MICA SONIC ELECTRIC CONGA/BONGO/WOOD BLOCK DRUM MACHINE
OK, so this is a thing. We bought it because it was clearly an peculiar and uncommon bit of gear; we'd never seen one before and the gear geeks in us needed to get it even if it didn't work. It has no manufacturer's information but we are now certain that it was made in Japan in the (probably) early 70s by Mica Sonic w...Read more
OK, so this is a thing. We bought it because it was clearly an peculiar and uncommon bit of gear; we'd never seen one before and the gear geeks in us needed to get it even if it didn't work. It has no manufacturer's information but we are now certain that it was made in Japan in the (probably) early 70s by Mica Sonic who made drum kits in the that period.
It's basic. It's got plastic wood-effect laminate. It's definitely pretty niche. But we really like it and so we've kept it for our studio (at least for a while). Battery powered, it has two congas, two bongos and a woodblock with an on/off "mute" control for each (takes the basic reverb off the sound), and a master volume control. Each pad just has a simple piezo pick up but there is a a reasonable amount of sensetivity that allows a range of volume - it needs to be played with sticks, ideally rubber ended.
The only information we've found about it being used is allegedly on Anne Peebles' version of "I Can't Stand the Rain", and certainly after playing with this set once we got it back from the tech, there is a definite sonic similarity.
Sonically? Yes, it is basic, but like a lot of these odd, quirky pieces it has a certain "something". And with it not coming from the 70s Acetone/Roland or Maestro 70s ranges you have sounds which are different to other electronic drums of the period. The congas have a pleasing boom to them, the woodblock is snappy, electronic and sharp, and if you hit pads together something overloads and you get a great electronic stab of sound.
We're on the trail of more of these so if you are interested in one, or have one unused and needing a home, please get in touch.
Some of our gear will have VAT at 20% added in the UK/EU, but a lot of it won't. This should hopefully clarify the situation but if you have any questions then please get in touch.
ITEMS WITH VAT:
- These items will have two prices visible: with and without the tax.
- If you are buying in the UK/EU you will receive an invoice showing the tax component.
- If you are buying these items outside the EU when you get to the check out and enter your shipping location you will be charged the ex-VAT price.
- VAT-free sales are also possible to businesses within the EU with a valid VAT number. You will need to contact us in order to buy via this means.
ITEMS WITHOUT VAT:
- Much of what we sell is classified as "Second Hand Goods" and so while we still pay some tax, there is no recoverable/deductible component for sales to any part of the world.
- So, the price you see is the price you pay wherever you are.
ALSO NOTE:
- Shipping charges are also subject to VAT at 20% within the UK/EU - this is included within the prices you see for shipping to those areas - it is not shown separately in the cart but will be shown on the VAT invoice you receive with your goods.
We are very experienced at packing and shipping valuable and sensitive gear worldwide. Binson Echorecs, large valve amps, vintage synths, rare racks, and even a CS-80 or two - you name it, we've sent it and it has arrived in one piece and ready to play.
SHIPPING DISCOUNT ON MULTIPLE ITEMS:
We keep it simple: if you buy more than one item you only pay the shipping on the item that has the highest shipping cost. This is the same no matter how many items you buy together (so the more you buy together, the bigger your shipping discount). If you check all the items out all together this will be calculated automatically at checkout. However, if you make an order and then wish to add to it before it ships please get in touch and we will refund the shipping on the item(s) that are cheaper to ship.
Note that this also allows you to purchase add on items such as transformers and other accessories, and also t-shirts and other merch, without paying any extra shipping on them.
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CAN I COLLECT MY GEAR (and save on shipping?)
Yes! If you want to use this option either get in touch before you purchase, or contact us afterwards and we will just refund you the shipping. Note that collection is by appointment only and only during weekday office hours.
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MORE SHIPPING INFO:
The shipping prices for our gear vary considerably depending on the type of gear, value and destination. To see shipping costs put the item you are interested in the cart and then either use the shipping estimator or go into the check out process. Or just contact us and we'll tell you what you need to know.
It is a fact that, with vintage items, there are going to be times when gear arrives in need of some adjustment or calibration, and some times a piece of gear that was working 100% just chooses the day after arriving for a new fault to develop. However, having been working with sensitive vintage gear for many years, we are very experienced at dealing with these occurrences and will always work with you and get the problem solved as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Note that we have have not entered automatic shipping for every country. The countries we ship to most often will have shipping rates and we are in the process of adding more shipping fees to the check out process. But if you are looking at an item that doesn't have the fee information you need then please use the contact page or call on +44 1773 856475.
Which carriers do we use?
We usually use Royal Mail, UPS and DPD/Interlink - it depends on the item and destination as to which is the most economical. If you have a preference then we should be able to accommodate it (but we may need to pass on any additional costs) - just let us know what you need.
