CONGA MAKEOVERS

[bongosnotbombs]

salseroboricua....



Hey does any one know a good source of quality lugs that are easy to get as the lp lugs but maybe a little cheaper?

Latin rhythm traders sell lugs. They are $6.50.

[SalseroBoricua71]

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[SalseroBoricua71]

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[Whopbamboom]

Which LP conga series were the traditional rims from? Palladiums?
Do you have part numbers?

Also, it looks as though the lugs were also changed out... yes? And if so, with what?

[Gallichio]

I agree that your drums look so much better with the trad rims. I also don't like the comfort rims. Your drums look 100% better really nice job!

[SalseroBoricua71]

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[SalseroBoricua71]

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[Whopbamboom]

Thanks for the info, Steven. I was unaware that LP simply offered "trad" rims by themselves as a replacemt part for the comfort rims. Now that I look at the Palladiums, I see that they also come with comfort rims.

Do you suppose that the PN's for the rims for Requinto and Quinto might be LP253A and LP253B, respectively?

[Chupacabra]

Ralph,
That looks like a really good project you have on your hands there! You were wondering about lugs to replace the ones you have and I thought I would offer my thoughts on this.
For the money, LP will probably be the best deal you could hope to get for a set of good quality lugs (or hardware) unless you manage to find a drum that has been damaged beyond repair with the exception of the hardware. They do come along every once in awhile and you could get yourself a deal there if you are patient.
I've seen the ones at Rhythm Traders and for my own personal preference I couldn't see myself buying them because I know that I could make the same or better myself. They would get the job done.
LP is Latin Percussion. They are geared to large scale production of almost everything to do with the instruments and the parts thereof, and their quality standards will be the same for the hardware that they sell separately as it would for their assembled instruments.
From my modest experience in building my own tumbadoras; I would have gone with LP hardware if I couldn't have bought a set of Moperc hardware from Michel. His gear is a higher price due to the fact that he uses stainless steel which will outlive the next 7 or so generations of the human race.
If you're doing a rebuild on something as respectable as a vintage GonBop conga, especially an old road warrior like the one you have, I would suggest being patient and saving up whatever it takes for a nice set of lugs!
You could also check the local machine shop just to say you did and see how much they would charge to make a set of lugs for you.
Hope this helps!

[Chupacabra]

Also, are you sure you want to go all glossy with your finish?
Again, just my 2 cents' worth, based on your description of this instrument's lineage might I suggest going with a finish that maintains it's character?

[ralph]

thanks for the input, Chupacabra...

fellow board member geordie is hooking me up with some lugs...i can't ask for more really...he is a cool cat....


as far as the drum itself...i'm working on it a step at a time...since i am doing this for a friend, i want it to look good and sturdy, but i don't want to put too much into the drum, because i am not really charging him. I just want to make sure his drum gets back in playing shape...once i get the lugs from BNB, than i'll be able to put them on, and see if they fit...

as far as the finish, i'm still working on the sanding, once i get it down fine enough, i am going to go with a golden oak stain, and then i'm thinking of a nice marine/spar varnish....but you have a good point there, maybe i should retain the drums initial character? decisions...decisions...decisions... i'll keep you guys posted...

[SalseroBoricua71]

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[Joseph]

Here’s my recent project.
More of a refinish / reheading
Older Gon Bops Luan (AKA Philippine Mahogany) shell
This drum is described as a conga, but has Gon Bops model number as IT – 4125, which they list as a tumba.
Shell intact no cracks
Hardware in reasonable shape, a bit of small blistering on chrome
Original Gon Bops stamped head now stiff and hard like cardboard...have a new one ready to mount.

First photo shows staring overall look…it’s all there and intact…just a bit battered looking…numerous scratches and gouges on surface finish coat.

[Joseph]

Second photo shows Gon Bops sticker which has apparently been moved.
It also shows fiberglass cloth embedded in resin, underneath finish coat.

WTF?
Was that a standard production feature on Gon Bops?
I really didn’t see that glass cloth matrix until I took it out in the sun to take pictures of it.
I’ve read other postings of Gon Bops natural finish refurbishings: sanding down to bare wood, restainings, etc, etc. But no one ever mentioned sanding GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). I’ve heard of it on painted shells, but I was really surprised to see it on what I thought was a natural finish shell.
No wonder the shell has no cracks / checks!
This has to be an original construction feature: a smooth, seamless GRP wetout / layup. A pro job.

[Joseph]

Next photo shows shell after I sanded off surface finish varnish.
GRP layer is intact.
After sanding through varnish coat, I used steel wool with mineral spirits to “wet sand” GRP layer silky smooth.
Grain is more clearly visible, as well as stain / patina of wood. That surface varnish was really yellowed.