Four Islas on Ebay with Low Start Bid

[BMac]

Four Islas on ebay with low starting bid ($800):

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Handmade-Custom-C ... 45f2045bf1

It looks like the bid times out in two days. Unless I'm mistaken, those same drums were up for auction with a $1000 starting bid just a week or two ago. I don't mean to throw salt in the wounds of the seller, who expresses he really needs to sell these drums. But the current starting bid is a bit desperate for handmade drums ... so ... maybe one of y'all want to look at this auction. There are currently no bids ... and it's hard to fathom him coming back with a lower start bid ... but I don't know his situation. Y'all aren't gonna let these things end up at the pawn shop are you?

Two of the drums have never had a head mounted on them, but you characters here at Congaplace surely won't be daunted by that, will ya? You might want to confirm that flesh hoops come with the drums ... but again ... you guys know where to get hoops and/or make your own in a pinch, don't ya? I think the seller goes on a bit too much about the rustic qualities of imperfections found in handmade drums, and so he may be hurting his Ebay appeal, but again ... you folks will view the photos and come to your own conclusion. The only point I can actually see that should be taken into consideration is that one of the drums is out of round, as the seller points out ... but once again ... you likely either don't mind that it's a bit out of round or you know how to fix it, don't ya?

Cheers,
BMac

[congabluedog]

Hi fellow congaplacers. Most of you don't know me but I did say hello about a year ago when I joined. I think this is an awesome site and I have met some really great people on it. I have also learned alot. I often don't contribute because I feel I can learn more from the experts here rather than shed info. Anyway..I will be contributing a little more because I have bought some drums here that have been amazing and will be commenting soon. (Thank you to Dario and Mike at L&H for many things and I will be posting in the proper areas thanking you soon)

SOOOO...here is my question...these drums seem to be at a great price and I understand what these drums are....I own some very high end drums that are sacred to me. Even though I am more of the East Coast drum maker fan...Jay/Junior, I am considering these as an investment...So my question is this. Why would the quinto or requinto be so out of round? Why would the bands be so loose? I know different climates shift wood but I have many drums with bands...some very old and none have this problem.

Are they a good or bad investment? They look beautiful but def. some problems and I am wondering if the issues can be corrected. Were there problems with Isla drums in the cherry wood? If anyone could shed some light I would be greatful. It also does not look like the drums have almas...is this the case with all Isla drums? Can the quinto be corrected with the placement of an alma?. I have contacted the seller and he is willing to work with me but I need advice.

Thanks and know I am asking these questions with the highest respect for Isla drums. Even though they are not on ebay anymore you can still click in the site and view close ups. Again thanks to anyone who can help, Jacqui

[Omelenko1]

Out of round conditions can be corrected. I bought and Ismael macho that was out of round somewhat, due to the fact it never had an alma. I shipped it to Cali (JCR) in da' Bronx. I had Cali intall an alma on it. When I got it back I mounted a flat Pan Con Queso mule skin on it and with time, with the pressure from the new skin and the alma, the out of round situation corrected itself. It usually happens.
I had 5 Isla congas, beautiful drums Canoe wood, but no almas. I think Mario, being the traditional caftsman he is, along the Vergara, Tirado and Bereck style, shoul definitely install almas in his congas. Is a necessary element.

Dario