congaplace.com

Hi all,

I'm new on the forum and just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself and to say I'm glad i've found a place where serious and respectful players of all skill and involvement levels can share their thoughts and experiences for the sake of the perseverance of this beautiful part of music history and culture.

So now to my point; a few months ago I was extremely blessed to be able to purchase an 11" Junior Tirado from my maestro. The drum is amazing! I use it mainly as a Tres Dos in a Rumba setting, but I can also crank it up for some serious quinto playing. This has led me to an internet-wide search for another Junior drum to pair up with my little Junior. When I found this forum I said, this has to be the only place where I will find my next Junior! As all of you guys know, Juniors aren't exactly easy to come by.

So if anyone knows someone looking to part with a Junior (no matter what size) please let me know. Thanks all!!

Cheers- O.

I got a pair of Junior Tirado congas that Junior made for me in November 1999. If someone wants to make an offer I might consider, on account that I have too many drums. Here is a photo of them. Sizes are 11 3/4" and 13".

Dario

Hola Dario,

What a beautiful set of drums you've got here. I would love to have those in my own collection! Did you know Junior personaly? I wish I could have met him...I've heard so many stories about him, his shop, his drums...

Anyway, I'll email you seperately and we can discuss further...
THX!

Cheers-O.

I first spoke to Junior in 1975 via phone thanks to Gene Golden, then Junior was out of touch for a few years. In the early 90's I hooked up with him again, as my daughter attended NYU. We became personal friends and I bought many percussion pieces from him. He also restored Mongo's Vergara bongos for me after Mongo passed. I used to tell Junior, "NY is got great sights, like the Statute of Liberty, Empire State building, Rockefeller Center.... but my favorite sight of all is your basement worshop full of sawdust, conga shells, crowns, lugs and sideplates." I ate many "asopao de camaron" along with a few Beck's at his aprtment in Brooklyn. The man was an artist with his hands. May he rest in peace.

Dario

Wow Dario, fantastic story! how i wish i could have shared an asopao with the great Junior...at least I'm fortunate enough to say I've shared a fat bowl of meatballs and sauce with Jay Bereck. He stuffed me full of pasta the day I went to pick up my tumbas from him. Jay's drums are likewise as amazing and beautiful. I've also shared a bunch of laughs with Cali RIvera and a few licks with Matthew Smith when I visited his shop...but Jay's homemade sauce was almost as great as his drums!

Cheers-O.

PS Dario, did you get my email??

If Omelenko1 is willing to sell his Junior's take him up on it! There in great shape! I never played Jays tumbas but i bet there sweet! All i can say is Junior's congas have a great feel and sound. He really put his soul into it.