Valje congas/bongos

[Kona]

Hey Gary
How are you doing that Gretsch set had to be a birch with round badges. Wow 25,000.00 that had to be a great set.I sold a 4pc Ludwig & Ludwig a few week ago and the guy was crying because he spent $5,000.00. I have a few other that I want to get ride of if you know of any one.

As to your set of Valje I got one guy that has you beat Ossie Torres he plays with Kenny Rogers in Las Vegas he has same 4 drums you have 10 113/4 121/2 and 14 super then he has 4 sets of bongos 2 Oak sets small and large and 2 of the walnut small and large .I wanted to buy the large walnut from him he would not sell it to me Tom Flores only made about 6 of that set and to top it it a five lug bongo a real beauty.

but as I said things are really bad I have set for sale and nothing is selling I got one guy picking up a set of bongo Thursday and I have been holding for him for a month unreal.
well good luck let see what sells.

Hi - thanks for the nice reply. That set of Ossie Torres' sounds really nice! I love the Walnut bongos too...beauties.

That $25,000 (closer to $30 I think) was only ONE drum.......a Gretsch snare drum. It was one of only a few Gold Plated William (Billy) Glastone snare drums - made by the late great snare drum wizard & inventor himself = William Gladstone. Chet Falzerano (Author of the book Gretsch Drums) has one of them. Incomplete information of the sale was posted here and there on a Vintage drum forum. Some Collector/Players have lots of money and are very passionate about their drums for sure.
Sorry - I don't know anyone off-hand that wants some ludwigs but there are always people at these two sights looking: VintageDrumForum & DrumForum.org

[Anonimo]

POST REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR

[Kona]

So - nine months have gone by and I have yet to sell these drums. However, I did get one serious offer of $6,000. I did have them down to $8,500 and I offered to pay shipping to anywhere in the Continental USA.....I live in BC Canada so that's a good deal for a far-away buyer.
No takers so they're back up to $9500. I will look at offers. The free shipping still stands. Ya - it's a lot of money, but man you should see these drums - they're nicer than jewelry.
Don't be too hard on me guys (n- gals?)...

Happy New Year to all of you......

[Anonimo]

POST REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR

[Kona]

Haha - Leedy2 - I guess you can call me anything except late for dinner
Thanks for the reply. Yes - I heard all about Ralphs drums - they are beauties and very good prices.
An odd thing happened between Ralph & I last year when I tried to pay him for some Valje parts I ordered.
This is what happened:
He told me it was fine to send a Bank Draft to him for the parts. I went to my bank and BOUGHT and paid for, in USA funds, a Bank Draft (Money Order in US funds) - it's NOT a cheque - it's like money, a bank draft. He returned the draft - uncashed. He said his bank would not accept it because it did not have my bank account # on it. It was not a cheque and the "account #" his bank had circled and was referring to on the bank draft was only there for a referrence in case I had an account with Ralph's business I could write in Ralph's business account # in there - not my BANK account #. It had nothing to do with a "bank account." It was totally frustrating. It was like the bank that Ralph was dealing with did not understand what a Bank Draft was. They are as good as cash because they are bought with cash and can be redeemed for cash at any bank.....

I sent Ralph a long email explaining his bank made an error and should have honoured the BANK DRAFT because it was as good as USA funds. He did not answer my email. I took the Draft to my bank and explained the situation and they cashed it back to me. My bank said they have never heard of this happening before & they agreed with me that the bank made an error & should have cashed it because it was paid for and as good as cash.

I have not heard from Ralph since and I have not tried to buy parts from him since that. I'm thinking if it's that hard to do business with him there is no way on earth I would ever be able to pay for his drums from here.

Good to hear from you Leedy2 and a very happy NewYear to you as well.

It's my 25th wedding anniversary today & my wife and I got treated to a very nice night out at a special restaurant here in our home town - Cheers, Gary

So - nine months have gone by and I have yet to sell these drums. However, I did get one serious offer of $6,000. I did have them down to $8,500 and I offered to pay shipping to anywhere in the Continental USA.....I live in BC Canada so that's a good deal for a far-away buyer.
No takers so they're back up to $9500. I will look at offers. The free shipping still stands. Ya - it's a lot of money, but man you should see these drums - they're nicer than jewelry.
Don't be too hard on me guys (n- gals?)...

Happy New Year to all of you......

Hey Kona
How are you doing Happy Holidays. You are saying you had a chance to sell drums at $6000.00 and did not take. What do you want me to call you Do you know that you can get the exact set brand span ken new ,with now better lugs than the old ones, Also side plates have been corrected they do not arch like old ones from tuning. All 4 drums 10 ,113/4,12 1/2 ,and 14'' super tumba plus a set of bongos for $3500.00 and if you haggle with Ralphy he will bring price down. And if you want stands the sit down stand all 4 $200.00 stand up stands all 4 $350.00 .You should yanked the persons arm the new ones are made same way the old valje's were made no different with exception of better parts.

