MATTHEW SMITH ONCE AGAIN

[Omelenko1]

I got this prototype from Robert Feltcher in San Diego. Just a conga shell with no hardware and no holes drilled. It was a prototype from the Gon Bops factory, it has a gel coating on the outside and is quarter sawn oak. Matt made an alma for it and made outer bands from stainless steel. I had Cuban style hardware from a Casa Cubana conga 12 1/4" made in 1974 in Long Island, NY. Casa Cubana congas are probably the rarest congas to be found, maybe 50 were made by a guy named Frankie Rodriguez out of NYC in the early to mid 70's. Take a look at this beauty could be played as a 3/2 or as a tumba, is 12 1/4" playing surface.

Dario

[KING CONGA]

That is a very nice drum indeed. So is it for sale or is this just a tease?

[ABAKUA]

Very nice.
Did Robert have the work done by Matthew?

Same Robert who previously owned esos bongo Guantanamero? I know the name.. Not sure how though..

[Omelenko1]

No, I had Matt make the alma and the s. steel bands. I just got the conga shell from Feltcher, I had the Casa Cubana hardware from years back. Feltcher is the same guy that I got the Cuban bongos from.

Dario

[tigre77]

That is some impressive drum lore Omelenko1. Have you ever thought getting a book published on this subject of drums? You pull out these exotic drums often and they come always come with a story attached.

[Bongobilly]

Omelenko1: Indeed a beautiful drum! Enjoy.

[Omelenko1]

Thanks!