LP Vintage Bongo Set

[RitmoBoricua]

Here is a link to a vintage set of LP bongos. They were on craigslist for awhile. The owner says Red Oak. Never seen a red oak LP bongo set before but it could be. I am more incline to say they are Walnut. But anyhow really nice vintage set

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-LP-OAK-BONG ... 45f0a83cdd

[Psych1]

I bought them. Of all the bongos I have, my 2 old LPs from the 70's, mahogany & walnut, get the most play. It will be a while before I get this one because I'm traveling now, with an old Meinl.

If the double center blocks and the hembra skin are original this one is older then my other 2. Anyone know when LP switched to a solid center block?

[RitmoBoricua]

I bought them. Of all the bongos I have, my 2 old LPs from the 70's, mahogany & walnut, get the most play. It will be a while before I get this one because I'm traveling now, with an old Meinl.

If the double center blocks and the hembra skin are original this one is older then my other 2. Anyone know when LP switched to a solid center block?

Congratulations Nice Vintage Set.

[claveson]

First I've ever seen with double center block. I thought maybe it was changed from original.

[docarroyo]

I purchased my first set of LP Bongo in the mid 60's and they came with the two piece center blocks. I think they changed over in early to mid 70's. The early ones also had a stick on lable rather than a metal stick on badge.

[Psych1]

Hello Doc, I bought my mahogany set in 71, maybe 72, at Manny's, by that time I believe they all had solid center blocks. The walnut set, that I got from you, is a later model but also from NJ and the 70's, probably from just before the overseas move. I changed the skins on that one - thin goat and medium cow - and it is now my favorite. The zebrawoods I have seen all seem to have the double blocks so maybe there was a period when both styles were being made. I can't tell from the photos if my new one has the metal tag or a foil tag.

[claveson]

Psych1 .........Do you remember what you payed back in the 70's at Manny's

[Psych1]

Hey claveson, I don't remember the exact price but I think it was about $70. It was a lot of money for me then but it was a present I bought myself for a special occasion. Turned out to be a great investment. I still have it and most of what I know about playing bongos I learned on that set. The original hembra skin lasted for 20 years. A Best Buy!!!

[docarroyo]

Hello again guys Phych I'm glad your enjoying the walnut bongo you purchased from me. I brought my Zebra at Mannys or Sam Ash $125.00 as I remember alot of money back then but worth every penny. My mahogany LP's also purchased on 48th street at the same place that carried Echotone congas which I also got at the same shop. I belive your new addition also has the foil tag so the should be pretty early like mine late sixties. The tag reads Palisades, NJ. for late 60's and the Zebra was no later than 71 I was in High School and graduated in 72. Heres a photo of mi bongo

[RitmoBoricua]

Here are some pictures of an LP Zebrawood set that I bought a while back with solid center block.
When I bought this set it was in real bad shape. Replaced the hardware with Matador hardware.
I overhauled and refinished them. Installed Remo Nuskyn on hembra and mule on macho. Sounds
pretty good.

[Psych1]

Here I am thinking I already have way too many bongos and you show me pictures of those.

If another zebrawood set ever comes around again -----

[RitmoBoricua]

Here I am thinking I already have way too many bongos and you show me pictures of those.

If another zebrawood set ever comes around again -----

I am in the same boat plenty of toys but never say never. If I come across another drum that needs work,
good price and the time is right who knows I just like to keep busy in my spare time love to go to work
on my drums. You know hobbies. Late last year I started getting busy with bicycles too since I basically
refurbished all my drums in a (2) year period . I have some road bikes (1986 Schwinn Schwinn Le Tour Luxe
and a 1977 Raleigh Grand Prix and others) waiting for warmer weather and I will go to town with them too.
Here a is picture of my wood shop/bike shop right now. Not ideal weather conditions for any projects right
now so I am just chillin' for now no pun intended.

Here is a picture of one of my Mahogany Caribbean Rhythms that I refinished. Kept the hardware and re-painted black.
Changed out lugs. Kept original goat head on macho and installed mule on hembra. The center block probably needs some
works to even out hembra and macho. Right now is what we called back home "Cojo". But I kind of like it like that and sounds
good too.