D&P Brand Focus: Gon Bops

With a heritage that stretches back to 1954, Gon Bops is one of the world’s oldest and most respected manufacturers of Afro-Cuban instruments. The company was founded in California by Mariano Bobadilla, an inventor who was responsible for innovative designs that have since become percussion-industry standards, such as the teardrop crown with rounded counter hoop and the pre-mounted replacement conga head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gon Bops company has witnessed a long and colourful history, one where it was the undisputed leader in Latin instruments for over 30 years, before all-but disappearing from the mainstream percussion market in the early 80s, only to rise again under the new ownership and direction of the Drum Workshop company in 2001. Today, Gon Bops is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SABIAN.

Gon Bops manufactures an extensive line of percussion products and accessories, including Congas, Bongos, Timbales, Cajons and Bells.  The Gon Bops range of congas and bongos extends from the entry-level Fiesta Series through to the top-of-the-range California Series, including the artist-inspired Alex Acuna Signature Series:

 With a collection of exciting new products like the fully collapsible Commuter Cajon and the El Flaco Super Compact Cajon coming later in the year, 2015 looks to continue the Gon Bops legacy for many more years to come!