This vintage electronic percussion unit is believed to have been made in Japan by Mica Sonic in the late 1960s or early 1970s, the same company known for its drum kits of that era. It features two congas, two bongos, and a woodblock, each with its own on/off mute control, and a master volume knob. Battery powered with simple piezo pickups, it offers a surprisingly dynamic response. While its origins and history aren’t fully confirmed, its rumoured to have contributed to the percussion heard on Anne Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand the Rain.”
Repaired broken wiring, replaced noisy carbon resistors with metal film resistors, replaced jack, replaced battery clip and pots cleaned. These have a very low output so they work best through a preamp with plenty of clean gain or a cloudlifter.
Video: https://youtu.be/1alXHOMDBN4
Product Specs
- Item Number: 40012
- Make: Mica Sonic
- Model: Electronic Bongos
- Condition: Very Good
- Finish: Black
- Categories: drums-and-percussion ⇒ full-electronic-kits
- Year: 1960s-70s
- Made In: Japan
- MPN: 40012