My Matthew Smith Bongo

[Omelenko1]

We all know that "Stradivarious" is synonymous with the finest violins. The term has been used to describe also other instruments of quality, for instance, Junior Tirado congas were called the "Stradivarious" of hand made congas. In my opinion, Matthew makes the "Stradivarious" in today's custom made bongo' market. That's why I thanked Vinnie for coming over and bringing the "Stradivarious" (Matthew bongo') with him. We had a great time and a nice dinner afterwards.

Dario

[caballoballo]

So in your opinion mathew smith is the best. What about Flores from Valjie, Michel Moperc, Akbar at DW Gonbops, Gonzalo from Colombia Percussion, Alejandro at 3A, Hector Rocha El Piernas, JCR , Tambores Barranquilla,Timba Percussion ? They all make fine percussion instruments. Or do you consider them to be inferior craftsmans ? I have not meet a Bongocero down here who has a mathew smith Bongó an I am either playing with bands, going out to dance or doing Dj at salsa clubs. There are many bands playing around here and they use the other ones I mentioned. I do not have anything against mathew smith percussion instruments, you or anybody who prefer his instruments, to each his own but to call him the stradivarious is too of a big name. As a matter of facts most Congueros down here still use LP as their favorites Congas, Bongoceros are in another note using other brands since most mass produce manufactures do not make an atractive Bongó other than LP and his new Dandy Rodriguez which is waiting for me to pick it up from the mail today. I will post some pictures and a complete review of the first impression out of the box. Ahi nos vemos

[Omelenko1]

We are all entitled to our opinions. All the bongos you mentioned are fine instruments, I seen and played most, if not all of them. I think when it comes to the finish product , attention for the detail, the tipical Cuban style and product weight, in my opinion Matthew Smith leads the pack. Matthew's products have not reached mass appeal in P. Rico because first of all he is a one man operation and has an extensive backlog, his product is somewhat expensive when compared to mass produced bongos and congas and the average Caribbean musician does not have that kind of money to spend. Vinnie took his recent acquired bongo' to my house and we compared it to Valje, Gon Bops, Ismael, Piernas, LPs, 3 Vergaras.... When it comes to overall specifications and finish product, Matthew's bongo' stands out. Mind you, I don't get any sort of benefits from him. Is just telling like it is.

Dario

[Tonio]

They are beauts !! for sure,

Dario, Vinnie , what size lugs does Matt us for the bongos. Appears to be larger than usual.

Caballo , go pick up the Dandy's already

T

[Tonio]

Dario,

forgot to ask, what do you think of SOS bongos?

T

[Omelenko1]

SOS bongos are great, very Cuban in style. They sound really nice. Here is a photo of the one I had, which I regret no having it any longer.

Dario

[vinnieL]

Hey caballo i'm glad you got your Dandy's i have nothing but the greatest amount of respect and admiration to me Dandy is the best but LP latest offering is very nice and i'm sure it works well but thats where it ends.Thats my personal opinion. As far as your opinions well i really could care less what you think.I know what i have and i know it is one of the best being made today. I stop short of calling them the best because there are other great craftmen like Jay Bereck etc. I am also extremely proud of fine instruments coming out of Colombia as i am half Colombian. Dario era un placer hermano you have the best of the best my friend your collection is truly special. Thanks Caballoballo for your colorful input.

[Tonio]

Don't worry Vinnie, Caballo is not ruining your parade. You know you're proud of what Matt created for you, anyone would be, including me too

T

[vinnieL]

Brother i'm not sure of the size but it is substantially bigger than say an LP lug. It is actually around the same size of my el piernas bongo. They are both beefy lugs. I am on a quest to revamp my whole collection of instruments and will begin selling stuff of so that eventually i end up with the instruments that i consider of the highest quality. I'm looking to get some skin on skin congas sometime this year

[caballoballo]

My friend Vinnie, relax. I know you could just think otherwise from what I wrote, that is everybodys right. We do not have to like what others like & viseversa. Asi, que siga la rumba.