Latin Percussion PP Project Wadda Ya Thinks

[docarroyo]

My newest project are a set of Palasaides Park LP Bongos. I recieved this set in poor condition but could see the potential through thick layers of poorly applied finish, and let me tell you it was laid on thick. You could barely make out the wood. The skins were worn out to suede and were Matador heads pulled down till they could not go any further. After stripping 4 times I started sanding and when I wet sanded them the beautiful grain started to show. The photo is after I have hand rubbed with a new product to me, its a hand rubbed Poly so no smears or runs. This after one coat, I plan on several more. I will post mor photos as I go along. I own many sets of bongo and have sold several but I always go to my LP's I LOVE LP bongos always have always will. Not boutique but GREAT drums. Tell me what you think of the lumber on these shells are they pretty or what? Double click on photo to enlarge.

[Psych1]

Are they walnut? Look like it to me. A couple of years ago I got a great walnut set from you, then an older walnut set from the 60's came along and I had 2. Then a student of mine, a good bongo player also in med school, fell in love with the set I got from you and I passed them on to him. He plays them almost every day - but, med school comes first.

I love the old LP's. I also have quite a few bongos, including 3 PP LPs in different woods, but I always go back to my original mahogany set from 1971. I think it's mainly the nostalgia but, with the right skins, they sound as good as any and much better than most.

Good work you are doing keeping those bongos alive and looking so good.

[docarroyo]

Yep walnut I remember that set I sold you sweet drums. I have my first set from the late 60's the LP logo on the crown doesn't have the Trade Mark stamp on it yet, those are my favorite, has the paper lable very early LP bongos and of course my Zebra wood those two I will never sell. Alot of guys talk that they dont like them because of the fat aluminum bottom ring, personally I like the fit it could be that I have become acustomed to them. They are well built, the hardware is strong comfortable and light. Like I have said before every pro has a set in his stable, they are the work horse of bongo players. Take care Bro.

[KING CONGA]

Hey doc. those look sweet, you’ve done a good job in bringing out the sweet character of that wood. Once put together they should look and sound awesome. What skins are you thinking of mounting?

[Gallichio]

beautiful!

[caballoballo]

Saludos , I have a set of Palisades made of oak & I am planing to replace the original lugs. Most of them are in good condition except one which have a little bit of rust. To me they look like never been tight because the stain of oil was only under the nut the time I bought them. Let me know if interested on buying.

[docarroyo]

Ok Thats it 3 hand rubbed coats of Poly I'm finished with the shells. They have a nice gloss but not overboard and most important the grain is clealy visable. Heres a couple of photos of shells and a before shot. Now Im going to try something on the aluminum bottom rings stand by

[RitmoBoricua]

You beat me to it by one dollar but I am happy you got it and already went to work on it.
A week later I scored a nice LP Mahogany PP. My second set of LP mahogany. I did some
work on the finish, cleaned the hardware and put palm oil on the skins. Yesterday I gave
it a test drive and I was impressed with the sound. I grew-up with LP and needless to say
I love them vintage sets. I will post pictures later when I get my daughter to breakout
the camera and snap some shots.

[docarroyo]

Well I'm done for now. The shells turn out great there a couple of burled pieces which really make the shells unique. I sprayed the aluminum bottom rings with 3 coats alternating silver and clearcoat and in my opinion look good. I had some mule skins for bongo from Michael at L&H so I mounted those. The skins have benn on for a day but I will not tune up for at least another but they already sound good as is. Heres a photo of the finished project. Also a photo of my other two LP's one is a Zebra wood and the other a mahogany set which I purchased when they first came out. As you can see the crown does not have the R trade mark stamp next to the LP Logo its the same on the Zebra wood set. Thats how I know when a set is from the late sixties. Early to mid 70's R stamp with logo and they went from a paper stick on lable to a metal lable also check photo of lables. Just a bit of history for the newer guys. I have also noticed that the older alloy they used on the bottom rings retain the shine or polish better. Also thank you for indulging my showing off the drums, I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving I give thanks for all my Blessings and hope all of you have Health , Wealth an Happiness for you and yours. I have a gig tonite and wish I could use these they will have to wait untill the next time.

[RitmoBoricua]

They look good Doc, good job bringing that set back to life.. Nice stable of LP bongos.

[caballoballo]

Saludos, went to buy new lugs but came decided to keep the original ones for now. Here is the set I got from ebay and yes it was dirty, shineless specially the bottom hoop .All the hardware was clean back to life using aluminun foil as the rubbing element.

[RitmoBoricua]

Yeah that aluminum foil works like a champ. I have used it to clean-up rusty chrome on my bikes.
That's a very unique LP bongo set, looks good.

[Mike]

Very nice set you have there now, docarroyo!

By the way, I am excited like a 4-year-old before Christmas
- an LP zebra will come to my stable pretty soon!
Well, add another 40 years and I am still excited.

I will post more info as soon as I have received it.