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1. Sol, California
2. Junior Tirado
3. Gon Bops, early 50's. Formerly Cuco's
4. Manolito, Cubano
5. Early JCR.

Rompe que rompe tambo'!

Dario

Left out Mongo's, 1967 Zebra wood, Manteca's Vergara, and another 1950's Gon Bops

Wonderful selection of bongos!!!

I have an old Gon Bops too, from the 60's, great sound and lightweight, and I've seen and played a lot of others, but that one of yours seems unique. Never saw one like that.

I'd love to hear your impression of the SOL. I have a chance to buy one but I've never played one and would have to buy it without playing it. But, I do know something about Turkish craftsman & musicians - super skilled. I think I can get it for about $400 and it's supposed to be in mint condition. I can't decide! I don't need it but I might need it. How do you like yours?

The Sol has wonderful sound. The craftsmanship on it is superb, one of the best made bongos I have ever seen. Its got a groove on top of the shells, like Tom Flores used to do in the old Valjes, that enhances the sound. It's made of American red oak. Top notch bongos, superior in every way.

Dario

I love Sol Bongos from Akbar. I consider them far superior to Old or new Gon Bops because of the stronger shells & better hard wares. Better4 than Valje for the same reasons. The shape of the hooks are ideal for a more comfortable feel while playing between the legs. Volcano is similar in profile shape & hard wares...are great looking but I have not yet played them. The new Gon Bops & Timba ( which are originally Gon Bops ) have improved hard wares but the thinner shells can crack where the separator block is bolted through the thinest part of the shells. This is one reason Gon Bops bongos were avoided & players began looking to early Lp bongos as alternative. Gon Bops had a history of NOT correcting design flaws. If the new Gon Bops does the same & copies mediocre Asian model designs, then I suspect they wont grow with seasoned percussionist. I love Gon Bops like I love my favorite & first girl friend...but...she did not mature or improve so I never returned to her...I moved forward & upward. I hope Gon Bops does as well.

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Cuco,

Are you saying Mariano played bongo' with Billos Caracas Boys, when was that. How and when did you get the bongos, did you get them directly from him? Dejame saber, socio.

Dario

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I always thought Mariano Bobadilla was a trumpet player, it states that in the Gon Bops history. He probably also played percussion. That Chick Perez you mentioned is that Chiky that played with La Perfecta (E. Palmieri). Chiky was my personal friend, we played together in La Suprema here in Miami. Chiky was an overall outstanding percussionist. I got a lot of good ideas from him when it came to bongos, very tasty player, even Mongo concurred.

Dario

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