Fat Conga Project FINISHED

[docarroyo]

I spoted this drum a couple of weeks ago on ebay and thought to myself "now theres a challange" , but it was complete all parts were there to even include the hooks. A couple of staves have cracks but fit well together. Whom ever had it before me smeared some type of heavy duty epoxy and either bondo or wood putty on the cracks very sloppy work. But being a early Fat conga which are rare as Junior Tirado drums I figured a worth while endevor. I started on a couple of loose staves and the smallest section and removed most of the crap but theres still some residue which will require further effort. Its made of different woods and does not have the epoxy coating as discribed on Fat Congas web page so I think its an older drum, no plate that states its a Fat Conga either. I will post photos of the progress as I go along.

[Chupacabra]

That's the kind of project I would just drool over! Let me know if I can be of any assistance!

[docarroyo]

Thanks Bro, I took a break ate dinner and had to get back to it. Can't keep my hand off of it.

[Chupacabra]

Did the seller explain to you how the drum fell apart like that? I wonder if the same thing might happen with the staves that are still together.

[bongosnotbombs]

Looks like a lot of fun. Too bad about the previous shoddy repairs.
Great project.

[Omelenko1]

Looks like another task for "SUPER CONGA MAN", Matt Smith. I had 2 Junior Tirados in similar condition and Super Conga Man came to the rescue. Take a look!

Dario

[Chupacabra]

I think I hear the theme song from "The Six-million Dollar Man" Playing!
Seriously though, that's an awesome looking restoration!

[vinnieL]

Any updates on this project Doc?

[docarroyo]

Hello everyone sorry I droped off with the updates, I completed two staves and they looked great. I also completed a section sort of but realized it was going to take the hand of a real pro to bring this drum back to its former glory so I went up and turned it over to Matthew Smith. I had to bring him one of his drums for some advice on it so I killed two birds with one stone. I checked out some of his new drums and bongos he is making a set for some lucky drummer which are looking amazing. I hope whom ever gets them is a member so that he or she can post flics on the board. He is a busy guy and as some of you may know a one man operation but as soon as I get her back i will post new photos of the restoration. Thanks for the interest bro. Bye the way he and I came to a conclusion that it is either a proto type or a sample drum for shows since it is made up of different exotic woods. I also wonder what she will sound like with the different woods?

[vinnieL]

Doc one of the bongos you saw may be my set. I posted a picture of the shells in the bongo section.

[docarroyo]

Yes I think your correct, no hardware yet but the shells look sweeeeeet. If they sound half as good as they look they will be amazing. Matthew seems to be a perfectionist I beleive he deals with each instrument as if it were for his own use and perfects each one before he allows it out of his shop. You may have to wait a bit but it will be worth it his drums are a labor of love. I've been playing for about 40 years my first pro gig at the ripe old age of 13 with Johnny Albino, in that time I have played many drums. Matthew Smith drums are all around the TOP(IMHO), build quaility, TONE, resonance, projection, and traditionally beautiful. I think you will be very happy with them.

[docarroyo]

UPDATE: PICKED HER UP THIS WEEKEND DOING FINAL SANDING AND FINISHING SHOULD BE DNOE THIS WEEK. Here are some photos, first one when she arrived at Mathews, 2nd in progress, 3rd banded ready for finish.

[docarroyo]

HERE SHE IS.

[RitmoBoricua]

That fat conga look "Phat" for real. Looks like you used gloss Poly for the top coat. Nice real nice.

[Omelenko1]

That big mama looks fine. I love it with the bands on it. Sabrosa!