Bongo ID. Help! - Cuban, 1940's?

[Omelenko]

This guy Osiris worked with Cali when Junior was also making congas there. I don't think Cali cares much for him,as he imitated Cali's bongos. From the picture I can tell you that the crowns are Junior's and the bottom hoops are Cali's. Do you have a current picture ?

Castiga los parches ! Dario

[twinsbongo]

i will post a picture later on this afternoon.

[bongosnotbombs]

I'm new, so I apologize for asking for something this early. I'm trying to find out about this set that I have.

My father gave these to me, and I plan to have them restored. He believes they are cuban, and from the 40's. The only markings are the number "12" on the top and bottom rims of the macho. The washers on the bottom are obviously not original. I wish this bongo could talk. Anyone have any input?

Those bongos look close too these ones used by Sabu Martinez, from the
liner notes of Orgy in Rhythm by Art Blakey.

Similar shape and also uses those wingnuts.

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... 3-sabu.jpg

[Omelenko]

Sabu has a Vergara (like Mongo's) on his lap. The one above was made by Candido Requena, I can tell by the harware (bongo crowns) and center piece. Both sound great, the Vergara was a bit more high-end than the Requena.
Enclosed: A picture of one of two Requena's I have, notice the V on the crown just like the one you have in the photos.
Saludos, Dario

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... equena.jpg

[PRDRconguero]

Thanks guys, all the replies are great. Some great info has come out of this thread. I've been hanging out on the conga side of the board too much, which explains my absence lol.

The skins were put on by Cali himself. The drums were also cleaned up by Cali, but due to a small miscommunication, he didn't get to do the hardware cleanup. I already spoke to him about it, which he said he will do, like the damn cool guy that he is.

Yes, the drums are solid; no staves. I need to get the center strengthened though, for it is weak. My goal is to keep them as original as possible, yet playable.



Edited By PRDRconguero on 1192264816

[Omelenko]

If they are solid,no staves then they are Vergaras "de cahoba" with Requena hardware. The hardware is definitely Requena. According to Mongo, Vergara would make "las tinas", the shells and then the hardware was made at a welding shop "en la calle Zanja", which was a Chinese neighborhood in old Havana. Probably Vergara made these shells for the owner and then he added hardware made by Requena. Notice Sabu's bongos, the hardware does not look like Requena's, but like the one made for Vergara in "la calle Zanja".

Saludos, Dario.