CONGA ID (Let the forum pros help you identify a drum)

[CongaTick]

Seems obvious with the number of "Can anybody ID this conga?" posts cropping up on CongaSet and Accessories that we need a CONGA ID posting thread. Have at it!

[Jackson_B]

I'll take advantage of this newly created thread.

Can anyone give me an idea of what make conga the photo below might be? I ran across this particular one on ebay. Here's the link with more photos: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Wood-Red-Conga-Drum-Rare-Collectible-Handmade-Cuban-Cuba-/140653490073?pt=Vintgae_Drums_Percussion&hash=item20bf99ef99 . The reason I ask is, I used to have one identical to this. Same exact hardware (down to the slotted screw heads), same number of bands. The ad says that this one is 28.5" w/ an 11" head. The head sounds right, but I kind of remember mine being a little taller. I got mine back in 1969 in a trade w/ someone. Mine was black. Another friend and I used to lend each other instruments back and forth from time to time, but after I moved from Chicago in '86, I lost track of him. I really loved that drum, but really never knew a make/model. There were no other markings.

Is the hardware on this one fairly common on a drum that old? Could it be just a handmade one? When I saw the photos on ebay, and saw the pic of the bottom with a missing chunk and the wood inside, it brought back the smell of the wood to me.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone might be able to shed some light on it for me. I'd almost be interested in getting THAT one, except for the damaged bottom.
Here's a screen cap, in case it gets sold before I get an answer.

[pcastag]

Most likely es mejicano.

[JohnnyConga]

It's a Mexican ZIM-GAR or Playa de Azul from Mexico circa late 60's early 70's...

[Jackson_B]

Thanks pcastag and JC. I knew it wasn't anything special, but it's kind of like your first real girlfriend; you feel like you know everything about her, but you don't have anything to compare her to. Later on down the line, you realize that she was really nothing special, but you keep that soft spot in your heart for her.
I'm sure there's a thread around here somewhere of players' "firsts".
As I said, I acquired her in 1969. She was well used then, but taken care of. (the conga, not the girlfriend).

[KidCuba]

Here is that drums long lost sister...

http://www.mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6920

[Jackson_B]

Here is that drums long lost sister...

http://www.mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6920

That is DEFINITELY the sister of my drum. Looking forward to seeing the finished project, KidCuba!