congaplace.com

A customer brought to me today a very nice bongo made of Mahogany (Solid shell). Sticker says S. Zayas Someruelos 155 Habana - CubaThe hembra has a crack which will be repaired and made nice and strong. I will add some space between the shells as the center block is a bit too small. This will also help relieve some stress from the bolts which caused the crack on the hembra shell. Both will get new heads thin skins as these are meant to take. The hardware is in good condition for drums that were kept in a basement for who knows how long. But as with many of these drums the welds are less than perfect and the lugs are a bit crude but usable. Looking for $500 + shipping but open to offers...


Sorry after further examination this is not cedar its Mahog. and I also fixes a hairline in the macho

Updated photos
Have some interest but still Available. guy wants to try ebay against my recommendation but its going up Monday @ 500

hummm?

I have been wondering why they didnt sell myself. Is the market that bad, is the economy that slamed. I have three vintage Gon Bops that I have decided to sell, If I moved them I will have some disposable cash and will make you an offer Mike.

Who is " S. Zayas Someruelos? " I have been interested in these myself Mike but can't find info on who this maker is. I also posted once about a guy named Severino who made bongos during Requena/ Vergara era and no replies. Does anyone know about the maker of these drums?

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I believe his name was Alberto Zayas.....

Alberto Zayas was the leader of Los Muñequitos back in the 50's. The name tack on the bongos is not the same person. It's the name of the guy that owned them.

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docarroyo wrote:I have been wondering why they didnt sell myself. Is the market that bad, is the economy that slamed. I have three vintage Gon Bops that I have decided to sell, If I moved them I will have some disposable cash and will make you an offer Mike.

The market is garbage. You cant even believe the things I see and hear... Not the appropriate forum to share but if you want some funny stories to laugh at call me...

congabluedog wrote:Who is " S. Zayas Someruelos? " I have been interested in these myself Mike but can't find info on who this maker is. I also posted once about a guy named Severino who made bongos during Requena/ Vergara era and no replies. Does anyone know about the maker of these drums?

(155) Someruelos is a street in Havana.
http://tinyurl.com/6ax6jd6

Markito

Omelenko1 wrote:Alberto Zayas was the leader of Los Muñequitos back in the 50's. The name tack on the bongos is not the same person. It's the name of the guy that owned them.

Actually the group Alberto Zayas led was called "Alberto Zayas y Su Grupo Afro Cubano" a.k.a. "Alberto Zayas y su Coro Folklórico",
a.k.a. "Alberto Zayas y su Grupo Folklórico":
http://fidelseyeglasses.blogspot.com/2008/07/alberto-zayas-y-su-grupo-folkorico-1955.html

Alberto Zayas y Su Coro Folklórico:
http://fidelseyeglasses.blogspot.com/2008/10/congas-y-comparsas-ayer-y-hoy-cuba-nyc.html

Alberto Zayas y su Coro Folklórico: "Carnaval 1960-61" LP:
http://fidelseyeglasses.blogspot.com/2011/03/lps-cuba-baila-carnaval-1960-61-cuba.html

"Alberto Zayas y Su Grupo Afro Cubano": Probably best known for his classic Panart LP by the same name:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DSoGzKEt12Y/TO403lwbcoI/AAAAAAAAIPc/fu8NGl0rCZY/s1600/Zayas.jpg

The director of Los Muñequitos (in the 50's) was Florencio Calle a.k.a. "Catalino".
http://esquinarumbera.blogspot.com/2006/12/la-rumba-part-2-of-3.html

Markito

Thanks !

Another pair of S. Zayas bongos have appeared on ebay, No. 153. I wonder if they're swietenia mahogani.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Solid-S ... 3cc507a552

Look like the same ones to me.

But, I don't see any mention on Ebay of repaired cracks in both shells or problems with welds and lugs so maybe they aren't the same ones.