Gon Bops Mahogany vs. Oak

[deadhead]

What are some of the characteristic differences between the Oak and Mahogany Gon Bops?

I have an oak conga and a mahogany quinto, so I don't have 2 of the same sizes to compare. What I can tell is that the oak drum is by far heavier than the mahogany. The oak drum seems to produce a deeper, warmer tone with very little ringy overtone to it, where as the mahogany produces a brighter tone with a bit more ring to it. Now I also have 2 different heads on the drums, so there could be a sound difference comming from the skins. The oak drum has a very thick cow hide which may account for the warm tones, where the mahogany drum has a thin mule skin.

I'm looking to add a tumba, hopefully in the near future, and I'm trying to decide which direction to go. Unfortunately these are the only 2 gon bops drums I've ever played and don't have a whole lot to go on. Of the 2 drums I would have to say the oak sounds better, but I would love to get some feedback from some of the gon bops connoisseurs on the site.

[bdrbongo]

I have multiples of both, you're right about the weight, my oak requinto is heavier the my mohogany super tumba. I like the tones of both, but the oaks give a more defined slap, whereas the mohogany has better open tones. Granted, this is just my opinion. I mix and match them when I gig. I just started using the oak conga in place of the requinto(more surface area), and have a mohogany conga and tumba...maybe the pic will help. All my heads are original, and I've used Johnny Congas advice of shea butter ( hard to find palm oil) to rejuvinate the heads. Next stop, new mules!!

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... 407web.jpg

[bdrbongo]

Bad hair in that last pic... here's another.

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... N0372w.jpg

[deadhead]

I like the tones of both, but the oaks give a more defined slap, whereas the mohogany has better open tones.

I noticed this as well, I can nail a clean slap eveytime with very little effort on the oak drum and it sounds tight like a whip crack. I have a harder time keeping the slaps consistant on the mahagony drum though, unless I hit it in just the right spot I get a dull slap and sometimes even a thud.