Isla Percussion conga Percrowns - "weird" crowns... what does this mean?

[Light Seeker]

I'm considering ISLA Percussions for my next conga. In looking through some of the posts here from other ISLA owners, I notice that many people have commented on the "weird" crowns that come standard with them. What exactly is weird about them? Are they uncomfortable/painful on the hands? Is it just something that takes getting used to, or do they need to be replaced with a different crown?

[umannyt]

In the "'Comfort' vs. 'Classic" Rims (Why are there two styles?)" section, I addressed specifically this question only 3 days ago on Jan. 11, 2008. Please see:

http://www.congaplace.com/cgi-bin....3;st=50

"I've always meant to bring this up about Islas, but I keep forgetting it and just remembered it again now: Many of you know that Islas basically have a traditional rim. But, instead of using the vastly more common v-shaped steel catches (I can't remember how else they're called) for the tuning rod hooks, Islas have bent rectangular, stainless steel catches.

"These catches are much like the so-called "teardrop" catches used on a certain model of older Gon Bops (I recall that Dario owns a couple of these drums), although (just based on pictures) these Gon Bops rims appear to be basically comfort rims too.

"I've long noticed that these Isla catches actually serve the same purpose as a comfort rim while still remaining essentially as a traditional rim. These catches are located in such a way that 2 of them can be positioned directly below where both striking left and right hands should be.

"Isla owners, I don't know if you've noticed this yourselves. I think it's a very smart and efficient design! Plus, it makes the Isla rims very unique and distinctive."

My Conclusions:

IMO, Isla rims may be different and unique, but they're definitely not "weird". I'd rather call them "modern". They're made of stainless steel. So, they'll never rust. If position your hands directly above 2 adjacent ears or tabs when you play and you have correct technique, it shouldn't hurt at all. On the contrary, the ears/tabs seem to serve the same purpose as comfort rims. In other words, Isla rims have a dual purpose and it wouldn't be a stretch at all if you call them "hybrid rims".

Tuning Islas are no more different than tuning congas with either more strictly traditional rims or comfort rims.

I actually like them 'cause (as I told Mario Punchard of Isla) they make Islas very distinctive and you can easily tell them from a distance by their distinctive rims.

So, if I were you, I'd never replaced them, unless you're very picky about having your rims look strictly traditional.

Lastly, if you read the numerous threads on Islas--one of the most, if not the most, discussed brand of congas in CongaBoard--(1 thread, in fact, has more than 22 pages dedicated to Islas), I stand by my opinion that, for handcrafted congas, Islas are some of the best bang for the buck.

In Canoe wood, the quinto costs "only" $450 (cheaper than many top-of-the-line mass-produced quintos); the conga costs "only" $550 (about the same price as many top-of-the-line mass-produced congas); and the tumba costs "only" $650 (about the same price or even less than the price of handcrafted, boutique quintos). And should you decide to order them in Cherry wood, you'll have to add only $100 more per drum. Compare this with the Cherry wood models of other handcrafted drums and your savings will even be more significant.

Btw, although I own a set of 3 Islas, I don't work for them in any manner and don't get a single cent of commission. And, frankly, although I've had very pleasant conversations with owner Mario Punchard on the phone, to this date (since I ordered my Islas last May 2007), I haven't even met the guy in person--although I'd luv to!

Best of luck,



Edited By umannyt on 1200375971

[yambu321]

[onile]

Alafia Abures!
I hope that you are all well and abundantly blessed!

I am the PROUD owner of a set of 3 Isla Tumbadoras (2- 13" and 1- 11.75"). They sound incredible when they arrive from Mario's workshop, and look extremely beautiful.

I noticed however that when I was tuning the 'conga', the crown was 'giving' (meaning that it was bending from one tension rod to the next. This didn't give me much confidence, but this never affected the sound being produced from the drum.

I ordered some "mule skins" from brother Isaac (JCR Percussion), and I found a set of 3 LP Traditional crowns that I had bought a few years back. I located a shop out here in Phoenix, met with the guy who was to do the modification for me and lo-n-behold I customised my Islas.

Keep in mind however that this was just a case of 'preference' when I changed the crowns. I took him the orginal "Isla" and the LP Traditional crowns and he did his magic for me.

Honestly, I don't think that there is anything wrong with the Isla drums Mario produces, however "after market" modifications make them unique to me!

Many blessings Abures!

Onile!



Edited By onile on 1200375691

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[onile]

here is another pic...



Edited By onile on 1200375711

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[onile]

y otra...

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[umannyt]

GENTLEMEN, IMPORTANT ADVICE.

NEVER PLAY ANY CONGA WHERE IT'S DOG EARS ARE. YOUR HANDS WILL SUFFER FOR IT. ALWAYS SITUATE THE CONGA SO THAT THE DOG EARS OF THE CROWN ARE AWAY FROM YOUR HANDS.

Hola Charlie,

This is precisely my point re: the advantage of Islas. From my own experience, playing them where the smooth, curved flat tabs or teardrop ears are actually feel like comfort rims.

With congas with strictly traditional rims, even including the new sleek, rounded and minimalist Gon Bops CA congas, I would NEVER, EVER play them where the "dog ears" are!

All the best, bro!

[umannyt]

I noticed however that when I was tuning the 'conga', the crown was 'giving' (meaning that it was bending from one tension rod to the next. This didn't give me much confidence, but this never affected the sound being produced from the drum...

