- My Matthew Smith Ritmo Congas!
Alafia Abures!
I hope that you are all well and abundantly blessed!
I know it's been a super long time since I've posted anything here, but I just can't resist on this topic!
I own a set of 4 Matthew Smith drums, one of which I've sent back to him about a year and a half ago due to a surface split just above a side plate. I will say, without apprehension that his drums are the pinnacle of great sounding drums in existence today. His skills are unsurpassed as an artisan, and he is one great human being when dealing with customers.
I was so impressed with his drums, and one that he had finished for me which I had ordered from JCR when they were producing drums about 7 yrs. ago. I am the owner of two original JCR drums which I purchased from Issac G. and figured I would send them to Matthew for refinishing. I wanted them to match the finish that Matt had completed on the 13" Tumbadora that I purchased from JCR.
Now, I don't know what moves one "repair job" to the front of the list and another not, but my JCRs have been somewhere in his shop for the last 7+ years now. I understand that his priority is on "New" orders, as it should be, however, I continue to read on a couple of forum sites, that someone else has received their "repaired drum" from him......every time I speak with him, he is such a great guy, kind, and soft spoken, that it's disarming to the point that he gives me hope that I'll see/receive my drums within a couple of months........at this point I'm not sure! I wish him well, and hope that his business continues to be successful, but come on! 7+ Years Now!
Abure Abakua, if you find this post a bit too inflammatory, feel free to delete it.....as I stated, I mean no disrespect to the man, but enough is enough!
Odagbo!
Respectfully,
Onile!