Thoughts about Gon Bops Sizes

[deadhead]

As we all know, vintage Gon Bops sizes were quite different than what is the standard today. They offered "congas" in 10 3/4" and 11", which LP and other modern makers would consider to be a "quinto". And they considered an 11 1/2" to be a Tumba.

9 3/4" - Quinto
10 3/4" - Conga
11" - Large Conga
11 1/2" - Tumba
12 1/4" - Large Tumba
13 1/4" - Extra Large Tumba

There may have been more sizes, but these are what I've come accross.

I have 2x 10 3/4" congas and an 11 1/2" Tumba, and I would consider the sound to be right on with their definitions. Meaning, my "congas" sound like a conga and NOT a quinto. My 11 1/2" sounds like a tumba, and nothing like an LP "conga" which is 1/4" larger.

Take in mind that my drums are oak which tends to have a warmer sound with a bit more bottom end than the mahogony, and the skins are thick cow.

I'm currious about how some of you other Gon Bops owners feel about this, and how your different sizes sound compare to that of todays standard.

[bongosnotbombs]

I also have the same size vintage Gon Bop conga as you, and used to have a 9 3/4 GB quinto.
I also have a Resolution quinto that is 10 1/4" and a tiny Isla requinto at 9"

The congas sound like congas and the quintos sound like a quintos.

I think it is as much about the shape of the drum itself; shaped like a quinto or conga, or tumba,
that determines the sound, as well as the diameter of the head. The quintos are usually
pulled in more tightly at the bottom than the other drums, I think that gives them their sound as
much as the diameter of the head.