California Series Conga Drum

Only the finest air-dried quarter-sawn mahogany was used to make the drum shell for each Gon Bops conga drum from the California Series. Each stave is meticulously cut and bent by hand, then steel rings are hand-hammered into place, before it is set aside to cure for months. The shells are then hand-glued, again hammered to shape and turned by an artisan who has made these drum shells the old-fashioned way for more than 20 years. By the time the conga drums are sanded to a baby-soft finish, nearly one full year has passed. The length of time it takes for Gon Bops to create their conga drums is just one factor that bears witness to their rigorous quality standards.

Contour crown hoop
These drum hoops feature a unique design with traditional looks and easy-play functionality.

Steel side plate
These are made from heavy-gauge steel and fixed using steel carriage bolts and steel backing plates.

Solid Stave red oak
The highest grade quarter-sawn North American red oak is used for each and every hand-cut stave.

Custom made
The bottom rings are individually fitted to each conga drum by artisans who hammer each ring into place. This provides additional strength.