Ritmo Percussion ~ Matthew Smith

[seisporocho1]

They are so beautiful!!!!
Wow...
Conga-tulations!!

Seisporocho

[Mr. Conga]

Hey taikonoatama -James, beautifull drums, how much was each conga, and how much for shipping?
How long was the waiting period?...i am considering M. Smiths

[onile]

Alafia Abure Mr. Conga!
I hope that you are well my brother!

Abure Taikonoatama -James and I received our drums within a couple of months of each other, so I suppose that we both placed our orders around the same time. I had placed my order as a "retirement" gift to myself when I left my full time occupation as Social Service Worker in 2006! Woohoo!
At that time, I actually payed $750 per drum, African Mahogany, but I had only ordered 3 drums (13.75", 13.50", and 12.50"), about a year later, I spoke with Matthew about adding an additional drum. I teetered, meaning going back and forth, with ordering a quinto, or another barril (barrel), so I went with adding a 13.25" to the family. My 12.50" is my main drum in place of a conga, or quinto, and it "sings till the cows come home" no complaints with either of the drums.

Okay, back to your question Abure Mr. Conga. The price in '06 was around $750 per drum (not sure if Abure Taikonoatama paid the same or not), it took around 2 years to receive my drums, shipping was an additional cost (with insurance added per drum) it came out to around $60 - $70 per drum. I will say this however, and I believe everyone is aware of this by now, that Matthew has stated that due to the cost of material, he has had to increase the cost per drum. You would need to consult with him directly to get a more precise number as to cost. Shipping is not included in the "cost estimate" and is discussed at the time of product completion, understandably this is subject to the prices at that time.

All this being said, I as I am sure those of you who own a set of Matthew Smith tubs/barriles/congas are totally immersed in playing them at every opportunity. I am retired now and stay home when not running around with my 'babygirl' (9yr old daughter, Nani) so I get to play them all the time, especially when I gig out!

Many blessings Abures Mi!

Onile!

[Mr. Conga]

Conatulations Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are retired .. ... ...

Nice tubs....please post the bariles with detail pictures, on any Bombazo section.

How much were the bariles?....and have you played some that were actually wine or rum barrels, and is there a difference between
a wine barill Barril, and a custum barrel de bomba from Math.

[bongosnotbombs]

I got this info from Matt when I was inquiring about his drums a while back in September.

Thanks for checking out my instruments,I am glad you like them.I am currently charging $800.00 for my congas in any of the domestic hardwoods (quarter sawn oak,ash,walnut,cherry,etc...) The exotic imported woods like African Mahogany and Bubinga start at $975.00.Feel free to email or call anytime.Thanks,Matthew (215) 795-2267

Hi,yes I make Batas.My favorite woods for batas are cherry and mahogany.I charge $1500.00 for a set with chrome hardware, $1250.00 for black hardware.It will be about 9 months for me to make them since I am very busy.Take care and sorry for the delayed response.Matthew

[onile]

Conatulations Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are retired .. ... ...

Nice tubs....please post the bariles with detail pictures, on any Bombazo section.

How much were the bariles?....and have you played some that were actually wine or rum barrels, and is there a difference between
a wine barill Barril, and a custum barrel de bomba from Math.

Gracias Papa! I appreciate that!

As for the "bariles", I'm afraid that what I'm referring to is the size and look of my huge tubs (Supertumbas) from Matthew Smith, not authentic "bariles de bomba". My bad, I didn't mean to mis-lead anyone, I just call them bariles because of the size Papa!

Chevere!

Onile!

[Victorius]

has anyone any other photos of Matthew Smith congas? I mean different type of wood. I see most popular is african mahogany but I 'd love to see e.g walnut or maple congas too, except these pics on Matt website If you have - share it.

[Tonio]

Is Matt like real busy? He hasn't replied to my e-mail for about 3 weeks. I did resend just in case it got to his spam filter.

Better to call him?

T

[No.2-1820]

I think you have to remember that many of these artisans and musicians are not natural online people as are many of us, lucky them I say, probably means they work and play on their drums more !

Barrie

[bongosnotbombs]

Yeah, to get hold of Matt you really have to call him. Jay Bareck of Skin on Skin doesn't even have an email address.
I don't think Ralph of Resolution ever replied to my email, I always called him. Mario of Isla is a little better with email
but is more reliable on the phone.

[ABAKUA]

Matthew rarely if ever gets online.
It is best to call him.

[nickpilarski]

regardless of if he responds or not he is one of the greatest conga builders of all time. anybody who has his drums is one lucky person. I dont have his dums but have played them and they are sure worth any wait no-matter the length.

[Tonio]

Thanks bros!!, I figured he would be busy. That is a good thing. He's creating magic

I did try to call him, guess he must have been on the lath? LOL

Vinnie, 3 months? wow , why bother.

He is an elitist for sure. Odd that he would not have his tel# on the site though.

Must try again, this is a lifetime decision

T

[ABAKUA]

Yeh Tonio, just try calling him again.
Matts operation is small, he doesnt have ateam of people or a secretary or anything of the sort.
He works out of his workshop and is always up to something in there, he does not sit by the phone waiting for it to ring and he is rarely if ever on the computer.
He has most likely been on the lathe or welding or out when you have called. He takes calls up to around 9.30pm at night and in the morning he takes his daughter to school and is usually back by around 9.30am/10.00am
If you manage to get a hold of him, tell him Marcelo from Sydney Australia says hello and that Im due to give him a call soon.

[Tonio]

Abakua,
I wouldn't think he would have a secretary

Thanks for the info.

T