Vintage Synth Explorer Forums

Hi all,

I would like to reproduce the bongo sound that can be heard in this famous vintage Don Cherry track (Brown Rice):


On the net it is described as "electric bongos" (or electronic bongos), but i have not been able to identify the instrument that produces this sound.

Could you please help me find either the original instrument, or an alternative ? (either sequenced or pad drumbox).

Many thanks in advance!

Cheers

I don't have a copy of the album to hand, but when it says electric bongos it probably means bongos either miked or with a pickup and electronically processed in the studio. There's a wah wah acoustic bass on the album (in fact on this track), obviously done the same way.

I'm curious to know what the electric piano was on this track, BTW, if anyone knows. Maybe a Selmer? The original vinyl sleeve notes didn't say.

Hi Sweep,

thanks for your help. I thought of that and I would not know how to process a real bongo to get this sound...

Would there be an good alternative using a drum synth?

thanks

It's very rare that I use drum machines or synthesized drums, but doubtless someone else here will have that experience.

Bunchie Fox is specifically mentioned as playing "Electric Bongos" on the track in the album gatefold, plus Stanley Crouch's liner notes has the line "Add to the mix electric bongos (yes, they do exist)...". Amazing track, nevertheless.

Being that it's a 1975 track, I'm wondering if he's playing something like

(from 1968)
http://www.miniorgan.com/lib/view.php?miniorgan=106

or
(from circa 1970)
http://media.photobucket.com/user/advrk ... 0.jpg.html

My money would be on the Mica Sonics, though it's completely possible he could be triggering a couple of bongo buttons from an old Maestro rhythm box, or even from an old organ. I actually have a set of Mica Sonics, buried Lord knows where in storage ...


UPDATE: here's Willie Mitchell's kid playing the I Can't Stand the Rain intro on 'em, that last note seems to be the same pitch from Brown Rice, so there's your answer:

99% sure it's a Buchla, they're famous for their bongo sounds.

Here's a video of how to do it with newer modular gear:

Many thanks to all!

walkathon, I vote for your answer (the Mica Sonic Bongos).

Now, I need to find them ...

walkathon wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 19, 2015 1:18 am

I actually have a set of Mica Sonics, buried Lord knows where in storage ...

Walkathon - do you still have that set of Mica Sonics? I'm trying to find a set for a very special drum project!

James Spectrum wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 23, 2019 11:16 pm

walkathon wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 19, 2015 1:18 am

I actually have a set of Mica Sonics, buried Lord knows where in storage ...

Walkathon - do you still have that set of Mica Sonics? I'm trying to find a set for a very special drum project!

Hiya James, yeah they're in storage somewhere. Sorry for the delay, been off of here for ages.
Still need them?

walkathon wrote: ↑

Sun May 10, 2020 11:36 pm

James Spectrum wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 23, 2019 11:16 pm

walkathon wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 19, 2015 1:18 am

I actually have a set of Mica Sonics, buried Lord knows where in storage ...

Walkathon - do you still have that set of Mica Sonics? I'm trying to find a set for a very special drum project!

Hiya James, yeah they're in storage somewhere. Sorry for the delay, been off of here for ages.
Still need them?

Hey Walkathon, any chance you still have the Mica Sonics set if James didn't end up getting them? I've been looking for a set for a while.