congaplace.com

Before and after photos. Here is what I did: I first re chromed the crowns, then I spent over $600 putting new stainless steel bands on them, 3 coats of marine varnish and 2 new mule heads. Ismael made beautiful carvings on them depicting the P. Rican countryside 40 yrs. ago. These congas are new and will last another 40 yrs. I been looking at the astronomical prices they are asking now for Gon Bops and Valjes, which don't even come close to the quality of an Ismael. These Ismael's are the most unique and rare congas out there, unless you have 2 mint Vergaras from the 50's (these Ismael's are mint). I might consider letting them go to a serious buyer, as I don't dare take these out on a gig. If interested you will have to come and get them (Café Cubano and cigar on me) or make arrangements yourself, I don't trust any shipper with these jewels. I'm not looking for astronomical prices. Shoot me a line if interested. MOFORIBALE!

Wow Omelenko1, they turned out great for sure.
Do you have any idea what year they are from? who made the bands for you?
I just hope that if you do sell that they would go to one of the forum members.
The best of luck on your sale.
Cheers.
K.C.

They are from 1974, the man that brought your Requena back to life took care of these mammas.

I really wish I had the budget to make an offer on these, a beautiful set of congas if ever there was.

Omelenko1 wrote:They are from 1974, the man that brought your Requena back to life took care of these mammas.

Just like that awesome Requena these Timbas Ismael deserved to be
in museum showroom. If I had the dough for these set I would pull the
trigger too.

Can we discuss privately?
Arturo
mister@misterlatinjazz.com

This set do belong in a museum, specially in P. Rico. I have spent some money on them, what I initially paid, plus all the upgrades I mentioned above. I have Skin on Skin, Juniors and other quality drums, but when it comes to uniqueness and rarity, these Ismaels take the lead. They have carvings depicting the P. Rican countryside made by Ismael himself in 1974, there is a lot of P. Rican pride and heritage on them, and they are new and ready for another 40 yrs. I don't need money but I'm too paranoid to take them out, so I'm willing to let them go.

Omelenko1 wrote:This set do belong in a museum, specially in P. Rico

That's very true.

S O L D

That did not take long at all.

A well known collector bought them.

Cool!