Gon Bops Mariano Series Congas

Gon Bops founder Mariano Bobadilla built only one line of drums special enough to bear his name – the Mariano series. Today, Gon Bops is proud to offer a modern version of these legendary instruments. Their vintage character has been painstakingly preserved using traditional counter hoops, authentic Latin American cowhide heads – and most importantly, Durian wood construction.

Sizes Available:
10.75" x 30" Quinto
11.5" x 30" Conga
12.25" x 30" Tumba
13.25" x 30" Super Tumba

Durian Tree Wood
In order to match the sound and feel of Mariano's legendary Cuban drums, wood from the Durian fruit tree was chosen for its light weight and strength. Widely revered in Southeast Asia as the "King of Fruit", Durian fruit tree wood was also determined to be the closest match to the performance properties of Philipine Mahogany, originally used by Mariano for his signature line. Harvested from old, non-producing trees that are immediately replanted, Durian wood is a sustainable resource. It's a smart, environmentally responsible choice of wood for this legendary drum line.

The Gon Bops Difference

Tight Profile Hardware
Combined with the traditional Cuban shape of our drums, this Gon Bops exclusive design means less pressure on wood and hardware, and less effort required to tune heads and drums.

Gon Bops Backing Plate
Smart Gon Bops design protects wood and hardware by extending the backing plate to strengthen areas naturally under stress, but typically left unprotected.

Smart-Design Side Plates
Gon Bops Side Plates eliminate need for cup washers, allowing for extended tuning range and longer hardware life.

Bearing Edges
Gon Bops attention to detail is evident even on the bearing edges of our drums, eliminating dead spots and allowing for perfect tuning, and warm, full sound.

Traditional Afro-Cuban Shape
Gon Bops conga shells are shaped in the traditional Afro-Cuban style for increased volume and resonance. These instruments are legendary in every way: sound,  design, and performance.