Truly Hand Crafted is a series and inside look at how we make our solid shell drums, custom hardware and PreMounted™ heads. In this episode, the focus is on how ‘Manito’ makes a solid shell conga. The video will premiere on YouTube October 13, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST.
Black Walnut Conga
We just finished this solid shell black walnut conga for a friend to the north. It’s made from locally and sustainably sourced black walnut wood from Athens, GA. Our 304 stainless steel hardware is very strong, lustrous and guaranteed for the life of the drum.
Hardware: 6-lug half round Moderna crown, heavy duty 3/8″ tuning lugs, heavy duty sideplates
Skin: 2mm amber steer
Playing Surface: 13″ diameter
Weight: 28.4 lbs
Spalted Maple Oconcolo Complete
We recently completed this solid shell spalted maple oconcolo. The maple wood was sourced sustainably here in Athens, GA.
Hardware: 304 stainless steel
Chacha: 5″, 1mm chocolate steer
Enu: 7.5″, 1.3mm chocolate steer
Weight: 10.8 lbs
Spalted Maple Oconcolo
“Manito” finshed the sideplate installation on this spalted maple oconcolo. I’m mounting steer skins this week.
Junior Tirado Congas
We recently completed work on these six Junior Tirado congas- 11″, 11.5″, 12.25″, 12.5″, 12.75″, 13″. The owner requested all new steer skins, Moderna crowns, flesh hoops, lugs and shell protectors. ‘Manito’ also fabricated custom stands for four of them. I always enjoy having sought after drums in the shop. It affords the opportunity to study the construction and the builder’s attention to or lack of attention to detail.
Gon Bops Contour Top Ring For 9.75″ Super Quinto
Does anyone know the inside diameter of the newer modern Gon Bops Contour Top Ring for 9.75″ super quinto? info@manitopercussion.com
Mounted A Calf Skin On This Djembe
I mounted a calf skin on this djembe for a local customer this week. Instead of trimming the excess skin, I decided to twist it. The twist came out much cleaner and more secure than trimming would have for this type of hardware. Anybody else have success with this method?
Gon Bops Mariano Congas
Does anybody own a full set of newer, modern, Gon Bops Mariano Congas- 10.75″ Quinto, 11.5″ Conga, 12.25″ Tumba, 13.25″ Super Tumba? info@manitopercussion.com
PreMounted™ Specials
Check out this gallery of photos from our current PreMounted™ Specials for LP congas. I’m still amazed at the fact each piece of rawhide is aesthetically unique. There’s such beauty in it!
Scratch and Dent Middle Eastern Steer Skins- 5 Pack
BIG DEAL!!! Scratch and Dent Middle Eastern Steer Skins- 5 Pack includes 20″ diameter skins ranging from 1.5mm to 2.7mm in thickness. They have minor blemishes like scratches or slightly rough surface, but are perfectly functional. They sound warm and classic with crisp slaps, round open tones, rich bass and controlled overtones. Thicknesses are consistent.