I have 2 Manito solid shell congas for sale in Marin County in California. They are in as new condition. If you have never played a solid shell conga before and are in the area you should come and check these out.
One is Sycamore (requinto) The conga is Poplar. Amazing drums. According to Ryan Manito, "Solid Shell construction allows the sound waves created by the Steer Skin head to travel freely from the skin into the wood and cause the drums to resonate with very high volume and crystal clear tone. The addition of our optional Sidestrap hardware means that there are absolutely no holes drilled in the shells, and the tuning tension from the heads compresses the entire shell evenly. Even compression allows the entire shell to vibrate as one single resonator for unbelievably tonal sustain."
Sound bite of the Sycamore requinto:
http://www.manitopercussion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Sycamore-Requinto.mp3Sound bite of the Spalted Poplar conga drum:
http://www.manitopercussion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Spalted-Poplar-Conga.mp3