photos of my GonBops walnut bongos

[Thomas Altmann]

This here is for skinslapper and anyone who loves to see pictures of nice bongos: Gon Bops walnut bongos 7" & 9"" with 4 hooks on each drum, ca. 1976-83. I drilled a hole (filled with a screw) to mount the drums on a stand. The foil badge was ruined, and one day I just scraped it off. I have never been an instrument collector, but I'm not sure whether I would still be as careless today. Anyway, the bongos don't just look used.

The skins are actually too thick. Nice hides, but probably way too thick after all. I was just experimenting with that sound again after many years. I think I'm going to replace them one day.

Thomas

[RitmoBoricua]

Nice set of a classic and walnut too. Looking at the last photo
it seems the macho head is a little too thick for a macho.

[Thomas Altmann]

Looking at the last photo it seems the macho head is a little too thick for a macho.

Right. Actuually, both of them are too thick. I used to play thick skins like these once about 30 years ago after seeing Elmer Louis with Joe Gallardo for the first time (in a recording session). That was like my only close look at a live latin music performance at that time. Today it seems I can't get used to that sound anymore. It's tough on the fingers, too.

TA

[RitmoBoricua]

Goat or calf are ideal for bongos.