What is the difference between Symmetry Conga Drumheads and the older 'brown trim' Crimplock Conga Drumheads?
Symmetry is an improvement on the older Crimplock construction.
Crimplock refers to the aluminum flesh-hoop crimped over the film that seats inside the channel (of the flesh-hoop) with glue. The Symmetry type is the addition of symmetrical folds around the collar that conform to the bearing edge as you tension so it's easier on your hands and provides increased projection (better contact between head and drum), tunability (how the film stretches and seats), and durability (as the head conforms, there's more tension on the collar and less stress directly on the flesh-hoop).
Remo key-tuned Djembes are generally tensioned to perform right out of the box. Some professional players will match the open/bass tone to the root note of an ensemble. In most cases, it's player preference based on desired response and pitch. Note: the looser the head, the lower the tone/response...tighter the head, the higher the response/pitch.
One suggestion would be on fine-tuning...with your finger, open-tap the head's edge near each rod and try to match the pitch all the way around by slightly turning each rod. Play with it till you get a nice balance of high slaps and bass tone from your drum.
Quick General Bongo Drumhead Sizing Guide & Series Reference
Quick General Bongo Drumhead Sizing
Here's a quick reference guide for our different series of bongo heads to be sure you get the right size for your drums. *1st Identify the advertised sizes of your bongo by searching online or contacting the manufacturer* Measurements and Descriptions:
Full-Size Bongos: 7.15” crown = (7” or 7-1/4” drum), 8.5” crown (8.5” or 8-5/8” drum), 9” crown (9” drum)
'crown' = playing surface edge-edge of the drumhead.
'drum size' = shells bearing edge-edge. "Macho" = smallest drum in the set: 7" or 7-1/4"
"Hembra" = largest drum in the set: 8.5" or 8-5/8", 9" Entry Level Size Bongos: 6.75” crown (6.75” drum), 8” crown (8” drum).
'crown' = playing surface edge-edge of the drumhead.
'drum size' = shells bearing edge-edge. "Macho" = smallest drum in the set: 6-3/4"
"Hembra" = largest drum in the set: 8" We do not offer drumheads outside of these specs, for example-5.5" drum sizes.
What are the Remo Symmetry Conga drumhead options for the Schallock Conga Model?
Remo Symmetry Conga drumheads are designed specifically for non-Remo model Congas equipped with the latest version 'contoured/radial' hoops, i.e rims, as a standard among conga manufacturers-beginning since the late 90's. (If you have traditional hoops or would prefer tucked conga drumheads, please see other knowledge base post to confirm if drumheads are available for your model or contact our support center). Symmetry drumheads are specifically engineered to conform to the shells bearing edge with tension for optimum tone, pitch stability, and projection. Denotation: 'D' in the model number, denotes the inner diameter (ID) of the Aluminum Ring. D1 being the smallest, D4 being the largest-all specific to the type/model of the drum. Note the Crown size, i.e.playing surface remains the same: 9.75", 10.75" 11.06", 11.25”, 11.75", 12.25” 12.50", 13”.Due to non-standardized conga drum manufacturing, drumhead fit may vary...make sure to center and level as you tension for optimum performance. All listed models have been fit tested by Remo staff.
