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FAMILIA!

I recently acquired these congas pictured below but have been unable to identify them. The Hembra is 13" and Macho 11.75". No tags, ID's nor origin location writing of any kind on congas exteriors, silverware nor within their bellies. They look very much like LP original models with the exception of their side plates. Anybody recognize these?

They look like LP's. I seem to remember
years ago somebody saying that back in
the day a load/shipment of LP shells
went missing or something. Whether
true or not who knows but those shells
scream LP and side plates seem to be
make shift. I even see the (2) holes
for the bracket that mounts the conga
to the stand just like LP's and even the
handle remind you of LP. I do not think
the crowns are LP's. Knock-off or real LP
Shells?????? Perhaps you can go Martin
Cohen's Facebook and ask him directly.

They look like LP's. I seem to remember
years ago somebody saying that back in
the day a load/shipment of LP shells
went missing or something. Whether
true or not who knows but those shells
scream LP and side plates seem to be
make shift. I even see the (2) holes
for the bracket that mounts the conga
to the stand just like LP's and even the
handle remind you of LP. I do not think
the crowns are LP's. Knock-off or real LP
Shells?????? Perhaps you can go to Martin
Cohen's Facebook and ask him directly.

Those are called 'ROYCE" CONGAS...

I think you are on the money JC.
Now I noticed the holes in the
shells for the tripod legs
consistent with older Royce
congas. Last I was not able
to open and blow-up the
picture.

Johnny Conga & Ritmo Boricua,

Should I take this as good news or bad news? From what I have seen in my short lifetime, Royce is not a very good brand. Why wouldn't they put any ID on its product? Was Royce (the company) a heavy duty contender at any point of its lifetime?

The shells do have holes in which I'm guessing are for legs -I don't think there's another reason.

Royce did have a logo at one time on their drums and yes they also had 'built in' stands....they were LP 'look alike' and I believe they were made in England...I can't confirm that...

They were made in Hialeah!

Isn't it kind of curious how, given all the "real estate" on a conga, both inside and out, there are so many out there that are made with no indication of maker or brand anywhere whatsoever...

guarachon63 wrote:Isn't it kind of curious how, given all the "real estate" on a conga, both inside and out, there are so many out there that are made with no indication of maker or brand anywhere whatsoever...

Clearly the drum maker was embarrassed about the "hot pink" color choice and decided to remain anonymous ya, ya, I'm sure they sound great etc....

I have not heard them yet - the heads are beyond no good. I like the fact that they are pink, 2 reasons:

1. I have an aunt who died of cancer, another aunt & 2 uncles who beat cancer and a cousin who is currently fighting cancer.
2. If people at the gig will remember something, it will be those pink congas. -Call me eccentric if you'd like.

Having an ID would have been nice, that way no doubts or questions would ever arise as to their true origin.

I hope they sound good!

Do you know the head sizes? If the drums are "standard" sizes you
have more choices to choose from. If not you may want to tuck
our own heads. As long as everything is functional the sound
for the most part is all you and the heads. Keep us post it.

Try to get the sideplates all going in the same direction.

The Royce conga my teacher had (he sold it to a classmate who really wasn't that interested in playing) had a label on it (that is how I knew it was a Royce). I played it. Had a nice decent sound for a fiberglass drum. Probably would make a nice starter drum

Probably replace the heads with Remove Nuskyn Tucked heads.