Good day to you all!

I've just purchased these interesting drums made by Amati sometime in sixties.

They are usually referred to as "Amati bongas," but they sound more like small timbales and by their construction they probably fall into the category of concert toms. Anyway...

They are 6", 8" and 10" x 6.5", 6ply, probably beech, as all other Amatis (altough I don't know what's the darker wood you can see). They are clear lacquered inside - I don't know if it was done in factory, since later Amatis weren't lacquered. All three drums are fixed to the center plate wich is seems to be designed for mounting on a bass drum cymbal holder L-rod in place of cymbal arm. They have double-flanged hoops, unlike other Amatis, wich bear sticksaver-like hoops. Lugs are copies of Premier, with brass parts.

They are all in fine condition except for some minor ply and wrap separations - nothing a good glue won't fix, I hope. Amati drumheads seem to be still playable, altough they're not exactly in perfect shape. The old man who was selling them seemed to be happy to find out that I know and appreciate their historical value.

I dig the wrap. Seems to be made in that Russian factory mentioned a while ago in Soviet drums thread. What would you call it? Gold pearl? Dunno...

http://gilnar.rajce.idnes.cz/Amati_bongas/

Have a nice day!