1950's VERGARA tumbadora, Incredible find.

[Jerry Bembe]

Nice family photo. "Grandpa with his cubby grandson".

Nice visual match. How do they sound together?

[KING CONGA]

Wow!!!!! this is amazing, what a find, the condition is just incredible, and to think that you might be getting your hands on a Requena as well. A big congrats Omelenko. You’re only the second forum member that I know of that possesses one of these rare gems. Now, I know that you have learned your lesson right! You are NOT! going to get rid of this one correct?
You’ll be kicking yourself in the butt for the rest of your life for doing so…but I’m sure you already know that.
Omelenko would you mind taking a nice close up picture, hi res preferred, of this Gem, this one is one for the books no doubt.See if you can get a picture of that Requena as well.

Congratulations again.
It’s always nice to see people come across something like this, especially those who truly appreciate these rare Instruments.

[Omelenko1]

Here is a closer photo of the hardware. You can tell where the likes of Junior, Jay and Matt got their inspiration. Fifty + yrs. Vergara macho.

Dario

[Jerry Bembe]

Dario,

I see the exterior points in common. I have a few questions regarding any differences that the Verga has.

Does the Verga have lighter thinner staves and is the bearing edge sharper?

Thank you for sharing this treasure and important artifact.

[Omelenko1]

The oak staves are 1/2" thick as opposed to thicker staves the likes of Junior, Jay and Matt. The bearing edge is not as round as the three mentioned. By the way, is Vergara not Verga. Verga in spanish means "penis", "prick".

Dario

[Jerry Bembe]

Dario,

No disrespect meant by my misspelling. I appreciate your correction and I do not wish to call an important relic a penis or prick.

Do these qualities make a louder and/or sharper attack to the sound?

I would figure this would make it more fragile but the sound qualities are facinating in addition to the rich heritage attached to this particular instrument.

Is this like a a Strativariois (pardon my spelling) equal or greater than Junior, Matt and Jay?

Again thanks for sharing.

[Omelenko1]

I know you meant no disrespect. No problem. (no hay problema). The thinner shell is not as sturdy as a Junior, Jay or Matt. The sound of a Vergara is unparallel. Skin selection is a must, basically on the thinner side.

[No.2-1820]

It's a beaut, rightfully lounging by the pool where so many classics have. What is that skin u went with?

Barrie

[GuruPimpi]

Beautiful find, pure art!

[KING CONGA]

Greeting Omelenko. Scott from New York just told me that he owns this drum? Did you sell it to him? Whats going on? I can tell that it's the same one by it's characteristics

[Omelenko1]

Yes, the Gonzalo Vergara now belongs to Scott. Is in good hands, a collector that cares about culture and roots.

[KING CONGA]

Yes, the Gonzalo Vergara now belongs to Scott. Is in good hands, a collector that cares about culture and roots.

Good hands indeed. His drum collection is very nice.
Scott is allowing me to post pictures of his partial collection wich I will do later on today under "Eye Candy" thread.
Omelenko do you have any history at all on this Vergara legend?

[Omelenko1]

It sat in the Cuban Museum for about 20 yrs. I know the famous Cuban band leader from the 1940's Jose Curbelo (both Tito Puente and Rodriguez started with his band) sold all his instruments to the Museum, so I tend to think the Vergara was his.