congaplace.com

Recent lifestyle changes are forcing to let go of some items very dear to me. I'm considering selling a matching set of Timbas Ismael congas. The set consists of a 10 3/4" macho and a 12"hembra. The set is approximately 40+ years old (late 60's). Is PR Caoba wood which has never been stained, is in its natural state. All the hardware (crowns, side plates, outer bands) is stainless steel, no chance of ever rusting. This set was hand made by the late Ismael Ramos of Bayamon PR. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, authentic Ismael timbas are a percussionist dream. I had Cali Rivera (JCR), out of Brooklyn, NY install an alma on the quinto about 2 years ago. The skins are new, mule on macho, American cowhide on hembra. The sound from this set is beyond belief, Giovanni once played them here in Miami. I have used them on some gigs, but far and in between. Much history, pride and heritage behind these congas, from Bayamon, PR (barrio de rumberos). The set's original owner was a gentleman named "Tato Bradford". I bought them from Robert Feltcher, out of San Diego, Ca. about 4 years ago. Money is not the reason, lack of space and new limited surroundings are the cause. Here are photos of the congas and of Ismael's son, his widow and I at the Bayamon shop in 2006. Reasonably priced when compared to top of the line congas of today ( Ritmos, SOS, Mopercs, Volcanos). If you want to negotiate, send me a private line. PS. I might include my 10 lug Ismael bongo as part of the deal.

Dario

Dont do it hermano! You will be kickin yourself for years to come.

I've got a kidney I don't need!

Click on the photo , so that you can see another shot of the Ismaels in front of the pack.

Dario

That looks like Roberts living room

Does he still has the Juniors?

T

That's a photo of my Ismaels when I got them from Robert. The Juniors I sold him the macho. I rhink he still has them.

Omelenko1 wrote:That's a photo of my Ismaels when I got them from Robert. The Juniors I sold him the macho. I rhink he still has them.

Gracias Dario !,

The macho sounded great when I played it-a few years ago(?)!!

T

It still does. I had it shipped to Cali (JCR) in da' Bronx a couple of years ago and he placed an alma on the inside. Now it has a Venezuelan mule and it sounds wicked. As a quinto it screams, but I have also used the pair in a Salsa setting , where playing marcha is the only option and it produces a very melodic tumbao in combination with the tumba. I remember years ago Eladio Perez, E. Palmieri's conguero, had an identical Ismael pair and he would play mean tumbaos on "Muñeca" and "Vamonos Pal' Monte". Something about Ismael timbas.

Dario

Dont sell them my brother. Sell something else like you car

Sold on Ebay, $1,300.