In celebration of Gon Bops 70th Anniversary, we’re proud to feature “El Madero” – a celebration of some of Gon Bops finest players from around the world!  An idea conceptualized over 10 years ago, we’ve now created a film with some of our best players, featuring the original music of our esteemed Signature artist, Alex Acuna, co-written with legendary bassist, Abraham Laboriel!  “El Madero” brings together Gon Bops artists from all over the world, in this very special video celebration of Gon Bops’ 70th milestone  birthday.   

The Gon Bops legend began in 1954 in California when Mexican-American Mariano Bobadilla would go on to become one of the most highly-regarded conga builders in the percussion industry.  In 2010, cymbal-maker SABIAN Inc. purchased the iconic brand from DW.  In the words of Sabian’s President, Andy Zildjian:  “Gon Bops instruments are a perfect blend of vintage craftsmanship and innovative thinking. Since its founding in 1954, the company has pioneered several features and improvements that have forever changed Latin instruments…the pursuit of the best sound is what our craftsmen work for every day. We know the fit is perfect, above all, because sound matters.”

“El Madero” features Regina Acuna on vocals, Alex Acuna on cajon and djembe, Brandon Wilkins on flute and saxophone, Luisito Quintero on timbales, Roberto Quintero on congas, Walter Rodriguez on bongos, Lenny Castro on tambourine and congas, Nathanael Molina on piano, Bernie Dresel on drums, Will Phillips on bucket shekere, Ignacio Berroa on drums, Jamey Haddad on tambourine, Abo Gumroyan on bass, Caro Cohen on congas, Eliel Lazo on congas, Willy Calderon on timbales and Yasmane Santos and Gigio Parodi on bongos.

Here’s a link to our YouTube channel to view the new video:

Gon Bops 70th Anniversary video – “El Madero” 

A RAM57 Productions Film

Directed by Rich Mangicaro

Music composed by Alex Acuna and Abraham Laboriel

Edited by Rich Mangicaro and Chris Kim

Music production and arrangements by Alex Acuna, Abraham Laboriel and Euro Zambrano

Recording engineers: Kevin Clayton, Zach Acuna, Euro Zambrano

Mixed by Arturo Cabrera

Executive Producer: Gon Bops, Inc.

© 2024 Gon Bops, Inc.

Gon Bops is excited to announce the release of our new Cuban Cajon! Its unique trapezoidal shape ensures ease of use as well as being visually stunning. Made from premium quality wood, delivering a rich and resonant sound. Produces deep, punchy bass tones and clear, articulate highs. No internal snare wires, ergonomically designed for maximum comfort during long playing sessions. Smooth, rounded corners and a polished finish enhancing both playability and aesthetics. Built to withstand rigorous use, ideal for both live performances and studio recordings. Its portable, versatile, lightweight and compact design makes it easy to transport. Includes a custom bag offering further protection. Suitable for a variety of music genres, from Afro-Cuban to Jazz, Pop and more. Provides a woody alternative for your conga patterns!   Visit the cajon page on our website for more details and also, to view our new video featuring Gon Bops artist Willy Calderon, expertly playing this new cajon!

Gon Bops Cuban Cajon – model # CJCU12

Available Now!

Designed with master Cuban Bongosero – Orestes Vilato, our new Orestes Vilato Signature Bongos feature construction made from lightweight, sturdy New Zealand pine wood with a wide range of cutting highs and rich low-end sound. These bongos come with Gon Bops’ tight-profile California top rims, making it easier on the knees when played traditionally. The also feature Remo’s ‘Nuskyn’ model heads and boast a gorgeous light-to-dark blue fade finish, reminiscent of the oceans in Cuba…the birthplace of Orestes! Finally, they’re finished with a custom Orestes Vilato Signature nameplate. The new Signature Orestes Vilato Bongos are available now!  Visit our Products Pages – click on Bongos and see the bongos, pricing and our new feature video!!!

Gon Bops Fiesta Cajons are the best entry level cajons you can buy. We offer a serious choice in entry level models, including our Color Series Fiesta Cajons with internal snare wires and extra-large rubber feet in four colors – Cherry Bomb, Ultra Violet, White Magic and Lime Crush.

Gon Bops Fiesta cajon line offers outstanding tone and quality at a price point that cannot be matched!

We’re in a New Year and this one expects to be yet another stellar year for Gon Bops!  We have some surprises in store for ya’ll, so stay tuned here.  In the meantime, check out our great YouTube channel, chock-full of great content!    We’ve recently loaded up a lot of new videos, featuring our products.   Have fun exploring and please subscribe!   Let us know what you’d like to see in the future too!

Gon Bops YouTube Channel