Cedar wood - mexican, cuban - Differing types of Cedar wood used

[blango]

Im in search of that old school folkloric sound in my tumbadoras.

So, i picked up a Cedar set and i love the sound of them.

Im keeping an eye out for a Cedar quinto to go with my 11 and 12" set of two.

However, i see that there are at least two distinct species of Cedar used in drum making. One seems to be used by Mexican makers, and the other, by Cubans, or what they call Cedro.

Here is what i believe is 'Mexican' Cedar. this is the same wood as my set, but mine are finished dark.

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... o_50_s.JPG

[blango]

and this is what i believe is Cedro from Cuba



Edited By blango on 1196356094

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... 07_027.jpg

[ralph]

Cedro is spanish for Cedar...unless the cedar in Cuba is different than the cedar in Mexico, than the wood would probably be the same, although most likely built differently or the wood may be cured in a different manner, all i know is if i ever come across an old cuban drum...i'm copping it...you can't replicate that sound.

[buckoh]

Would anyone like for me to contact my friend who is a wood expert to try to identify some of the woods being discussed? He identified a piece of rosewood for me and even told me the section of Brazil(I think)where it came from. He's highly qualified, has a degree in wood technology, used to occasionally lecture at East Carolina University, made very expensive furniture, and has been in Fine Woodworking 3 times. I used to sell him poplar to make scaled down furniture models to show his customers. He now works at Hatteras Yachts designing interiors. If he doesn't know, I don't know who would! Buck

[tocandorumba]

Blango, thanks for posting about cedro. What recordings or groups do you know of where this is used?

I bought some changui bongos from Juancito (Grupo Ban Ra Ra) made of cedar. They smell sweet & have a deep warm tone.

Maybe Nonprophet can find you a cedro quinto when he goes to Cuba Peace

[blango]

Buck,

That would be swell, if its not too much to ask of him. I have other pics of both woods, if that would help.

I do believe we are talking about two different species of Cedar, and not the western Cedar use in the states, i have a feeling.

The western cedar i know is softer than either of the woods pictured above. The 'mexican' cedar (for lack of the actual name) is lighter and softer than the 'cuban' cedar. The Mexican Cedar is like Mahogany hardness, and the cuban cedar seems like its half way between oak and mahogany on the hardness scale. (i dont think its listed on the hardness scale, but ill check)

Tony

[blango]

tocando,

Im sure there are many recordings of this wood being played. Egram lable rumba tracks, old M de M, for me. Videos of the old school players of the 50's. It has a very signature sound. Kinda warm and ringless, kinda woody and airy.

I believe Vergara used this wood. Can anyone confirm this, as ive never played or seen one.

Cubans played oak as well in the old days, ive seen a hand made oak drum from the 50's Flaco purchased in Cuba in the 80's (nicely rebuilt by Mario at Isla). The sound is distinct, for sure.

Tony

[tocandorumba]

Thanks Tony, I was thinking of the old Munequitos recordings when they were Guaguanco Mantancero. I use their tunings sometimes but that sound they had from those drums was so deep and profound. Good luck!

[tocandorumba]

Tony- thought you might like some pics of those changui bongos. Let me know if you want to check them out in person. Peace brother.

[tocandorumba]

Tony, here's a bata maker who uses cedro:

Juan Bencomo

[Coco]

I think that the Cuban Cedro you are talking about is what is known as Spanish or Cigar box Cedar, or to give it it's proper name Cedrela odorata:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedrela

It's actually not Cedar at all, it's a member of the Mahogany family which is why it's so much harder ( and a different colour) to real Cedar.

Like the true Cuban Cahoba ( Swietania Mahogani......not the same tree as Honduran Mahogany) it is now covered by CITES and cross border trade in it involves documentation etc. so it may not be easy to get your hands on.

I have a pair of very nice old SONOC bongos in this wood and it sounds great.... very dry and "tipico".