help identity these of congas - congas used at woodstock 1969

[adamc2]

Hi this is my first post and i really have found the site to be very helpful in educating me on my interest in hand percussion. i have been a rock/pop drum set player most of my life but now have expanded into this area and I am enjoying it. My question is, I own a set of congas that were used on the main stage at the original woodstock concert in 1969 they do appear in the documentary film most notably behind Joe Cocker during his performance. I wish to identify the brand if p ossible and get more information about them. I hope I can get some answers from you guys. Thanks.

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... 1692_1.jpg

[Garvin]

Did you just win those on ebay? I thought I saw this same picture on there the other day. I don't know what they are, but they look like they could use a little love.

[adamc2]

yes i know that is the second part of my help question can they have new bands put on them where they are missing

[Garvin]

there are folks that could refurbish these for you, but it would probably be in your interest to hear from someone who is knowledgable enough to tell you if its worth the money. Would it be for aesthetic purposes only or is there some actual separation of the staves?

[bongosnotbombs]

Most likely those are Mexican congas, probably Zim Gar.

[taikonoatama]

They look like standard-issue Mexican congas to me - you see these all the time on ebay. The profile, weak side plates, chunky crown height, crown loops, grooves cut into the shell for the bands, and alternating light and dark wood staves all say Mexican. The dark wood is typically just stained pine and the light wood is raw pine. It's possible the wood could be something else, but that would be unusual. Vintage? Sure, could be. Interesting history? Possibly, if true. Quality drums that'll sound great? Seriously doubt it.

James



Edited By taikonoatama on 1204587953

[guarachon63]

Looks like the conga player for Joe Cocker at Woodstock was Bobby Torres.

Why not email him and ask him about them?

[Joseph]

have you scanned them for traces of vintage LSD?

[randyc]

Hi Adam,
First off, welcome to this forum. Glad to see you found it as it is full (and I mean REALLY full) of Conga info.
I had a set similar to these offerred to me approx a month ago but never actually had a chance to hear/play them.
Please let us know (or post a sound clip) when you get a chance.
Zim-Gar was the brand that was noted on my post as well.
Congrats on the piece of Conga history you now have.
Here's a copy of he set I did not pick-up for comparison.
Cheers, Randy.

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... im_Gar.jpg

[adamc2]

Hi Adam,
First off, welcome to this forum. Glad to see you found it as it is full (and I mean REALLY full) of Conga info.
I had a set similar to these offerred to me approx a month ago but never actually had a chance to hear/play them.
Please let us know (or post a sound clip) when you get a chance.
Zim-Gar was the brand that was noted on my post as well.
Congrats on the piece of Conga history you now have.
Here's a copy of he set I did not pick-up for comparison.
Cheers, Randy.

Thanks ! it seems they are maybe not of a higher quality but there historic value could be more of a reason to keep them in shape. or maybe i should not try to repair them as there is no separation of staves. This maybe considered an alteration of their original condition. Its just really neet to look at the movie and see them there. I might get a contact high from playing them!! Oh the groovy colors !!

[zumbi]

if you don't need to play them, and you can be sure those are the original instruments used at woodstock, i would keep them as they are as valuable collection piece.