Custom made congas - a crazy challenge

[akdom]

Hi all.

I have been looking for a new set of congas to replace my old one and I would really feel bad purchasing main stream instruments....
I looked into hand crafted congas, but no one in France (where I live) is doing it and the brands from abroad cost a fortune in shipping.

I decided to gather skilled craftsmen willing to jump on the boat with me and build high quality drums.
The idea (dream) is to actually be able to produce high quality/great looking/great sound congas for a reasonable price.

If we succeed, I will look into making an actual brand.

I know, this is crazy, but all my best projects were crazy!

So, I will keep you guys informed about the progress of this challenge, knowing that it will not happen tomorrow.

I found a wine barrel maker who already had special orders for conga shaped barrels.He is very exited by this project. I still need to send him the "blue prints" of the first shell. I was thinking about something rather close to the Patato models since I like the narrow bottom end for the sound.

This guy does amazing work:
http://www.artettonneaux.free.fr/affich ... pain_f.jpg

I also found a blacksmith right in my village who is thrilled about the project.

I will then have 3 prototypes made for my own use. Then, if everything goes right, I'll take orders


B

[bongosnotbombs]

Good luck, sounds like a great project.
I've considered making a wine barrel conga myself
as we have a lot of wineries around here in California.

Can't wait to see how they turn out.

[akdom]

Me too

I just can't wait to get started...

Now this project might just be a plain failure... But I have to try.

I'll keep you inform here.

B

[Dangler]

I'm sure you've probably seen this,but just in case you have not.
I thought this would be a cool project

[pavloconga]

Hey best of luck with the project!
Every craftsmen of the now 'big-name' congas had to start somewhere.
ciao
Pavlo

[akdom]

Nice picture, I actually have it on my hard drive already. But I am not a drummer

And thanks for the kind words. Even though this will not lead to become a 'big name"

B

[congalou]

Hello BigB !!!

This barrel are very nice !!! wish you luck for this project. Call me if you need some advice concerning wood, glues, varnish, I will help you.

I made Fiber shells, you will made wood shells, France is ready to groove now !!!

Cheers,

Galou.

[akdom]

Thanks Galou

You already noticed that I contact you every time I have a question. French solidarity brother! .

I should have more info pretty soon.


B

[PRDRconguero]

Good luck with your venture akdom. My dream (once I own a house) is to have a little workshop out back and create my own congas. Like it was already said, please keep us updated

[alabubba]

That should be an excellent adventure. Please do update this thread as it comes together. Don't worry about failure - not gonna happen. Looks as though you have a team that should be able to pull it off.

[akdom]

Thanks for the encouragements!

I am still gathering the pieces of the puzzle....

Now, I am wondering if I should go "old style" by using the barrel technique for the stave or just go massive wood cut directly in shape and assembled after... I'd like to go with the barrel option since it is more "roots", but the cut option might be less expensive and might be stronger since there is less tension and stress.

B

[congalou]

Have you ever think to make 2 ply staves.

You cut 2 straigt thin ply and you glue them with the curve you want. Could be interesting.

Or make staves with tongue inside and between the two staves for a better glue. Longer, more expensive but hard...

Be carefull of the barrel construction, a lot of drum split after some years.

Cheers,

Galou.

[akdom]

Yep Galou, I know that the barrel method can be weaker, but with bands, it'll be strong and have a nice vintage look!

The tongue and grove is an idea but a bit complicated. I'd rather use metal pins where there is more stress.

I'll let you know.

B