ISLA PERCUSSION - Discussion, Quality, Experience, etc

[Lonz]

That's the gist of it. I have not spoken to him, personally.

[Light Seeker]

Did he finally make the move down south? Did he stop making drums or what? Please fill us in.

I last spoke to Mario a week ago. He is currently living in Houston, where he said he needed to go to take care of a lot of business-related details. He hasn't yet moved to Belize -- he now expects to be down there by November or December.

[pcastag]

Houston? Hey that's here! Maybe I can hook up with him and find out what awesome woods he's going to be using!
PC

[Tonio]

hmm, Houston. I wonder if he is setting up to move some hardware....as in machinery-lath, band saw etc. It would probably be impossible to get a decent set of tools in Belize no? Not to mention Houston is a big ocean liner port. Or just a means of connections for odd and ends..

T

[pcastag]

Could be that he's setting up a distributing point for the goods once they get into the US. Houston is a huge port and of course straight out the gulf to Central America. Gets you good access to the whole US, east coast and west.
PC

[Light Seeker]

Tonio, I think you may be right. In Mario's own words: "Belize has NOTHING!"

[Tonio]

except wood and labor...

so how are you in contact uuhhh cell phone ?


T

[congamyk]

Houston is becoming a lot like LA. It's growing fast and is the 6th largest metro in the US.
Huge port, diverse population and has the Texas economic engine that won't quit.
Houston is dirt CHEAP to live there. That would be a great place for Mario to land and setup shop.
Easy access to everything with 1/2th the hassle and cost of goods and services compared to LA.

[pcastag]

Yup, 4th. largest city as well, and yes, compared to other large cities cost of living, especially housing, is really low. Large diverse population, large hispanic population (obviously) not much to look at though.
PC

[Tonio]

I hear its really humid in Texas not to mention the high temps (desert)?

We get normally 60 -80% humidity throughout most of the year if your close the coast. Inland is not as bad, but temps get higher.
I freakin' hate humidity, you need to shower after taking a shower when the temps get up there

Cost of living-what a joke

T

[pcastag]

yeah, right now the heat index is about 108 in Houston! LOL, I grew up in San Francisco and San Rafael so I knows all about the cost of living! Wish my parents would've never sold their house in Marin, we could all retire now \
PC

[yusef33]

Greetings everyone, I am informing the community about a 'Brand new' Natural finish Canoe Wood Tumba (13") made by Mario of ISLA Percussion.
If anyone is interested the link below will direct you to the posting.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/msg/1311291891.html

[AlexV]

I've been playing these for about a month now. People that have them already know the sound, no need to wax poetic. The conga sounds awesome even with having to use an lp tumba skin. The original skin spoiled, but that was my fault he had them boxed waiting for me. Shea butter and the Texas heat and humidity on a wet skin sealed in a box = not a good thing. Anyway you guys know how Mario is, first class all the way. I hope you guys enjoy pics of 'cafe con leche'.

[AlexV]

the tumba is ridiculous. sorry if the picture is fuzzy.

[Lonz]

Well, I did it, Guys. Finally! Three drums are on order with Mario: one 10 1/4 Quinto and two 11 3/4 Congas. I'm looking forward to watching how they develop. As many have said and I can now attest, Mario is great to work with. -Lonz-