one already made is your best bet. But if you're in it for the joy of building, please proceed. One other thing worth mentioning right from the start is that this method requires a table saw with a very high blade. You will need almost 5 inches of blade above the table top. Here is a basic concept:
Finding information on how to build a conga on the internet has been somewhat difficult. In may be partly because many people justhand carve them so there isn't much else to tell, but the other theory is that the complex stave shape discourages most builders.
After some research and lots of discussion the plans for a stave method conga are presented below.
One important note: conga building is not a money saving venture. If you want to go the least expensive route, then buying onealready made is your best bet. But if you're in it for the joy of building, please proceed.
One other thing worth mentioning right from the start is that this method requires a table saw with a very high blade. You will needalmost 5 inches of blade above the table top.
PDGood:Koko, how high was the blade of the table saw that you used? That seems to be a very important requirement to making a conga bythe stave method.
koko:The sawblade was 12cm (5issssh inch) and that was max I could squeese out of it. That was quite a struggle to find. You need avery very powerful machine to cut 12cm thick wood properly. (Other machines can cut that kind a wood, but don't give a decentcut). Of course with conga staves you don't cut through 12 cm thick, but you need a decent cut at that height.
koko:The conga was finished and played tonight for the first time. We ripped a valje conga for the parts. (Size wise this is a quintoactually). This whole project was started a little under a year from now when I met Jeroen (not the same Jeroen we all know fromhis contributions up here), who is a professional percussionist. He wanted something extraordinary special and searched for awoodworker to do it.
This all is in the test and experimental stage right know but all is looking (and sounding) very promising.
Jeroen was very pleased with what he heard today and took the conga (quinto) with him home for a real test ride. He will berecorded somewhere in October and hopefully I get a few soundbites for you guys too. We tested it on a concrete, a wood and acarpet floor together with a conga and tumba. (Both Valje) They made a good pair and mine sounded true and tone/colorful. All inall a real success for a first offender.
This conga is different from others since it's built up with plywood laminated, it is way thicker and a little shorter. It is a test ride allthe way. When we are done with it, I think it has seen all kinds a shapes and configurations.
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