Many blessings Abures!

Onile!

Onile,

I did have this same problem initially when I'd detune and tune back my Islas. From my own experience, the bending of the crown happened 'cause they weren't parallel (to begin with) to the plane of the top of the drum that I was tuning up. This caused the tuning ears to have uneven tension from their respective tuning rods when you tighten the nuts.

But, as soon as I was able to pretty much align the crown parallel to the top of the drum and applied even tension to each of the tuning rod, the bending didn't re-occur.

Admittedly, some bending of the crown still happens but I find it to be rather slight and insignificant IMO. It doesn't really bother me. It's something that I believe happens to other traditional rims too. I know that I've seen it happen to the crown of the macho of my Gon Bops CA bongos when I once tuned it up really tight!

And I believe that (to its credit) only comfort rims--by virtue of their curved, hollow cross-section--are hardly subject to any bending when they're tuned up.

I'm speculating that because the skins aren't completely seated to the bearings yet when an Isla is new, achieving this proper alignment could be a challenge in the beginning.

All the best, bro!



Edited By umannyt on 1200378850

[yambu321]

[umannyt]

ONILE,

VERY, VERY, NICE JOB ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL ISLA'S.
THE CROWN WORK IS AWESOME, AND THE MULE SKINS HAVE ONLY MADE THEM, EVEN NICER!!!!!!

ESTAN BIEN LINDO, MI HERMANO.

SUAVE,
CHARLIE "EL COQUI" VERDEJO

Onile,

Yes, your crown work is beautiful!

Charlie,

I vividly recall that you did a basically similar modification to your Isla requinto. It's also a beautiful job!

All the best, bros!

[yambu321]

[JimG]

Light Seeker,
The Isla rims are not wierd, just different. You are smart for asking, though. Purchasing a drum unplayed is a difficult decision. Especially one that has a different mounting scheme than anything else.

The crown is not comfort curve for certain. It leans toward traditional in that there is little or no curve to the top of the crown. That is not to say it is sharp by any means. However, if you are used to playing on comfort rims, you will notice the difference at first. You would also notice the difference if you were to switch to a traditional rim as well. The ears are like the old Gon Bops "tear drop" style, but I never played those, so I don't know if there is any other comparison.

Also, if you are used to playing on comfort rims, these crowns are higher and more in "play". However, as I refined my technique, they became less a player in my hand positioning and more importantly, the amount of power. I've noticed my slaps becoming less a violent action and more of an interaction.

Here is one thing to consider.... You are getting a custom drum, including the crown. They are manufactured and filed by hand. I don't know for certain, but Mario seems to be the kind of craftsman who knows that this drum is for you, not him or any other player. If you ask him to round the outer edge just a little bit more because you're concerned, he'd probably do it. But, you should definitely speak with him. I really think he wants to talk to the players of his drums before he builds them. I have no financial interest in Isla, but I can tell you that it's kinda cool to talk with the guy. He's pretty passionate about his craft. And all indications are that he's a player, building tubs for other players.

I've ordered my third isla, another conga to match. this is my closest picture of the rims.
Cheers,
Jim

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[umannyt]

JimG,

Very nice tubs! We have the same color: Rosewood red. Below are pictures taken of my set taken in Mario Punchard's factory in Southern California shortly before he shipped them to me. (The picture is slightly out of focus as Mario himself warned me when he emailed it to me. He said that his digital camera was broken and that he had to borrow and use a friend's digital camera which he wasn't used to.)

I ordered a set of: quinto, conga and tumba. On hindsight, I probably would have ordered another conga instead of a quinto. But, as a further incentive, Mario offered to give me a discount on the total shipping cost, if I ordered a set of 3. Thus, my quinto, which has an original price of "only" $450, actually cost even less than that!

I can't ask for more from a brandnew, handcrafted drum such as an Isla, which is among the best-sounding congas in the world.

All the best, bro!



Edited By umannyt on 1200442999

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[JimG]

ja Manny, We have cousins! Sometimes I think Mario takes his pictures after a long day of sanding..... can't quite keep the camera still.... :;):

I bounced back and forth about a quinto or another conga. I can tune up a conga enough for me. And I am so glad about the color. I think this color is just incomparably striking. They are the sh**!

Don't mean to hijack the thread.... The rim plays different that comforts. Primarily because you can't get caught sagging your hand over the edge like you're holding onto a ladder. This is my first traditional-like crown since Gon bops in the early '80s and it feels just fine. As far as looks go, the style is incomparable to any other rim out there. It is a truly unique and custom design. I guess, like I said earlier, it is like the tear drop design of Gon Bops just before they closed. I never played one, but the looks are similar.

I think I am a low end intermediate level player, maybe a 3.5 on a scale of 10. (1 being the schmoo who just bought their first set of "huge professional purple wood congas" on ebay ??? and 10 being "Anga" Diaz) I haven't played out professionally again yet, because I don't feel confident enough. For the 30 - 60 minutes I practice and play every day.... these drums are a true joy.

Cheers,
Jim

[Light Seeker]

Thanks to all who replied... you've cleared up my confusion immensely.

And the photos that were posted by onile, JimG, and umannyt: BEAUTIFUL! I'm definitely gonna start saving up for at least one. I'll probably have to order them one at a time as I can afford them. Any idea what the shipping will cost to Florida?