My New Gon Bops California Series

[umannyt]

KKonga,
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My new Gon Bops California Series congas consist of a set of quinto, conga and tumba in "Purple-to-Black Burst" stain and 1 conga in "Natural" stain (see photos below). (Btw, the photos are stock photos and not the actual photos of my congas as I haven't had the chance to take photos of them.) I bought them from Gelb Music in Redwood City, CA.

These 4 drums were the only 2007 model Gelb Music had left and were on sale. I was advised that Gon Bops had just increased the price of their 2008 model and would cost about $1,000 net each--a hefty increase over the 2007 price of about $600 net each. Since the 4 drums were on sale, I paid much less than $600 each.

I bought the "Purple-To-Black Burst" set first. Initially, I wasn't too thrilled with the color. I wanted my GB CA's to exactly match my pair of GB CA bongos in "Cherry Red" stain. Besides, I already own a pair of hand-me-down black Toca Player Series fiberglass beater congas and didn't want another set in black. But, I wasn't willing to pay the hefty price increase of about $400 or $500 for the 2008 model just to get the exact color I initially wanted.

But, as soon as the congas were taken out of the store to be loaded it into my minivan, I immediately started really liking the color. Under the sunlight, the purple shade really came out. Inside the store it looked more black than purple. Now, I really love the color. So do my bandmates. It's quite uncommon.

Then a few weeks later I decided to buy the lone 2007 model left, a conga, in "Natural" stain. I imagine that it came with either a matching quinto and/or tumba which apparently had already been bought earlier by another customer. But, the killer price was just too irresistible for me.

Actually, the apparent mismatch of colors work--with "Natural" stain being a neutral color. I've configured my 4 Gon Bops into a diamond shape--conga (left), quinto (rear center), conga (front center), tumba (right)--with the "Natural" stain conga occupying the front center. It appears symmetrical and really works.

I see that you're located in Northern California. What's your whereabout, if you don't mind my asking. I'm located in the East Bay.

Regards,

[umannyt]

Stock photo identical to my Gon Bops California Series conga in "Natural" stain color.

[KKonga]

Hey Manny---Thanks for your response. Sounds like you found a great deal on your Bops. The stock photo you posted looks like some of mine (color/ebony).
I love my set, the sound is amazing! I did the same thing as you. When I saw the price increase I went on a search and luck was on my side. I don't have any photos but when I do I will post them. I am located in Napa Valley and have a pretty nice collection of percussion instruments. Mostly congas! When you get some photos I would like to see them. I also contacted Don at Gelb but at that time I was only looking for an ebony GB conga, and still looking. I did find a nice set a Forks and picked them up. I think you can still special order specific colors from the factory but $$$$ can factor in.
Thank you,
KK