“My 1950's Candido Requena project”

[Xeno]

Here is an image of the drum with the "Solis" decal on the inside. The hardware and shape looks very much like the image of the conga on the cover of that Gema LP.

[Xeno]

After careful reading of this great thread I understand that the Requeña drums were sold at Casa Solis Music Store in Old Habana. That explains the Solis decal on the inside.

[Xeno]

Here is another conga I brought back to life as a do-it-yourself learning experience several years ago. Now I am thinking that it could also be Requena made.
These projects were done before the era of online discussion and knowledge about this process and the preciousness of the drums. I had to learn how to make missing metal hoops from recycled wine barrel parts among other things. I didn't know any better and chrome plating was out of the budget at the time.

[KING CONGA]

Your drums are a gem in themselves Xeno and ofcourse I am also refering to that rare Vergara whose images youve shared with us already. Throughout this experience of restoration I have come to know the character of a Requena drum and let me assure you, you no doubt have a couple of Requenas in hand. Wow this is truly amazing. I had noticed a picture of your green one in the past, although I can’t remember where, but I was sure to save it, see bellow.
Dario, AKA OMELENKO, is, in my opinion, the most influential authority in this Forum when it comes to Vintage Congas such as ours. It was through him how I first found out the history of these drums as well as where they were sold which is, as you’ve described, CASA SOLIS in Havan Cuba.
By the way, what do you think of the sound on your Requenas?
If you don’t mind, could you please take a picture of the inside of this conga, if possible a clear close up of the sticker. I would love to duplicate it so that I can make one for my own drum.
Can you tell if the hardware is all original on your drums?

[ABAKUA]

Xeno, very nice indeed brother. Rustic restoration has left it with the old school character of the drum, they both now look like something I would expect to find in Habana Vieja, man Im sure that drum would have some stories to tell of crazy rum fuelled rumba... A real treasure.

[Omelenko1]

Xeno,

You and I have been in touch through the Latinjazz forum. The green and red is a Candido Requena sold through SOLIS music store in Old Havana. Back in the fifties a quinto like yours cost $37 Cuban pesos, which at the time equated the US dollar. A Vergara would cost $45 pesos.

Regards,

Dario

[KING CONGA]

Requena on e-bay . I decided to sell. will look for a set of Classic Valjes instead. If I dont sell it it's ok though.

[onile]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
You put so much effort and time into that project Papa!

I'm sure you've got your reasons though!

[KING CONGA]

I'm sure you've got your reasons though!

I recently met someone who has some Valjes and I just fell in love with them and so decided to try and look for some, I figured that a set of Valjes would be more practical for me.
I might entertain some trades just in case someone here is interested

[KING CONGA]

I am happy to announce that I continue to be the proud owner of what I consider to be, the most beautiful drum around.
I was just contacted by MIM, Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix Arizona, they are interested in displaying my Drum. I have sent them the information they requested and am waiting for a phone call from the curator. They asked me if I was interested in donating or loaning the drum , loan of course, so they will send me a loan agreement.
I am excited about having this drum displayed knowing that it will be appreciated for what it is, a true historical relic.

Ok Onile this Museum is right up your alley. Now you’ll have the opportunity to see this drum first hand.

For those interested, here is a link to the Museum.

www.themim.org

[FidelsEyeglasses]

I am happy to announce that I continue to be the proud owner of what I consider to be, the most beautiful drum around.
I was just contacted by MIM, Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix Arizona, they are interested in displaying my Drum. I have sent them the information they requested and am waiting for a phone call from the curator. They asked me if I was interested in donating or loaning the drum , loan of course, so they will send me a loan agreement.
I am excited about having this drum displayed knowing that it will be appreciated for what it is, a true historical relic.

Ok Onile this Museum is right up your alley. Now you’ll have the opportunity to see this drum first hand.

For those interested, here is a link to the Museum.

http://www.themim.org

That's great to hear, that's a "classic Cuban" drum, a true vintage musical instrument.
Made by 'Candido Requena', one of two (the other being Gonzalo Vergara) legendary drum makers during the late 1940's through the heyday of the "tunable" 1950's.
There were "tunable" systems applied to Batá drums long before Requena, but **Requena was the one to "refine" the system and is said to be among the first to make "tunable" bongoes (as we know them today).

You will be proud that you put the time and effort into it's restoration... and that you are the instruments owner.
I'd like to see it when it's on display.
Make sure they ('MIM') know the **historical importance of it and it's maker.

You can get Valje's anyday... a soulful Requena or Vergara you can not.

Markito

[Anonimo]

POST REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR

[Jerry Bembe]

King,

I sent a PM. I have a set of 3 Oak Valje Ashikos (10", 11" and 12" by 31 1/2") in nearly mint condition with faux Zebrawood finish that is of 3312 Sunset vintage. Perhaps we can arrange a trade.

[roberthelpus]

That's great to hear, that's a "classic Cuban" drum, a true vintage musical instrument.
Made by 'Candido Requena', one of two (the other being Gonzalo Vergara) legendary drum makers during the late 1940's through the heyday of the "tunable" 1950's.
There were "tunable" systems applied to Batá drums long before Requena, but **Requena was the one to "refine" the system and is said to be among the first to make "tunable" bongoes (as we know them today).

You will be proud that you put the time and effort into it's restoration... and that you are the instruments owner.
I'd like to see it when it's on display.
Make sure they ('MIM') know the **historical importance of it and it's maker.

You can get Valje's anyday... a soulful Requena or Vergara you can not.

Markito

Note the quinto player in the top pic is definitely watching what the dancers are doing.

"You can get Valje's anyday..." Golly, where is this magical place that you live

[bongosnotbombs]

Fantastic news. I hope you find that set of Valjes soon. Nice to know the Requena will have a good home. Maybe I'll win the lottery and put in an offer for it sometime.