ISLA PERCUSSION - Discussion, Quality, Experience, etc

[nickpilarski]

I could not agree with you more that because drums are just being played in a location doesn't make them a staple of musical culture BUT from the conversations that I have had with mario, when they got the drums they could not get over the sound. They kept raving to ISLA that these drums "are cuban" (sonically of course).

I am Polish, but when it comes down to it, I am an American citizenship. But nothing will take away the fact I am Polish. Same goes to ISLA and other top drum makers.

I sure think ISLAs have a cuban passport and heritage.

[Whopbamboom]

It's a bit off topic, and perhaps splitting hairs a bit, but... artists endorse manufacturers, not the other way around. However, sometimes a manufacturer is glad to have a certain artist endorsing their product, and it might seem like the manufacturer is endorsing the artist. But the reality is, artists endorse the equipment. In exchange, they may or may not get exposure, factory support, or other perks.

[nickpilarski]

Spot on, but i think that it is important to clarify what this "endorsement" or lack there of is. It is not one that has anything to do with a contract, but out of the drums that have been given to Los Rumberos de Cuba from other makers and manufactures (and there have been others) they are playing ISLA. Thus it is not a contractual endorsement. "endorsement" is the word "I" used to explain it, but there are varying degrees to the definition.

[KING CONGA]

One thing is for sure, a group like the "Los Rumberos de Cuba" would not in anyway compromise the sound quality of their music by using any inferior drum, so whether they are endorsing or not just the fact that they are using ISLAS says a lot about those drums and one thing I can tell you...those drums are "SICK", they may not look Cuban but they no doubt sound Cuban .

[congamyk]

My Isla requinto arrived... it is the most beautiful drum I have ever seen.
It doesn't look like furniture... it's looks like the earth singing.
More later.

[bongosnotbombs]

Sweet little drum Mike, congratulations. Looks like the canoe wood?
Very nice.

[CongaTick]

Wow. How beautiful. My hands would approach that woman with great respect and reverence.

[congamyk]

yes canoe... it looks so natural.

the drum is tiny but heavy like a tank

[Lonz]

I have been saving up for a cherry Requinto, Quinto, and Conga from Isla Percussion. I should have all the finances in place by the end of the year. However, I read that Isla Percussion is moving to Belize. Does anyone know if that's true? If so, how is the move going to affect the cost of drum purchase? Will it cost more to ship to the U.S.?

[bongosnotbombs]

Isla is moving to Belize, that is 100% true. The owner of Isla has told me dirctly by phone
on more than one occasion.

Only Mario can answer your other questions regarding prices and shipping.
I recommend calling him at the number on his website:
http://www.islapercussions.com/contactUs.html

[nickpilarski]

congamyk- that picture makes me wish i ordered a canoe drum instead of cherry .you are a lucky person to have a lady like that. (mine should be coming any day now!!!!) i will post when they arrive.

I have been saving up for a cherry Requinto, Quinto, and Conga from Isla Percussion. I should have all the finances in place by the end of the year. However, I read that Isla Percussion is moving to Belize. Does anyone know if that's true? If so, how is the move going to affect the cost of drum purchase? Will it cost more to ship to the U.S.?

Well I know that mario is done doing cherry because he will no longer be able to get the wood. I had to bug him to make me his last set in cherry before he left and luckily he broke down and did me a favor. Now... i will say that he will be working with some very exciting woods that will blow your mind but will be more tonally in the category of the canoe. Do you need cherry? if so GO with RITMO or SOS, RITMO will make you drool. I know that mario is going to british honduras for one thing the WOOD. From our conversations he has some upcoming tricks up his sleeve (WOW woods). His prices will go up i do know that but he still wants to be at a price point that working musicians can afford . He also said that shipping will be about the same.

[bongosnotbombs]

congamyk- that picture makes me wish i ordered a canoe drum instead of cherry .you are a lucky person to have a lady like that. (mine should be coming any day now!!!!) i will post when they arrive.

I have been saving up for a cherry Requinto, Quinto, and Conga from Isla Percussion. I should have all the finances in place by the end of the year. However, I read that Isla Percussion is moving to Belize. Does anyone know if that's true? If so, how is the move going to affect the cost of drum purchase? Will it cost more to ship to the U.S.?

Well I know that mario is done doing cherry because he will no longer be able to get the wood. I had to bug him to make me his last set in cherry before he left and luckily he broke down and did me a favor. Now... i will say that he will be working with some very exciting woods that will blow your mind but will be more tonally in the category of the canoe. Do you need cherry? if so GO with RITMO or SOS, RITMO will make you drool. I know that mario is going to british honduras for one thing the WOOD. From our conversations he has some upcoming tricks up his sleeve (WOW woods). His prices will go up i do know that but he still wants to be at a price point that working musicians can afford . He also said that shipping will be about the same.

Mario told me he was going to Belize. Is there a reason your saying British Honduras?

[bongosnotbombs]

Just answered my own question, Belize used to be called British Honduras.

[Lonz]

I'm just writing to say I received an email from Mario Punchard who wrote, "Please tell everyone there (congaplace.com) I am well and I am keeping the tradition going."

[KING CONGA]

I'm just writing to say I received an email from Mario Punchard who wrote, "Please tell everyone there (congaplace.com) I am well and I am keeping the tradition going."

Did he finally make the move down south? Did he stop making drums or what? Please fill us in.