Gon Bops ID...

[jochumsen]

Hi all,

I'm currently thinking of buying this set of Gon Bops, but would like to know more about wood type, age, etc.

The price is pretty reasonable, about 1300 $ for all 3 drums. What do you think? Any input?

All best - Magnus

[Mike]

The conga in the middle pretty much looks like mine when I got it:

And here is what it looks like today, the Philippine mahogany/Luan wood grain shines through:

Definitely all of them are very nice vintage Gon Bops!

If I am not wrong, the tumba to the left is an3000 series model and the quinto is the international model with bands.
I am not too sure about the wood, but I guess it is mahogany.

Interesting where you found these?

[pavloconga]

It sounds about right as far as the $.
About 12 years ago I bought 3 Gon Bops, (quinto, conga, tumba) for $1500 AUD incl. 2 hard cases and 1 soft case.
Mine look very similar to what you have in the photo.
I don't play them in gigs much these days, but I can't bear to part with them either because of their unique sound for certain musical situations/recording.

[casaet]

The two on left and right are so similar to my 11" mahogany that it cannot be anything else. But the price. I got one 10 1/2 sixties oak GB on Ebay for 330 dollar 3 months ago, in good and absolutely original condition, and with a good skin.
casaet

[Mike]

Yes I agree, 1300 $ for these battered congas is much.

Take a look at this craigslist offer - a very decent oak GB set at 1200$:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/m ... 14423.html
They look great, playable for years to come.

P.S.: OK , you cant beat the Swiss prices http://cgi.ebay.ch/Congas-GON-BOPS-/280492331740

[bongosnotbombs]

That's a steep price for those three Gon Bops. I would value that set between $750 and $900.

[Mike]

I was (half-)joking.
Those tubs are really overpriced.

[bongosnotbombs]

I was (half-)joking.
Those tubs are really overpriced.

I was referring to the Gon Bops in the original post. $1,300 is too much for those 3.
I don't think they are worth $433 a drum. Between $250 and $300 is what I think they
are worth.

That oak set is more like it. But I'd haggle for a lower price on those when I showed up
to look. $1000 for those is more like it. Maybe $1100.

[Mike]

I was referring to the Gon Bops in the original post. $1,300 is too much for those 3.
I don't think they are worth $433 a drum. Between $250 and $300 is what I think they
are worth.

No doubt about that. If those congas showed up in my country - which would a rare and almost improbable occasion - I would perhaps consider the price you mention too.
Those vintage Gon Bops are all the rage for the reason that they become so rare.

That oak set is more like it. But I'd haggle for a lower price on those when I showed up to look. $1000 for those is more like it. Maybe $1100.

IMO Craigslist or the local pickup in general is better than those auctions at ebay where prices sometimes develop into silly heights. Still, a good set in excellent condition is really worth some bucks.