Valje refurbishment project

[mistrc]

These are my 1962 Valjes That I purchased from Tom Flores at the Sunset shop.

[bongosnotbombs]

Lookin' good.

[mistrc]

Thanks it felt almost as good working on them as it does playing them!

[KING CONGA]

Amazing job mistrc. I hope to one day ad a set to my collection, do you want to sell?

[bongosnotbombs]

I have two Valjes from the 60's as well, I keep them maintained but I probably won't refurbish them as extensively as you have. I got them with scratches and bumps and they are kind of my set that I don't mind if they get another scratch here and there.

I do try to keep my Resolution congas by Ralph Flores, Tom's son, as clean as I can.

[mistrc]

Here is my latest find, Ii is pretty beatup with several cracks. It has a sticker inside with "V1130" on it and the staves are not cut like Tom's drums?

[bongosnotbombs]

I think that may be an LP Valje model, maybe in beechwood. The wood certainly does not look like quarter sawn oak at all. Valje congas are typically made from quarter sawn oak.

[mistrc]

Hey King Conga, No the set is not for sale but I might consider one of the congas depending on how the latest refurb goes on the LP valje Quinto I found.

I just finished refurbishing a totally neglected, TOCA Quinto that I found in a Garage sale. I replaced the thin metal ornamental bands with 1/16 inch Stainless steal one's and took it down to it's natural Asian Oak wood finish. It has an outrageous tone on it, a nice little Conga. It has an 1o" inside diameter and appears to be a early Elite series, around 1999-2000.

[mistrc]

" bongosnotbombs".... I spoke with Ralph Flores, and he agrees, It's an old LP Valje 11" Quinto. He is remaking the tuning hardware for me and I'm having 1/16" stainless steel bands made for it. the wood is oriental Beechwood and it has been a challenge to clean up but I'm getting there. Trying now to decide whether to darken the wood a little with a golden or red Oak stain or not? I will post the finish Picture of it.

[bongosnotbombs]

Ralph is a class act all the way, I'm very happy to have several examples of his drum's and his Dad's drums. Good luck on the refurb. The beech and cherry LP Valjes are nice drums.

[mistrc]

I just finished with Phase 2 of the refurbishmentproject and am waiting on the hardware to complete the job. Though the wood was a beast to work,
it came out pretty good. Unlike the original Valje congas, the staves on the LP version were not cut to ease the tension on the
top and bottom so I added a 1/16" thick band to the top and redesigned the bottom band. The drums overall stucture is now very sound.

[Mike]

Very nice restoration job.
I particularly like the stainless steel bands.

[mistrc]

Thanks Mike!

[mistrc]

Finally finished the LP Valje.. The Tuning plates were reworked and chromed by Ralph Flores.
the skin is still wet so I haven't played it as yet.

[mistrc]

Finally finished the LP Valje.. The Tuning plates were reworked and chromed by Ralph Flores.
the skin is still wet so I haven't played it as yet.