Timba Percussion?

[Congadelica]

Do any of you guys own a set of these?

http://www.quintomusic.fsnet.co.uk/PAGE7RHYTHM.htm

Whats the low down on Timba ? I read the History of GB`s and know that Timba employ ex Gon Bop masters.

As a option to importing Isla`s do these compare to Isla ?

Im confused which way to go with a secone set of Tumba`s too much choice .

marco

[No.2-1820]

I own a set of the bongos and they are excellent, extremely nice finish and great sounding, I'd go for a set of Isla congas though, at this point a purely personal preference, the Isla I've seen and heard just seem very authentic, the Timba come off a little like independantly manufactured mass produced drums, but that might just be because they have the quality of the finished product so down.
I've also spoke to Mario at Isla and he's a top geezer, his enthusiasm for his craft makes you want to order a set while you talk to him.

Barrie.

[Thebreeze]

I have owned Timbas. I had a set of three, Conga,Tumba, Supertumba. What I found with them is that yes, they are very heavy, and I see them as Gon Bops on Steroids. They are made very well, the Chrome is very heavy duty, and there is really nothing cheap on them at all. They have a great sound as well. The only thing I have to say bad is that they really went up in price recently and I think some of it had to do awhile back when the word was that Timba was going out of business. When that happened, lot's of people started getting interested in buying some of their drums so as to have collectors items. All the new business made Timba decide to stay in business and their prices have gone up. ( this conclusion is based on remarks by several people I read in ebay during Timba's pondering with going out of business )
One of the things I like about Isla ( even though I don't own any of their drums ) is that the owner Mario, Is really passionate about his drums, and playing drums, and I have spoken to him many times now and he never wants to hang up the phone. How rare is that? So I know that if you were to get some of his drums, which sound incredible( I played a cherry wood set of a friend's) You would have no problem with any after purchase questions or concerns. Which means that if I were in your shoes, I would get me a two or three drum set of Cherry wood congas from Isla. Hope this helps.

[bongosnotbombs]

Timba's are a good drum, though I have only seen a few, they are very well made.
One thing about Isla is their size, that tumba of theirs is enormous, for the price point Isla's are an excellent drum.
Depending on your budget you may want to consider Ritmo's, Moperc or Skin on Skins.
From everything I have heard Ritmo's are the best out right now, Skin on Skins are really fantastic at least the two sets I have played.
It's too bad England does'nt have their own maker, I guess there's Congalou up and coming in France!

[congalero]

timbas are a very good drum. there has been much discussion in the past about the staves splitting and having other issues. with all due respect, the company may have sent out some drums that went to the kiln when the moisture was still too high in the wood. i think they learned their lesson and are much more cognizant of how and when they process their drums. i have owned 8 and have had no problem with any of them. they are heavy drums since they are made of oak and the staves are right about 3/4 of an inch in thickness. they have a great sound and are a pleasure to play. still have a full set of five; sold the set of three. the hardware is heavy duty, except the bands which are more cosmetic than anything; maybe a 16 gauge.
i hope this helps.
i am very familiar with isla, which have a wonderful sound. however your question is about timba; the comparison is a bit like do you like a green apple or a red apple - what type of green and what type of red. oak drums have a much louder and crisper sound to them. many of the older drum makers go to oak - tom flores, akbar, jay, matthew, ralph flores and so on. oak is a standard wood for drums and always will be, however many other woods make a very good drum. matthew smith is one i would say is the most creative and experimental when it comes to using a variety of woods and knowing what to expect from each. marios cherry drums have a very nice deep sustained tone and are a pleasure to play.



Edited By congalero on 1196488133

[Gallichio]

I had a set of 5 Timba congas, I would look at another company if I were you. The Bongos on the other hand are really nice.