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I was having what you call a "blue Monday" until this BIG BOY came in. I had a Timbas Ismael bongo in 1980 that belonged to La Sonora Ponceña's bongocero, I gave him a 10 lug walnut Gon Bops I had at the time for it. That guy was stolen at the Calle Ocho Carnival here in Miami back then. Starting in 2008, three more Ismael's have come my way, but this BIG BOY is the "King of The Hill". Macho 7 1/4, hembra 8 1/2, suited for a big band "a la Machito". I will put new heads on them tomorrow. Very exited about it, rare piece from Plaza Bayamon PR, hand made by the master Ismael Ramos, from my experience I will say is from the mid to late 70's. Gozalo Boricua!

Dario

Here are photos of my last 3 Ismael, in 2011, this is extremely rare to see.

1- Big boy just came in today. Macho 7 1/4, hembra 8 1/2. Regular 8 lugs.

2- Ten lug Ismael. Belongs today to Psych1 here in the forum. Probably this boy is residing in Turkey today.

3- Ten lug Ismael. Belongs to Cuco , the unforgettable Leedy2 from our forum.

Rare pieces from "La Isla Del Encanto", for your viewing pleasure.

Dario

Coññooooo!! And to think, over here in PR you hardly get a chance to see ONE Timbas Ismael, let alone 3...oye, I'm gonna ask Angelito about the Gon Bops you traded in '80, they are also extreeeemly rare down here in the island. At least all my bongos are Ismael's (that's my name )
Saludos!!

Me estoy gozando ese bongo Timbas Ismael tremendo. That bongo is out of sight. Felicitationes, Dario.

You are soooo right Omelenko. That is the ultimate!!! Congratulations!

Another super Ismael - glad you got it - I'm sure you missed having one.

I love the one I got from you and I managed to get another Ismael that Cuco helped me buy. The new one I've got is oak and unfinished inside with an over-sized hembra and very rough hardware. May have been made from a wine/rum barrel. Both of them are real treasures and I'm really glad I have them.

They both have a really big and deep sound. Very different from the sound of the bongos I usually play. But, they both are really heavy. I can't play them for long unless I use a stand and I much prefer holding bongos with my legs.

Traveling now - with my old Meinl - I'll post Ismael pictures when I get to stay in one place for a few days.