all i know is that local shop of mine has (had?) a decent collection of gon-bops stuff and it was pricey but they were some of the best sounding latin drums ive ever heard.

Uh, ok anything else?

well ive seen another line called "sol" which seem awfully similar to the gon bops stuff.   heres what thier site says :

[size=-1]"I founded Sol Drums in 1992, having conceived of it in April of 1986, while watching the Valje* shop go up in flames in San Francisco. I was the only one who went to work that day, one circumstance among many that set the day apart. For 3 years I had been studying the art of drum making with Valje masters, producing Latin instruments in a shop that had been manufacturing in the U.S. since the 1950's. "[/size]

soldrums.com

I was actually going to start a new thread here, but you've asked a question which is part of my question.

I've played the gon bops and they give the driest sound I've heard on any congas to date. There's no ring or long fading tone,, just "smack" and it's done. A friend of mine I'm learning Latin and Haitian percussion - and who's word I tend to trust, says they're going to give the most traditional sound of any conga. But, he doesn't have internet access, so doesn't have  surfing as part of his knowledge base. I found the Sol site before this thread, and was going to ask if their "traditional", which looks just like the gon bops, is worth the $800 they're asking - at least as compared to Mambiza's congas which look as good and cost half that.

The Sol site is:
http://www.soldrums.com/new.html
Mambiza's site is:
http://www.mambiza.com/catalog/afrocuban/congas.html

My friend says I can buy his gon bop quinto for $400, but that means I'm left without a match.
Anyone have a Gon Bop Segundo, or Tumba for sale?

Dave

Well, Sol Percussion makes top-of-the-line drums, with a corresponding price. Chances are the Mambiza drums are 'good enough' unless money is no object, or you're a profesional player who needs the absolute best/costliest gear...

In my early playing day's I owned Gon-Bops and found them to be very nice sounding congas.  However,  if you are looking to buy a set please keep in mind that spare parts are not available. When looking at the the ones you might purchase, check carefully that the hardware such as the side plates are not cracked in any manner.  The rims need to be smooth and unbent. Watch for seperation of the wood staves at thier joints.   The value of these congas  in my opinion would vary from $100-150 for each drum.  If the heads are older,  you will need to buy new heads or the skins to form heads with.

Good  Luck my fellow Clevelander.

Gon bops are the bomb.(period) Best congas on the market.

I just said they're very good congas, I don't think I've really pushed them particularly. I don't own them and have no intention of buying any.

ok, ok you're right , i was just ribbin the guy, ill go easy. I didn't mean to make bad waves.  my friend Dave just bought a set of sols and they are very nice. (man are they frikken heavy though)

Hi,
 
I have both conga and tumba in nice condition, color black over the original mahogany wood. Some cosmetic scratches, but easy to repair. Heads are probably original, but still in good shape.
 
I'm on Long Island, NY, zip 11803. These are shippable by UPS.
 
Let me know if anyone is interested, with an offer. I have more pics.
 
Thanks,
 
Tim