[Anonimo]

POST REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR

[Kona]

Haha - Thanks Cuco.
Yes - it's amazing Rosemary has put up with me all these years.

I think if I have to do business with Ralph Flores again (or attempt to) I will just phone him - that way there may not be miscommunication.

Some friends gave my wife an I a very nice gift certificate to a beautiful exclussive restaurant for our anniversary & we'll be there tonight - it should be fun!

Take care good to talk to you here again.
Gary

[bongosnotbombs]

Haha - Leedy2 - I guess you can call me anything except late for dinner
Thanks for the reply. Yes - I heard all about Ralphs drums - they are beauties and very good prices.
An odd thing happened between Ralph & I last year when I tried to pay him for some Valje parts I ordered.
This is what happened:
He told me it was fine to send a Bank Draft to him for the parts. I went to my bank and BOUGHT and paid for, in USA funds, a Bank Draft (Money Order in US funds) - it's NOT a cheque - it's like money, a bank draft. He returned the draft - uncashed. He said his bank would not accept it because it did not have my bank account # on it. It was not a cheque and the "account #" his bank had circled and was referring to on the bank draft was only there for a referrence in case I had an account with Ralph's business I could write in Ralph's business account # in there - not my BANK account #. It had nothing to do with a "bank account." It was totally frustrating. It was like the bank that Ralph was dealing with did not understand what a Bank Draft was. They are as good as cash because they are bought with cash and can be redeemed for cash at any bank.....

I sent Ralph a long email explaining his bank made an error and should have honoured the BANK DRAFT because it was as good as USA funds. He did not answer my email. I took the Draft to my bank and explained the situation and they cashed it back to me. My bank said they have never heard of this happening before & they agreed with me that the bank made an error & should have cashed it because it was paid for and as good as cash.

I have not heard from Ralph since and I have not tried to buy parts from him since that. I'm thinking if it's that hard to do business with him there is no way on earth I would ever be able to pay for his drums from here.

[/quote]

I've bought several (4) drums from Ralph, parts and have had work done by him. I just send him a personal check and never had any problems. I always thought he was very easy to deal with and provided me excellent service. Sometimes it takes more than one email or phone call, but I've found that to be typical of every drum maker.

[Kona]

Well that's good to know. I wasn't saying anything against him (and I know you weren't inferring that I was) I was just surprised to get my Bank Draft (USA MONEY ORDER) back with the note on it saying it did not have my bank account on it so the bank could not cash it. When do you ever put your bank account # on a money order(?) they're like cash.....they're NOT a cheque. I don't know what bank Ralph was dealing at but neither my bank nor any bank I've ever dealt with would refuse to accept a money order....Money Orders are bought with cash - they're as good as cash.

But yes....I will personally call Ralph if I need to buy something from him in the future. He does make beautiful drums and I'm so glad he's got the "Valje" name back in the family........good one Ralph!

Haha - Leedy2 - I guess you can call me anything except late for dinner
Thanks for the reply. Yes - I heard all about Ralphs drums - they are beauties and very good prices.
An odd thing happened between Ralph & I last year when I tried to pay him for some Valje parts I ordered.
This is what happened:
He told me it was fine to send a Bank Draft to him for the parts. I went to my bank and BOUGHT and paid for, in USA funds, a Bank Draft (Money Order in US funds) - it's NOT a cheque - it's like money, a bank draft. He returned the draft - uncashed. He said his bank would not accept it because it did not have my bank account # on it. It was not a cheque and the "account #" his bank had circled and was referring to on the bank draft was only there for a referrence in case I had an account with Ralph's business I could write in Ralph's business account # in there - not my BANK account #. It had nothing to do with a "bank account." It was totally frustrating. It was like the bank that Ralph was dealing with did not understand what a Bank Draft was. They are as good as cash because they are bought with cash and can be redeemed for cash at any bank.....

I sent Ralph a long email explaining his bank made an error and should have honoured the BANK DRAFT because it was as good as USA funds. He did not answer my email. I took the Draft to my bank and explained the situation and they cashed it back to me. My bank said they have never heard of this happening before & they agreed with me that the bank made an error & should have cashed it because it was paid for and as good as cash.

I have not heard from Ralph since and I have not tried to buy parts from him since that. I'm thinking if it's that hard to do business with him there is no way on earth I would ever be able to pay for his drums from here.

