congaplace.com

So did anyone here get those Requena's? Anyone know their history? jp

I bought them. Put in a low snipe bid - $220 - didn't expect to get them. He was hoping to get $500. According to the seller everything that needed to be done was done then a few more staves opened up. Seems like an easy fix. Requena put that disclaimer tag in the shell, in English, because when the tourists got home their bongos split. Bad glue + 60 years old. The seller got them from someone in Miami - no more history. Maybe someone else here knows more. If they are as light and sound as good as both Mark & Dario say, I'm going to love them. If not, they'll come here first.

I also put a bid in on these - Don't ask why.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

A true one-half piece of Cuban history. For the collector with extra money and only half a brain. As they say, "Half a Requena is better than none."

The above Requena's belonged to my buddy here in Miami, Jesus Del Rosario. Jesus is a timbalero, we did a gig about 2 years ago where I played bongo' and he played timbs. I took my Requena's (now Jaquie's) to that gig. Both Jesus and the conguero, Ivan, could not believe how good and fat the Requena's sounded. Jesus drives an 18 wheeler between Miami and Tampa, on a trip to Tampa, in Yvor City, a very Cuban influenced part of Tampa, Jesus found these Requena's in a swap meet along with Cuban cigar making memorabilia. Jeus had the hardware rechromed and keep them for a while but he is not a bongocero, he is a great timbalero. He put them on So. Florida Craighslist and some guy bought them, now he sells them on Ebay. They probably need reglueing, as the (cola) Cuban glue used at the time, is close to 60 years old. You don't find many bongos today that sound as good and they probably weigh less than 5 lbs. (very light).
Incredible buy for $220.

Dario

Thank you for that history Dario. I knew that if anyone here knew about them it would be you. I'm traveling around and won't get them for a few weeks but will post my impressions when I get my hands on them.

Wow! Congrats Psyc 1. I could kick myself for not taking the time to call Dario and inquire about it sooner. I have been so busy that I just can't keep up. I was watching my niece and took a few minutes out just to put in a bid. I almost wrote $250. I had offered this before when it was on a buy it now but the offer was rejected. Oh man...sounds like it is really nice.

Well Dario now that you mentioned I have your Requena.....I have to say that I really love the drum..and thank you. I do have a question though. Why are the loops on my bongo so much shorter/smaller than most Requenas I see? I think you know what I mean. The hardware is similar shape but smaller...was it an early one? OK...I really wish I had bid higher but..But I am happy for you Psyc 1 ! Jacqui

Belonged to Diego Iborra (Mofeta), who I met as a crossing guard in Miami Dade County Schools. Diego sat in with Dizzy, Max Roach, Miles and Charlie Parker on congas (in the mid 40's before Chano arrived) On one of his trips back to Havana he brought over this Requena. If instruments could talk! Diego was mostly a tarp set drummer. What I like about this Requena is the crowns, very art decoish, steamlined, smaller ears. A giant when it comes to sound. Mongo loved playing it when he came over the house. Now is in good hands with Jaquie in NYC, a true collector.

Google Diego Iborra.http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199 ... first.html


Dario

Omelenko1 wrote:Belonged to Diego Iborra (Mofeta), who I met as a crossing guard in Miami Dade County Schools. Diego sat in with Dizzy, Max Roach, Miles and Charlie Parker on congas (in the mid 40's before Chano arrived) On one of his trips back to Havana he brought over this Requena. If instruments could talk! Diego was mostly a tarp set drummer. What I like about this Requena is the crowns, very art decoish, steamlined, smaller ears. A giant when it comes to sound. Mongo loved playing it when he came over the house. Now is in good hands with Jaquie in NYC, a true collector.

Google Diego Iborra.http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199 ... first.html


Dario

Bongo Requena.jpg

Re: Diego Iborra (Mofeta)
http://fidelseyeglasses.blogspot.com/2008/08/in-memoriam-diego-mofeta-iborra.html

Mark

Dario I feeled very lucky to have this drum. I am practicing mainly on a PPPark that L&H reheaded. The bongos at the Harbor are LPs so I am trying to get consistent hand positions. But I pull them out a couple of times a week to play. They are definately one of my favorites.

By the way..I was playing those Rauls last night...LOVE them still. Thanks for the links Mark. It makes the drums even more special to see the original owner. Jacqui

Omelenko1 wrote:The above Requena's belonged to my buddy here in Miami, Jesus Del Rosario. Jesus is a timbalero, we did a gig about 2 years ago where I played bongo' and he played timbs. I took my Requena's (now Jaquie's) to that gig. Both Jesus and the conguero, Ivan, could not believe how good and fat the Requena's sounded. Jesus drives an 18 wheeler between Miami and Tampa, on a trip to Tampa, in Yvor City, a very Cuban influenced part of Tampa, Jesus found these Requena's in a swap meet along with Cuban cigar making memorabilia. Jeus had the hardware rechromed and keep them for a while but he is not a bongocero, he is a great timbalero. He put them on So. Florida Craighslist and some guy bought them, now he sells them on Ebay. They probably need reglueing, as the (cola) Cuban glue used at the time, is close to 60 years old. You don't find many bongos today that sound as good and they probably weigh less than 5 lbs. (very light).
Incredible buy for $220.

Dario

Old bongos = old design flaws & poor tuning system & parts. These bongos require thin heads & custom tucking. Good luck !