GonBops by DW

[Tonio]

Hola Congueros!!

OK, Obi posted on another thread about GonBops as linked
http://www.westcoastdrumcenter.com/renuwopehe.html
It appears as though they resurrected the company? And has support from DW(trap kits mfg)? The address is in Oxnard , cA.

The California model looks like the old GonBops "super" model, and has the original belly shape, with Amercian Red oak. The other model looks like off shoot different plants from Thailand, they even use Siam Oak.

whats up with that?

T



Edited By Tonio on 1110312206

[Tonio]

oops heres the correct one, and GonBops itself.

http://www.westcoastdrumcenter.com/gonbopsbydw.html

http://www.gonbops.com/

[dannydrumperc]

The congas looks cool, but all other instruments looks like copies from LP, Pearl and Meinl. Liked the PDP rack system.

[Ivan]

Am I seeing things... I had no idea.... I almost think it's too good to be true... Have you been to this place and seen the drums in person?

[smidogg]

I thought Gon Bops became Timba Percussion? You think this is the real deal or did DW buy the Gon Bops Name. I remember one thing that made Gon Bops so good was their manufacturing was done by hand. I wonder if DW is using the same guys. If they are just mass producing drums that look like gon bops. I hope that this is not the case.

[Tonio]

Exactly I thought Timba too. ??? I almost fell off my chair when I saw the california model.
I remember some guy bought out the Gonbops machinery. They used to be in the Silverlake area? Now they are in Oxnard, Is DW in Oxnard? Me thinks GonBops got DW to foot the start up and financial help--at least I hope so. Actually I love GonBops tone, but the stave mgf process and the glue they used was sub-par. LP has always been better in that regards IMO.
I have not actually checked out the drums...thats why Im posting to find out!!


Yummy!!



Edited By Tonio on 1110336786

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... _Stain.jpg

[Tonio]

I think I'll e-mail them to find out the skinny..

Hey smidog, aren't you close to Oxnard? At least closer than me!! I'll take a road trip if I have to :laugh:


T



Edited By Tonio on 1110337016

[windhorse]

Well, I visited Akbar at Sol in San Fran last summer and saw all those shells getting ready for heads... The CA model was made by Sol.. So, you get the same hardware as the old Gon Bops,, but the shell made by Sol!
Hand made and by the exacting standards of Akbar!
Good stuff!!


Dave

[Tonio]

What? Dave are you for sure? Akbar as in Valje? did he buy the GonBops machinery?Man I got to find from a resource I have. This could be a good thing!!

T

[windhorse]

Oh yes,, I'm sure...
We talked for hours and had a look at the entire process quite closely...

I had specific instructions NOT to tell anyone,, but that was before they went public with the unveiling.

[mco]

Mexican GON BOPS/Sol Congas??

I found this item in the Rhythmtraders news (http://www.rhythmtraders.com/html/news.html)

"IN OTHER LATIN DRUM NEWS:

One big change in the world of fine congas that we will be watching for you, is the new partnership between DW, Gon Bops, and Sol Percussion. The scoop is that drum industry leader, DW has bought the Gon Bops name and has Sol Percussion making the drums under license for them in the Bay Area. On the plus side, DW is known for their sky high quality standards and technological innovations. But there are some potential negatives, too. Related rumours are that Sol Percussion itself is in the process of being bought by DW who plans to produce "Gon Bops" and "Sol Percussion" congas in their Ensenada, Mexico factory. This is in addition to cheaper lines which are being produced in Thailand. What does this mean for you? First of all, it means that Sol Congas as we know them are no longer available from us and other small independent dealers. If you already own Gon Bops or Sol Congas, congratulations... the value of them just skyrocketed! It also means that with new incarnations of Gon Bops and Sol being produced now in three different countries ( US, Mexico, Thailand), it will become harder to know what you're buying. Prices on the American made instruments are likely to rise. Those of you who play guitar might see the parallel between this arrangement and what Fender guitars did over the past couple of decades by moving factories abroad and creating huge quality and price differences between, say, a $199 Mexican made Fender Strat, and a $1200 American Strat. "

[Obi]

Well, I visited Akbar at Sol in San Fran last summer and saw all those shells getting ready for heads... The CA model was made by Sol.. So, you get the same hardware as the old Gon Bops,, but the shell made by Sol!
Hand made and by the exacting standards of Akbar!
Good stuff!!

Man, I love my Sols...

They can be found at Rhythmtraders, here is Sol's address:www.Soldrums.com & Yes, That is Akbar of Valje fame...

Obi

[Tonio]

Obi, thank you for the news from DW. This is sounding .. not so good. At least Akbar is making the shells, perhaps assembly in Mexico?
At least does not appear to be mass production line for the California model.
I hope Akbar does not sell out to DW however.
T

[Obi]

Obi, thank you for the news from DW. This is sounding .. not so good. At least Akbar is making the shells, perhaps assembly in Mexico?
At least does not appear to be mass production line for the California model.
I hope Akbar does not sell out to DW however.
T

I don't Know who posted that Sol is being produced in Mexico... ???
(that is If I read your Post correctly)

Like Windhorse, I visited Sol and spoke with Akbar for a couple of hours. I got to see the shells in various stages of production and so on...

Sol is not produced in mexico (at least not 4 years ago).

When I Had my own shop I tried to sell Sol here in PA, but never found a real market for such quality instruments

I did sell a lot of talking shakers though

(edit...)
Okay, I Just read the article posted by MCO... (more thoroughly) this is unsettling news

I wonder if we could petition Akbar to stand strong?

I realise a lower price will help sell these drums, but it hurts to see other american businesses continually squeezed by our economy (which is why I no longer have mine).
(/edit...)

For all you guys looking for Gons, I really suggest checking out Sol first.

(See my post in "what drums do you play")

If you are in the SF Area, Call Sol & talk to Akbar. Make the appointment to see the shop... It is well worth your afternoon.

Obi

SAVE SOL!!!



Edited By Obi on 1110666080

[Tonio]

oops sorry Obi, I meant mco with the news.
But if you read carefully(DW news) sol make the shells, then some stuff in mexico, and thailand.
So Akbar makes the shells, but where does the hardware come from? Its is supposed to be "GonBops" hardware, well it could be easily copied-at least in style. Thats where I think Mexico comes in, for labor and or hardware and assembly for the California model. The other model is probably all made in Thailand.

Like the article says, you never know where it came from.

T