Bongo hardware

[bohemian]

I am considering making a set of bongos.

Is there a source for Bongo hardware ?

I checked on line but did not see anything specific.


Or.. do most makers make their own hardware ?

Thanks

[Thebreeze]

Well, I will just give you this one source which is LP. Their hardware is nice and sturdy and probably reasonably priced. I think you can do all your ordering at any Guitar Center Store. First, go to the LP website and follow the steps below.

http://www.lpmusic.com/
click on product showcase then tab down to "Download LP's Catalog" then click on page 118 "LP Gear" and this will take you to the page where you will see replacement part for congas and bongos. Hope this helps a little.

[Chupacabra]

What a coincidence, just this week I also started work on making a set of bongos myself!
Based on past experience from building my own congas from components purchased elsewhere and sourcing out hardware for the project I can share what I've learned from the experience:
First of all, to answer your question about sourcing hardware; I bought three sets from Michel at Moperc for tumba, conga and quinto. He might be willing to sell some bongo hardware to you. http://www.moperc.com/index.php
One thing to realize about taking on a project like this is that if you are thinking it might save a bit of cash, think again! I don't have any regrets about going through this process, in the end I could have bought a really nice set for the same price or cheaper. But I don't care about that because I really like the attachment that I feel when I play something that I constructed. I'm choosing my words carefully here because I didn't make the hardware or carve the shells myself.
The bongos that I'm making now will be made from a solid piece of old growth cedar that I hauled up from the beach a couple of years ago. It was bored out Monday and I'll be turning it down tomorrow. The hardware will be designed by me and I will do as much as I can with what I have and the rest will be done locally. I have a very unique idea for the hardware and I can't wait to give it a try!
One other suggestion I could offer is to search around for sets of bongos that are in "basket case" condition for a cheap price and salvage the hardware. Also, being in Oregon, you won't be too far from a marine supply store. You would be amazed at what kind of hardware you can find in one of these stores!
Good luck and keep us posted!



Edited By Chupacabra on 1204871950

[bongosnotbombs]

If your in Oregon, you can cruise over to the Rhythm Traders in Portland, not far from downtown.

They have these build your own conga kits and stuff, I think they have bongo hardware, anyways go there even if they don't have the bongo hardware, they have lots of cool stuff.

I've seen some of their hardware, it's good. I also bought a JCR cowbell from there.

http://www.rhythmtraders.com/html/aboutus.html

[Garvin]

Chupa, make sure and post some pics of your projects. I would love to see how you bore and turn bongos from scratch like that. Sound like a great project and I'm sure it'll turn out beautiful judging from your other instruments.

Man, Moperc makes some beautiful instruments. I would love to own a pair of their bongos.

BNB, yeah rhythmtraders would be a great place to go for hardware. They make their own rings for djembes and I know they have a ton of extra stuff for conga and bongo. I bought one of their custom congas last time I was there visiting my sister. That is a great shop. If nothing else, you could probably tell them exactly what you need and see if their ring guy can fabricate it for you. That place is like the ultimate toy store. I spent an hour in there just looking around. Its amazing how much different fun stuff they have crammed in that little place.



Edited By Garvin on 1204902834

[bohemian]

Thanks for the replies


This was not a project to save money as the materials I am going to use would not normally be used by commercial ( made for sale) builders. It is more or less for the expereince and getting something different. And I enjoy playing what I make.

I'll contact all the sources, however I am about as far from Portland as you can get and still be in Oregon. I look out my shop window and see California.
Though I am 50 miles from the Ocean, takes 3 hours to get there... a bit remote.

A trip to RhythmTraders might be fun. I haven't been to Portland except once in 10 years. Maybe it's time.

Chupacabra, ( great name... and a lifelong rival of the local Bigfoot) anxious to see the results of a beach salvaged cedar log.. Port Orford or Western Red or Alaska yellow ?

Again thanks for the sources and tips... there is a GC about an hour away and a couple marine stores but these are largely river boat shops.. sounds like the coast or Portland is my best bet.

Thanks

[bongosnotbombs]

Sounds like your near the Brookings area, I used to hang out there.

[bohemian]

I'm inland 50 miles

[Chupacabra]

Bohemian, how's your bongo project coming along?
I have made a little bit of progress on mine but I have to wait until I can get access to the lathe at work again during my lunch break. It's a popular machine around there!
Have you figured out what you are going to do about the hardware?

Before I go too far with the shells, I'm hoping to get some expert guidance on how bearing edges can be shaped for bongos. I intend on going with about a 7/8" wall thickness due to the type of wood that I'm using. My O.D on the hembra top will be about 8 1/2" and the macho will be about 7" Anyone willing to offer suggestions? The sound I'm hoping to achieve is a warm, acoustic sound that invokes images of a small campfire on a secluded beach with the bongo, acoustic guitar, maybe a flute... good company... fine wine.... ahhhh... Anyway, back to the bearing edge!

[blackflag]

Ralph Flores at Resolution (Valje) will make you hooks for about 6 bucks each.

[ChanChanChan]

You can also try http://www.anydrum.com if you need various LP parts for bongo/conga drums. I repaired a drum that I had lost some parts many years ago and used them for parts. I've also bought parts from rhythmn trader but I don't think their rims are that great of quality. I actually bought one of their drums for a church group and it was horrible. It was just about the same as LP aspire and everything was stamped made in Thailand.

btw: I have a setup of matador bongo hooks if you needed some, they are used but look great.