Beater Drum Project
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 5:43 am
I have a LP Matador tumbadora that I would like to refinish. Unfortunately, like I mentioned in a previous post - my woodworking skills are zilch. Really, most of my skills with any sort of mechanic, or handy work are highly limited.
So before I work on my Matador - the first conga I ever purchased and put so much time and energy with as I learned a little bit about this music, I decided to develop my restoration skills on an old beater.
A friend came across an old Mexican drum at a swap meet and got it for next to nothing. It has several cracks, including one which suffered a horrible attempted repair job, a miserable skin, and hardware that seems pretty much useless at this point. I figure I can learn a little bit about repairs and refinishing, and not have to worry about messing it up.
I posted a few picks of the condition I got it in. It has some engraving on the alma which says Al's Music Studio 1969 #028
Thus far, I have taken all of the hardware off and started sanding with 80 grit paper. I am going little by little, in the evenings once my kids are asleep.
Funny thing is, I know this drum is weak - but now that I have put some time into it - I am hoping I can get it back to a point where it can be played - I got three kids, they all need their congas.
So before I work on my Matador - the first conga I ever purchased and put so much time and energy with as I learned a little bit about this music, I decided to develop my restoration skills on an old beater.
A friend came across an old Mexican drum at a swap meet and got it for next to nothing. It has several cracks, including one which suffered a horrible attempted repair job, a miserable skin, and hardware that seems pretty much useless at this point. I figure I can learn a little bit about repairs and refinishing, and not have to worry about messing it up.
I posted a few picks of the condition I got it in. It has some engraving on the alma which says Al's Music Studio 1969 #028
Thus far, I have taken all of the hardware off and started sanding with 80 grit paper. I am going little by little, in the evenings once my kids are asleep.
Funny thing is, I know this drum is weak - but now that I have put some time into it - I am hoping I can get it back to a point where it can be played - I got three kids, they all need their congas.