by MisterLatinJazz » Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:25 am
Buena Noche Criollo,
Got my hands on a late 50's or early 60's Mahogany Junior Tirado that is 27.5 In tall with an 11 1/8 head. I bought it from 72 year old Hippie Sam in Berkely who says he got it in NYC in the early 60's already used and beat up and has had it in his possession ever since. It looks like hell but sounds so beautiful and with a cutting volume plus long sustain that I understand what the fuss is about these instruments made by Mr.Tirado. What a tale of dedication to a craft based on love for the music and the artists who play it. He is a Puerto Rican Stradivarius. The instrument whose name became with its maker.
Besides more LP's than any man should have I am lucky to own 4 matched Skin on Skin (80's), 2 matched Mahogany Gon Bops (70''s) and this little Jr. which I think is a tumba based on what i have read in this forum. Willing to pay for or trade for a Jr. Tirado Conga and/or Quinto. If you have a full set of 3 I am also interested. I can pay cash if you promise not to tell my wife we will be eating huevos and papas into our 90's. ;D
Arturo Riera
MIsterLatinJazz.com