I've bought several (4) drums from Ralph, parts and have had work done by him. I just send him a personal check and never had any problems. I always thought he was very easy to deal with and provided me excellent service. Sometimes it takes more than one email or phone call, but I've found that to be typical of every drum maker.[/quote]

[congalero]

I have looked this thread over and can say that bongosnotbombs is the most accurate. Valje drums run between $300. to $600. per drum pending condition, size and desire. I turned down a full set of 5 (yes 5) with four original bands (rare) - all new skins and refurbished (no cracks) at $2.300. for the full set (actually a real deal). The reason I turned them down is that I have too many to begin with. A set of three (Q.C&T) is worth between $1,200. and $1,800. pending condition. With that said, if you find a full set of the 30" tall SF Valje drums (very rare - when Haight Ashbury music took over Valje they made two heights - 31" and 30" - most people ordered the 31"), you may garner $1,500. to $2,500. (Q,C,&T). There is one on eBay right now for a bit too much. Also buying one drum and then trying to match it up in this venue would be a long process - not worth it. Buying anything should be based on market value (the value based on comparable product in recent sales). Just like houses, if you paid too much, you lost value. People on this board see many drums sold all the time, hence this is a good place to ask for value. However, the value stated should be from actual knowledge of what a drum "SOLD" for recently. I buy and sell drums on a frequent bases, so I keep up with market values. I know bongosnotbombs also is aware of the market and keeps his eyes open. Of course there may be someone who is willing to pay a huge price for a drum to round out a set, desire to have a particular drum/set or is ignorant. But keep in mind that in selling any product, it takes a motivated seller and a motivated buyer - most buyers do their homework and search 'recent sales' - 'real sellers' do the same.

[bongosnotbombs]

Hey Congalero, nice to hear from you. It's been a long time. Was that your Valje for $400 on craigslist recently? How is the conga collection? Any interesting recent additions?

SF Valje drums (very rare - when Haight Ashbury music took over Valje they made two heights - 31" and 30" - most people ordered the 31"), you may garner $1,500. to $2,500.

Such a coincidence you are mentioning this, I was in there at Haight Ashbury Music last week and they had 3 Valjes, 2 congas and a quinto, with the tumba and super tumba already sold. They were asking $950 each, consignment sale, which actually seemed quite reasonable for a music store sale of vintage and uncommon drums.

[No.2-1820]

For me a full set of vintage valje's and a full set of Matthew Smith's would be conga heaven ! If pressed for a preference either way I believe I would go with the valje's but have to admit I'm into the whole Tom Flores funky sixties/seventies California history that goes with them.

Barrie

[congalero]

Bongosnotbombs, if they have the bands on them, they are the ones I turned down. The owner offered the five to me a couple of months back. He was going to put them up at Haight Ashbury music. I will ask to see what the actual sales prices come in at. However, you are correct, if sold from a store like Haight Ashbury, one may be able to get a higher price per drum. It does not surprise me that the tumba and super tumba sold first, they are harder to come by.

[Ernesto Pediangco]

The bottom line is that the product is worth as much as YOU are willing to pay reguardless of it's fair or unfair market value, what it is worth to you?
How anyone may feel about that is totally irrelevant.
My recently restored Requena, is it worth $3,000.00? Heck nooooooooooooo!!! but I tell you this, if someone would offer me that amount for it I just might consider it .

Great point Bro. The market is full of over priced items & under valued ones as well. A ultitarian drum is as valuable as what you extract out of ot as a professional, a collectors item is more of a Love affair & / or a biz in sales etc. I am shocked to see what people think old Lp's are worth ! They are crude utility drums in a market full of good options. As you said its a ?? of what its worth to ypu. I'd sell my like new 73' Lp, TP model Palisades Park Timbales for the cost of a new set from a different company or a vintage set. Lp's have no brand value to me, in fact I boycot them. All my drums are American made or Latin American. I just do not support rip off companies from an industry that belongs in Latin Americ & ther U.S. ( we invented this stuff, its our heritage & thats price less !

[Ernesto Pediangco]

The bottom line is that the product is worth as much as YOU are willing to pay reguardless of it's fair or unfair market value, what it is worth to you?
How anyone may feel about that is totally irrelevant.
My recently restored Requena, is it worth $3,000.00? Heck nooooooooooooo!!! but I tell you this, if someone would offer me that amount for it I just might consider it .

I agree ! Valjes never held that kind of value to me due to the weak hard ware desigs w/ riveted parts bending & damaging hooks & poor bongo bracings that by design can easily crack bongos. I sold every one I ever owned or repaired. The rewly produced shell from Resolution are great but the old flawed weak hard wares are a deal breaker. Its time to move from nostalgoa to inovative evolutionary designs that modern insightful engineering provides ! ? But...for you Valje lovers...heres an old Valje product catalog from my shop for you to day dream with.

Valje rear cover.jpg[/attachmentattachment=2][attachment=1]Gon Bop Molinari era.jpg

Sotello congas.jpg