Mr Rumba, those ash ones with trad hardware and the sycamore one with trad hardware are gorgeous.
My solid shell tumbas are made of Almendra (Cuban Walnut). Stainless steel traditional crowns, 7 lugs. 11.75" and 13" with large bellies. Co-designed by me.
Hand made in in Havana, Cuba. Took just on 3 weeks to complete. Couldve been earlier but we were waiting on a spare welder which was being used elsewhere.
Originally made with the centre band, I later had it removed when I took them back in for some minor adjustments.
They sound amazing, they made their debut in Havana with Adalberto Alvarez y Su Son, everyone had positive comments on them, later that night we hung out and played rumba til the early hours with musicians from Los Van Van and Adalberto.
Once back home every gig Ive done with these, I get props on their sound. No over tones, crisp, clean tones, wicked slaps, bass tones, huge projection. I love them.
Sure they have some aesthetic flaws, and are not perfect, but the sound is unlike anything Ive played in my 20 + yr journey with the Conga drum. Im very happy with these and plan on bringing back another 2 on the next trip.
Here are some pics.