Isla Percussion - How do you rate them?

[conguero]

Hi All,

After asking this forum what people thought of LP Gio's and the Requinto, the main name that kept coming up was Isla. Being that I'm from England and they are not that common here I have never heard that much about them.

I'd like to know what experiences players have had with them, whether you own a set or have played somebody elses I'd like to know your thoughts. I am looking to sell my Gio's which I've had for 3 years now and I want to find out what the next level of drum is.

I will look forward to your replies.

Peace and Callusses.

[bongosnotbombs]

They sound great and the price is right, however the ones I have seen in person were'nt put together all that well, and had flaws. I have seen 3 sets in person.

They have a great price.

There are several owners here that absolutley love them.

[vinnieL]

Mario will tell you that he does not get into polishing stuff to a high shine finishes. That is not what those drums are about. To say that they are not put together well is misleading don't you think? Those drums will last a life time of playing. And the sound is incredible. Each drum is unique and no other drum looks like another they all have their own markings and file marks etc. ....You have to talk to Mario yourself to understand his thinking when he makes a drum call him and talk to him let him explain his process and mindset. Several much more accomplished and experienced players than myself own these drums they can't all be wrong. On another note what other hand made drum can you get for those prices? Not wait a year to get? That sound better? with better skins? with better hardware? have you guys taken a look at the hardware? bend or break one of those lugs!



Edited By vinnieL on 1194510379

[onile]

Alafia Abures!
I hope that you are all well!

I must admit that when I received my "Islas" several months back, I was a bit blown away with the crown, but that was it! When I sat down to play them, it was over but to cry! The sound was incredible, the dimensions on each of the drums (belly) was beautiful and the feel was great!

Granted! We have all pretty much gotten used to the "factory/mass produced" stuff of LP/Meinl and others, that if the hardware isn't polished and a certain style, we get dissappointed, well at least I did for a while, but all-in-all the drums sounded and continue to sound incredible.

I figured that now that the drums were mine if there was something that I didn't like on them then I could take the initiative and change it. So I did!

First of all, I want to state that I have the utmost respect for what Mario and his crew have done and continue to do with their craftsmanship. I will continue to promote his product whenever possible, I am content with what I bought.

I did however change the crowns and mounted some mule skins on them for shits and giggles and they sound inflippincredible!

Much love and respect to Mario!

Suave!

Onile!

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[bongosnotbombs]

Mario will tell you that he does not get into polishing stuff to a high shine finishes. That is not what those drums are about. To say that they are not put together well is misleading don't you think?

With all due respect, I meant exactly what I said. I am not talking about polish and stuff like that.

The ones I have seen had construction and assembly flaws. One set had to be sent back for repairs due to a defect.

I am not saying all Isla drums are like this. I have seen 3 sets and they have been like this.

They all sounded very good, and they have a very good price.

[kongo]

Onile, just curious...what brand name and sizes are those crowns?

I know a lot of folks modify their drums after purchase.

As a matter of fact after Onile "customized" his LP Palladiums I did the same thing to mine.

FYI, I think your Isla's look great hermano.

Suerte

Kongo

[onile]

Those are actually some LP Traditional crowns that I had laying around. I gave them to a metal shop to modify and they did a great job. I had them chromed and polished just to clean up the welding and cuts.

Another reason I did this was because the mics I use, Sennheiser clip on mics kept falling off the original crowns, they don't anymore!

The skins, mule, I got from Isaac!

Suave!

Onile!



Edited By onile on 1194563113