Prototypes
These bongóes represent experiments with shape, geometry, proportions of shell sizes and thickness using various timber. They all differ in details – stave number, bearing edge, silhouette, finishes – and in cases hardware as well. Various sets of tools and work methods were utilised to produce them. Each pair has a distinctive character in sound and feel. They are not for sale, and no more Typ. I-III. shells will be made. I have decided to go along with Typ. IV. – bongóes featured in "recent works" are based on this design.
Typ. I.
Shells
White mulberry (Morus alba)
Dimensions: 12 staves, 158 mm high
Finish: 4 coats of tung oil, beeswax
Hardware
Material: stainless steel, riveted and welded
Dimensions: 15×5 mm rims, 15×6 mm bottom rings
Lugs: 8 mm diam.
Finish: brushed, polished
Skins
Macho: 0.9 mm donkey, 6.75"
Hembra: 1.2 mm donkey, 8"
Typ. I.
Shells
European cherry (Prunus avium)
Dimensions: 12 staves, 158 mm high
Finish: 4 coats of tung oil, beeswax
Hardware
Material: stainless steel, riveted and welded
Dimensions: 15×5 mm rims, 15×6 mm bottom rings
Lugs: 8 mm diam.
Finish: brushed, polished
Skins
Macho: 1.1 mm cow, 6.75"
Hembra: 1.5 mm cow, 8.5"
Typ. II.
Shells
American walnut (Juglans nigra)
Dimensions: 16 staves, 150 mm high
Finish: 3 coats of tung oil, shellac French polish
Hardware
Material: stainless steel, riveted and welded
Dimensions: 15×5 mm rims, 15×6 mm bottom rings
Lugs: 8 mm diam.
Finish: brushed, polished
Skins
Macho: 0.9 mm buffalo, 7.25"
Hembra: 1.2 mm cow, 9"
Typ. III.
Shells
Zebrano (Microberlinia brazzavillensis)
Dimensions: 12 staves, 155 mm high
Finish: semi-gloss acrylic lacquer
Hardware
Material: stainless steel, riveted and welded
Dimensions: 15×5 mm rims, 15×6 mm bottom rings
Lugs: 8 mm diam.
Finish: brushed, polished
Skins
Macho: 1 mm buffalo, 7"
Hembra: 1.5 mm donkey, 8.5"
Typ. III.
Shells
Honduras rosewood (Dalbergia stevensonii)
Dimensions: 12 staves, 155 mm high
Finish: semi-gloss acrylic lacquer
Hardware
Material: stainless steel, riveted and welded
Dimensions: 15×5 mm rims, 15×6 mm bottom rings
Lugs: 8 mm diam.
Finish: brushed, polished
Skins
Macho: 0.8 mm calf, 7"
Hembra: 1.2 mm cow, 8.5"
Typ. IV.
Shells
European white oak (Quercus robur)
Dimensions: 16 staves, 155 mm high
Finish: semi-gloss polyurethane
Hardware
Material: stainless steel, riveted and welded
Dimensions: 15×5 mm rims, 15×6 mm bottom rings
Lugs: 8 mm diam.
Finish: electropolished
Skins
Macho: 1 mm donkey, 7"
Hembra: 1.5 mm donkey, 8.5"