Re: The Artisan - HR EL PIERNAS congas bongo timbales
Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:50 am
Hey,
So I just arrived last night from my 2-week trip to Colombia.
I made my way from Bogota to Cali. Drove thru the mountains and valleys to visit some of my girlfriend's family. We stayed at a farm in Cali. Let me just say, Colombia is simply an amazing country.
Of course, first thing I did in Cali was pay HR a visit! My experience there was just awesome. HR is a real-deal craftsman that does what he loves to do with a very humble approach. His place is raw and very organic. Trust me when i say, this guy does wonders with the tools and resources he has! Oh and YES, the drums are heavy!! I grabbed a pair of bongos he had and let's just say they were some tough puppies to say the least. They are built like tanks. And even though it isn't practical for the everyday player to carry around, they are a serious option for a reliable, solid drum.
My visit was mostly out of curiousity since I did not take enough money to buy drums but I still walked out with 2 bells and a pair of maracas (the maracas are sick!). One of the bells was a gift from him to me. It was made on the spot while i was there...totally unexpected and very cool.
I will write more when I settle in. Tomorrow morning I leave to Key West with the band to play 2 nights and come back Sunday.
I took pics of him and his shop. Will post them by monday or tues.
peace
So I just arrived last night from my 2-week trip to Colombia.
I made my way from Bogota to Cali. Drove thru the mountains and valleys to visit some of my girlfriend's family. We stayed at a farm in Cali. Let me just say, Colombia is simply an amazing country.
Of course, first thing I did in Cali was pay HR a visit! My experience there was just awesome. HR is a real-deal craftsman that does what he loves to do with a very humble approach. His place is raw and very organic. Trust me when i say, this guy does wonders with the tools and resources he has! Oh and YES, the drums are heavy!! I grabbed a pair of bongos he had and let's just say they were some tough puppies to say the least. They are built like tanks. And even though it isn't practical for the everyday player to carry around, they are a serious option for a reliable, solid drum.
My visit was mostly out of curiousity since I did not take enough money to buy drums but I still walked out with 2 bells and a pair of maracas (the maracas are sick!). One of the bells was a gift from him to me. It was made on the spot while i was there...totally unexpected and very cool.
I will write more when I settle in. Tomorrow morning I leave to Key West with the band to play 2 nights and come back Sunday.
I took pics of him and his shop. Will post them by monday or tues.
peace