congaplace.com

Anyone out there know what this one might be? Don't know any history. Was told it is Cuban. Extremely light. Looks like mahogany. Some sort of thick black pitch inside coating. Needs cleaning up but seems to be in great condition. Wide staves. Beautiful shape. No cracks. Thick bands. Original alma has a 4 inch gap - looks like it was put on that way. Belongs to a friend of mine. I'll probably buy it from him. He has the crown somewhere. It's been in a garage for many years.

I'll post the dimensions and more pictures when I get them

It looks very Cuban to me. Vergaras were oak, that doesn't look like oak unless it is stained. Would love to see it with hardware and skin on it. It looks like a Casa Cubana (made in Long Island, NY) Casa Cubanas are more rare than Vergaras and were exquisite congas. Great sounding. Find out some history from your friend so that I can zero in more. I love the way it looks, must sound awesome. Tremendous score!

Here is a photo of a Casa Cubana, made by Frankie Rodriguez in Long Islaand, NY. Probably the most rare conga to find, more rare than Vergara or Requena.

Dario

Dario, Thank you for the quick reply. Glad you like it! She really does have nice lines. Definately not oak, looks like a similar wood and color as my old luan mahogany Gon Bops 3000 series but weighs even less. I probably won't get a lot more history. I was told it traveled from Cuba to Mexico to the US so Long Island seems out-of-the way. Getting more pictures of shell and hardware tomorrow - I hope.

Got one of the inside & some of the hardware.
Dimensions: 30"tall.head 10"-10.5".belly 42.75".bottom 6.75"-7.25"
Also - now that I look more closely at the pictures, I only saw the drum once & quickly, I'm less sure about the wood.