Stroemer Mica Sonic Electric Bongos

Stromer Mica-Sonic Electronic Bongos / Percussion unit for sale.

A handbuilt analogue recreation of the fabled electronic percussion circuit as used by Madlib and on the legendary recording of Ann Peebles 'I Can't Stand the Rain'.

These are handbuilt in small batches so expect some inconsistencies with the finish - sonically they're very close to the originals (though all originals vary in tone/timbre now due to component ageing/drift.

We love the Mica Sonics - we originally picked up a set out of pure curiosity and with no preconceptions we were intrigued by what we found and did some serious digging. The only information we found was their alleged use on Anne Peebles' version of "I Can't Stand the Rain", and there's certainly a strong sonic similarity.

However, since then their profile has increased somewhat since the astonishing Freddie Gibbs & Madlib NPR Tiny Desk Concert (which is essential viewing!). We also found this lovely footage of Madlib in El Michel Affair's studio... - rehearsing in preparation for that show.

So what you have is an instrument dating from the late 60s/early 70s, produced in Japan by a drum manufacturer, at a time when they were all embracing the rise of electronics (see also Pearl and the Syncussion, Toyo Gakki with the Ult Sound DS-4 etc).

The original was battery powered with two congas, two bongos and a woodblock. The on/off "mute" control for each just takes the basic decay off the sound, plus a master volume control. Each pad just had a simple piezo pick up but there is a a reasonable amount of sensitivity that allows a range of volume - it needs to be played with sticks, ideally rubber ended.

Sound? Yes, it is basic, but like a lot of these odd, quirky pieces it has a certain "something", and quite 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.

Condition

Brand New!

Voltage Information

Uses standard 9v centre negative supply

Tax

For sales in UK the price will include 20% VAT. Buyers elsewhere may incur VAT or other local taxes on import.