Conga condition - I have a dilema

[buckoh]

I'm looking to y'all for a little advice here-I just recieved a Matthew Smith from an eBay seller. I paid 665.00 with shipping and extra insurance. It was describes as 'excellent' with 'no splits'. I'd say the overall condition is very good with the exception of several small splits; one at the bearing edge that goes straight down for about 3 inches and goes through. I stuck a piece of paper in it. It stops at the first band. The other is a 2 part crack that starts just above the bottom band on the base, and goes up about 5 inches, stops and has a sort of parallel mate that is shorter. There is also a very slight glueline separation on a stave. None of these are major flaws and I know well that wood will split and do what it wants. My question is; should I make an issue over this? I was aware that the stainless was all dull from the pics. Here's his description-CUBAN STYLE CONGA MADE BY THE MASTER DRUM MAKER MATTHEW SMITH WHO LIVE IN PHILADELPHIA. THIS IS A CONGA MADE OUT OF OAK WITH A NATURAL FINISH COLOR. HEAD SIZE IS 11 3/4' AND 30' TALL. THE DRUM HAVE 6 TUNING LUGS WITH A ALMA METAL INSIDE OF IT.

THE SHELL IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, WITH ABSOLUTELY NO CRACKS OR SEPARATIONS. THE CHROME IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION ALSO.

THIS DRUM HAVE A BEAUTIFUL ACOUSTIC SOUND, IDEAL FOR CUBAN RUMBA OR FOLKLORIC DRUMMING. GOOD LUCK BIDDING
I might have bought it anyway, but being a woodworker, I'll HAVE to fix the flaws. Any feedback?
Also, the bands did their job well but, some are loose and showing gaps. If I reposition them to tighten them, I'll scuff the finish. I played the drum out and it is sweet! I found the sweet spot immediately and it in nice at lower and higher tensioning. The plus is that I didn't have to wait a year.
Lastly, does anyone know how I can get in touch with Matthew? I'd like to get a new logo plate. Thanks, Buck
P.S. Here's a link to the auction site.
[url=http://cgi.ebay.com/CUBAN-STYLE-CONGA_W0QQitemZ180179792217QQihZ008QQcategoryZ38094QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm
dZViewItem]http://cgi.ebay.com/CUBAN-S....iewItem[/url]



Edited By buckoh on 1197401067

[Derbeno]

If are unhappy with it, take a picture (including the one with the paper test). Contact the seller and send it back.

As per ebay policy he should refund you the money back to your paypal account. I am not sure about the shipping.

If however you want to keep the drum you could negotiate a discount.

I had a similar experience with a camera whereby it was not clear from the ad that it was refurbished. The seller disagreed. I put up a negative feedback. The seller contacted me within the hour to take the item back with a refund and begged me to remove the bad feedback.

Let us know the outcome and Good Luck!

[bongosnotbombs]

Sorry to hear that buckoh, for $750 you could of gotten a brand new one, except for the year's wait or so.

Sounds pretty misrepresented, splits and cracks are never
excellent.

The description specifically says "no splits or separations"

At least you have the experience to fix it eh?

That's a negative feedback at least and possibly a dispute..

are you gonna keep the drum? I'd try and get a partial refund.



Edited By bongosnotbombs on 1197401177

[Congadelica]

Could it be possible that the drum may have been damaged in transit? was it well packaged ? Im sure if I or any other guys on here was selling a drum Id want to be up front and not stiff a fellow brother .
Have you made any contact with your concerns .
Id e mail him ask for his phone number . In my expierience with e bay its best to talk first sometimes e mails get read out of context .

Maybe give the guy a chance if he says it was perfect when he sent it then the carrier is liable , well at least he would be over here in the UK.

It is a very beautiful looking drum though and if you have the ability to repair maybe negociate a partial refund .

All the best with what ever you decide , keep us posted on the results

Marco

[Whopbamboom]

I wouldn't send it back-- the seller only has 4 total feedbacks, and only one of those feedbacks was even received this calendar year. You send it back, you may never see it again.

[OLSONGO]

buckoh,

See if the item was insured, I had a similar thing happen to me early in the year, good thing the drum was not a MS . Anyways UPS was responsible and I was given the insurance money.... BUT they came and picked the drum up damaged it more on the return to the seller. So think about it

Paz,
Olsongo



Edited By OLSONGO on 1197515507