MEINL DESIGNER SERIES PERCUSSION

EXCLUSIVE
90 RHYTHM JULY 2009
W
hat we have in this month’s
hand percussion round-up is
more additions to an
ever-broader selection of
instruments from German giants Meinl. This
popular manufacturer certainly doesn’t rest
on its laurels and produces more ground-
breaking designs and innovations than
possibly any other percussion company. Its
painstaking attention to detail and broad
perspective are reminiscent of other flagship
German companies like drum kit icons Sonor
– or even BMW for that matter.
Build
Firstly,let’stake apeek at Meinl’supdated
and ‘graphic’ version of their popular Classic
Series congas. These instruments have an
attention grabbingaesthetic and areactually
much lighter than they look but still
beautifully solid and inspiringtoplay. The
black counter-hoops arealittle on the slim
size but these more traditional dimensions
enable the heads to sit well forcomfortable
playing. Meinl chose to send us a set of
standard diameter drums which comprises
an 11" quinto, 11¾" conga and 12½" tumba
which all stand proud at acool 30"tall.
Wooden stave constructed shells are
surprisingly lightweight but full in their
dimensions and, with the included black
Steely 2 stands, offer pretty good overall
value.The inclusion of Meinl’sprotective
Conga Savers means that those crazy finishes
will stay looking good for longer too.
Meinl’s new Turbo cajon is an interesting
development on the standard cajon design
and, although similar in most ways to existing
models, it features wide open top edges that
add amuch morevoluminous slap than that
possible on standard cajon designs.
Interestingly, both the body and frontplate
(orTapa) areconstructed from the same
material. Red oak is used giving the cajon an
attractive deep grain matte finish that oozes
quality. The Turbo has aset of internal fi xed
snare wires that lay down the rear of the
frontplate and the degree of sizzle is
non-adjustable – which may or may not be a
good thing depending on your musical style.
The newBongo Snarecajon is athoroughly
welcome addition to any percussionist’s
arsenal. It is effectively an extremely
affordable, lightweight bongo-sized cajon
made from Meinl’ssustainable rubberwood. It
contains two different sized sound chambers
which both house non-adjustable internal
snarewires layingagainst the rear of the
soundplate.The natural matte fi nish of the
body of the instrument contrasts well with the
ebony black soundplate and with no tuning
required, not to mention its tough
construction and highly durable, continuous
playing surface, it’s going to prove popular.
Hands on
The congas are comfortable to play for
extended sessions and even when played
sittingonthe fl oor givealively,full and
voluminous response. They’re light enough
that you don’t have any concerns when tilting
them forwards but are reassuringly solid in
feel. Tones have aslightmid-range bias but
when tuned well theygiveimpressiveresults.
The Turbo cajon is sturdy even when played
restingonjust the rear rubber feet,and the
integrated padded seat seems to be even
thicker than normal. The Turbo is one loud
and super-snappycajon. The sizzle can be
MEINL DESIGNER
SERIESPERCUSSION
From £58True to form
Meinl hasintroducedsome
innovative and truly cost-
effectiveadditions to its
percussive catalogue.
Charlie Pricedigsin...
PRICES
11" quinto £300.00
Turbo cajon £272.00
11¾" conga £315.00
Bongo Snarecajon
£58.00
12½" tumba £330.00
SHELL MATERIAL
Congas: 2-ply
rubberwood
Turbo cajon: redoak
Bongo Snarecajon:
rubberwood
FINISHES
Congas: four loud
graphic appliqué
designs. Turbo cajon:
matte redoak wood
grain. Bongo Snare
cajon: natural wood
matte finish
SUPPLIED HEADS
(on congas)
‘Tru Skin’natural
buffalo head.
CONTACT
Active Music
Distribution
7Goose Green
Trading Estate
47 East Dulwich Road
London
SE22 9BN
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.meinlpercussion.
com
ESSENTIALSPEC
WIDE OPEN
top edges givethis sturdy
Turbo cajon amore
voluminous slap
THE CONGAS
arecomfortable to playand
givealively,full response
RECOMMENDS
RHY165.gear_meinl 90 20/5/09 7:00:24pm