I've heard Charlie has stopped making bongos for a while. He is charging $350 for his bongos. I paid $300 for mine but had it chrome platted here in Miami for an additional $120. Charlie does not chrome the hardware, he paints it jet black. I just sold mine for $375, had it on Ebay. I love the sound and the unique look of them,P. Rican Cahoba wood. I had to reduce my bongo inventory. Enclosed: my Charlie Vega's. Dario