Isla Batas For Sale - Michigan SOLD

[Garvin]

I bought these on the forum about 4-5 years ago???

Not sure what else to say. They are Islas. Build quality seems good. I've taken the heads off and re-stretched them a bit because they were flush with the rims initially. They are still pretty shallow, but definitely playable. I have played them in group and as a set of three without issue. Tape on Iya was for dampening. I took a picture of one scuff. No cracks or anything.

[blavonski]

Hello Garvin,

They appear to have two different types of rather thick Skins on each drum.
Do you know what animal the skins are from?
Thanks!

[jorge]

Why is the cha cha of the Iya out of round? Was the bearing edge broken and repaired?

[Garvin]

Hello Garvin,

They appear to have two different types of rather thick Skins on each drum.
Do you know what animal the skins are from?
Thanks!

They are definitely thick heads. Can't remember if they were buffalo or cow. Definitely on the thick side.

[Garvin]

Why is the cha cha of the Iya out of round? Was the bearing edge broken and repaired?

Probably because they weren't made round. Not repaired at all. In my experience, some Islas were more round than others. I think I remember a veeeery long and dramatic thread about this company a few years ago. They play fine. Not resonant like LP's, folkloric sound for sure. You can tell they were made by hand.