Gon Bops? - (with secret code on inside!)

[deerskins]

My friend picked these up at a pawn shop in Boulder back in '92 (I think). Over the past 5 years or so, I have really grown to appreciate the sound of these beauties. I always thought they were mexican cheapies. But, I am now wondering if these are very early Gon Bops.
They aren't loud but they are so warm and old school sounding. They have great low-end projection. I love the way these drums let you 'massage' the sound out of the skin. Great dry tone without overtones....simply a joy to play.
But today, he told me there were strange markings on the inside. I never knew this before, shame on me for not closely looking in these earlier!
Check out the photos...what ya think?



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[taikonoatama]

I always thought they were mexican cheapies. But, I am now wondering if these are very early Gon Bops.

Gon Bops, for sure. Profiles, hardware, bands, wood - it's all there. The abscence of rivets on either side of the side plate loops puts them in the 60's, most likely, though possibly earlier. Not sure what year that change was made - anyone know? There was another change made to the side plates, in relation to the rounding off of the corners, in the early 60's I believe, but I can't remember the details. Anyone?

Not a clue on that writing, though, sorry.

~Taiko

[jorge]

I agree, they definitely look like Gon Bops, late 60s or early 70s. Definitely not the cheap Mexican congas, I had one of those too. I had a Gon Bops quinto a little smaller than the drum on the right, bought in 1973 ($88 new at Sam Ash on 48th St NYC). It was originally a darker stain but came out a very similar reddish color when I refinished it. The wood in the picture doesn't look quite like the usual Gon Bops mahogany-like wood of that time period, but that could be the finish or the lighting. The hardware is their low end hardware, without the added metal reinforcement bar supporting the loop that the hook goes through. They used this hardware on their lower priced drums well into the 1970s, the more reinforced hardward was only on their high end drums. Very nice warm sounding drums. I can't make sense of the symbols inside, probably the original owner identifying his drum.

[BATZONG]

Now these have a cool vibe! :p

Those are the real deal, man. NICE!

[bongo]

I agree, Gon Bops for sure. The chrome falling off is the deciding factor : )

As far as the writing, it looks like gang turf to me.



Edited By bongo on 1180587241

[blango]

Yea, smooth bands, and rounded side plates - mid 60's gon bops.

However, they were know to use whatever parts were around to get a drum out of the shop, so it could be as late as early 70's.

As for the writing, who knows!

Tony