Ebay find..

[RitmoBoricua]

Mongo always had a red Vergara that didn't have outer bands (were removed), when I asked him he said "that one is for Chango' ".
Mongo sort of introduced Tito to santeria early on in the 50's. Back then you could get Vergaras through a bakery in Spanish Harlem for $52 per drum. I'll have to see a real document for this one bearing Tito's signature. Me huele a quemao'.Dario

Good to know the history behind the drum, thank you.

[RitmoBoricua]

I bought the drum and it is the real deal. I spoke directly with Joe Franklin yesterday after a day and 1/2 of trying to investigate this drum as quickly as I could. He verified that this was indeed Tito's drum. Tito was a friend of his and was on his show many times. I also inquired with Cuco about the drum and he was positive that this was Mongo's Vergara. He said the whole story is written about in a book by Joe Conzos. Apparently this drum was taken from Mongo as a joke and given to Joe Franklin. When Tito told Mongo who had his drum, Mongo decided to let Joe Franklin keep it. I ordered the book and will read it for myself as soon as it comes in. I am really excited about the drum...I have wanted a Vergara conga for a long time....and now I have one with an amazing history. I will post pics if you guys are interested.

Congratulations. I bought the book and read it last year. I do not remember reading about the drum then again I am not too impressed with the book.

[KING CONGA]

Check this out. The legendary Mongo Playing a set of non bandded Vergaras.

[congabluedog]

Thanks King Conga.....I wonder if one of these drums is mine???????? I truly can't wait to get this. It is already on it way!

[congabluedog]

By the way, notice how banged up the Vergaras are in the first photo. The signs of ware don't bother me.

[KING CONGA]

I wonder if one of these drums is mine????????

I can tell you that it's not. Notice the side plate distance between yours and Mongos. The distance on your drum is greater, the crown hoops also look a little different, "V"'s are wider.
I noticed the bottom band on your drum, it sure looks different, I have never seen one like that especially on a vergara.
More than likely it was put on afterwards for structural security.
Have you decided if you will restore this drum or will you keep it the same? How about bands?

[bongosnotbombs]

I wonder if one of these drums is mine????????

I can tell you that it's not. Notice the side plate distance between yours and Mongos. The distance on your drum is greater, the crown hoops also look a little different, "V"'s are wider.
I noticed the bottom band on your drum, it sure looks different, I have never seen one like that especially on a vergara.
More than likely it was put on afterwards for structural security.
Have you decided if you will restore this drum or will you keep it the same? How about bands?

No handle as well.

[congabluedog]

Yes I too noticed the dif in "V" width and the bottom band being unusual. As far restoring I def want to make it a playable drum, but I don't want to change what is original.

[Omelenko1]

Here is Mongibiri (that's how I called him, Willie Bobo called him Montgomery) with his 3 Vergaras, notice the red one for Chango' (la roja siempre pa' Chango) Kabio Sile.

Dario

[docarroyo]

CONGRATULATIONS Congablue you beat me to it. I say its the real deal, many cats "customized" their drums for different reasons, Mr. Puente not excluded did so with some of his Timbales also. I think if not Vergara its a Junior the wider staves and square side plates feel more along the lines of Junior Tirado. His earlier hardware varied in size but he never rounded the corners as G. Vergara did. Junior also repaired others drums as does Matthew Smith and I know Jay from SOS did when his shop was originally located on Smith street in Brooklyn. Vergara's drums did vary in hardware also, since it was farmed out to metal worker in El Barrio Chino. I have a confirmed Vergara conga side plates are rounded but the crown is atypical and the staves are wider than my other Cuban drum . But none the less it looks KILLER to me, I would leave it like it is if it needs a new skin save the old one with ring because it was played by TITO and his crew which in my opinion carries historical value. Also think of the MOJO she has make it yours to play and yours alone no one else should play it make it your special one. I have a drum that only a very special few, other than myself have played it or even seen it. CONGRATULATIONS again on a great drum.

[congabluedog]

Hey thanks for the pic Dario and thanks for the very sweet words Docarroyo! I attached a pic of Joe Cuba's Vergaras and the Vs look more similar to mine than the shots in the Mongo pics. I assume it is older hardware? Do you guys see the similarity? Docarroyo..do you have a pic of an old Junior that might look like this drum? I can't wait to actually get it. I plan to touch as little of this drum as possible but I want to play it.

[congabluedog]

Sorry here is pic:

[docarroyo]

Here is a photo of My Vergara hardware its a close up and in my opinion very much like Joe Cuba's hardware and your new drum.

[Psych1]

Good score Jacqui, History and, as Docarroyo said mojo. Mongo, Tito & a conga dedicated to Chango. A magic drum for sure. Good playing! Don't let the neighbors sleep. Ah! some days I miss the city.

[KING CONGA]

Here is a photo of My Vergara hardware its a close up and in my opinion very much like Joe Cuba's hardware and your new drum.

Hey doc, would you mind posting a picture of your vergara drum for us? Thanks.