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The stork brought me a beautiful new baby drum today,
a sweet little bata from Isla. This okonkolo is the newest addition
to my family of drums.

I don't even know how to tune it yet!

100% Afro-cuban.
Still life with Agbe-Bata-Guataca.

Well I don't think it's going to fall apart anytime soon - it look like it could stand a small nuclear strike!
Beautiful shell, maybe a bit overengineered in the hardware department tho. Let us know how you get on with it, Geordie.

Disclaimer: I have almost no bata experience and am talking from a purely aesthetic/practical pov.

I love his drums. they look so nice. the only problem you may have is that hardware may make your thighs feel like shit after a long toque. LPs do the same ... have fun ......... KI LA KI LA KI LA

for some inspiration check out the clips of Puntilla and his group on you tube. they are so relaxed the way the oru seco should always look and feel. ASHE!

bongosnotbombs wrote:The stork brought me a beautiful new baby drum today,
a sweet little bata from Isla. This okonkolo is the newest addition
to my family of drums.

I don't even know how to tune it yet!

The hardware looks different from the design on the Isla webpage. Is that what they're currently using?

bengon wrote:The hardware looks different from the design on the Isla webpage. Is that what they're currently using?

They changed the lug design a couple of times recently. It does look heavier than the hardware on the site but that could be a trick of the photo.

Yeah it sure is a muscular little drum.

This drum's hardware is different than what is on the Isla website, which is getting updated btw.
This design is even different than my requinto which I just got 3 months ago. I think it is a very new
design and I was pleasantly surprised to see it.

I really like the hardware on the bata, it's got this pragmatic look to it with a touch of aesthetic
alignments that I really appreciate and seem to match this scale of instrument very well.

I've got the other two bata drums waiting for me, it's just a matter of finances.

I'm inspired. I put my order in for a set yesterday!

BnB, you sure it didn't come to you pre-tuned? My Isla cherry okonkolo came pre-tuned...

Or, maybe I should ask.... should I be de-tuning my bata between uses, since it has natural skin heads? I've just had mine sitting in a corner since I got it (the music we are currently working with doesn't call for this type instrument). I don't want to mistreat it out of ignorance. Please advise.

You got a vey nice okonkolo their Geordie.
Im sure a nice comfy pad will irradcate any probs with the hardware rubbing your thighs .
solid as a rock .

marco

I would detune in when not in use, especially during longer periods. It can't hurt, and it can only prolong the life of the skin/wood/hardware. I do the same with my bongos, congas, pandiero, and repique de anel. Pretty much anything that's at tension with skin heads I try to detune when not in use, though I'm pretty bad about it with my congas.

No, this drum was not tuned at all when I got it. The bolts were loose.
I always detune all my drums when not in use.
Anyways, it is a very comfortable drum, it's kind of light and I have no problems
with the hardware at all, as a matter of fact the hardware on this drum is very
comfortable and super easy to turn the nuts on the threads. I think it is a great design
for Isla's bata.