At The Corner of Dreams and Brilliance

We mark our live’s trajectories by the milestones of our significant successes and MOPERC is no exception. The relationships we have developed, one customer at a time, over the last thirty years have been instrumental in establishing market prominence, and for those relationships, we remain eternally grateful. 

Unquestionably, the friendship that has evolved with percussionist, YouTube influencer and all-around good human, Eric Pérez, will long be remembered. His weekly instructional videos reach tens of thousands and his ongoing promotion of the pure sound of MOPERC has been instrumental in the company’s growth.  

SO… what better way to celebrate our friendship than by collaborating with Eric on the development of a signature conga series bearing his name!

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With the creation of any MOPERC custom drum order, it begins with a chat about turning dreams into unique creations. This time, the conversation took place in the MOPERC Shop between shop and product manager, Michael Poulin, Francis and Eric about creating Eric's drum.

WHEN PASSION COMBINES MODERNITY AND TRADITION

Among the more challenging decisions customers face when they build their dreams is with respect to wood type. Unlike most manufacturers, MOPERC offers SO many varieties: Brazilian Mahogany, Ash, Cherry, Walnut, Maple, even a combination (but no plywood). That decision can be daunting, but that’s where the folks in the shop begin to show their expertise by explaining the differences presented by each type.

“It’s crazy how much you guys offer,” said Eric,  “but I've always been a fan of ash, the way it looks and how it projects, and I would like my drums to be on the more affordable side, putting them within reach for more people.”

So, ash it is. And after that, the real collaboration took off and the discussion was electric as the three imagineered the details of a new MOPERC creation. First, in reverence for the evolution of the conga drum, Eric wanted his to have a traditional cigar-shape. Cuban style, but with a modern flair and as they chatted, a flood of creativity was unleashed. 

The shape would be like the MOPERC 30th Anniversary model that mimics the Rumbero line, but at 30 inches tall. Eric then agreed that Michael’s suggestion for a grooved shell would pay further homage to tradition.

“I really like the grooves, but do you think that they can be squared off a little more? And what about a band to accentuate them?”

With that simple question, the light bulb above Micheal’s head illuminated when he knew exactly what Eric was describing and how he would lathe the shell to make it happen. As the shop manager, Michael’s thrive on making each custom order truly unique by understanding each customer’s vision and, in turn, accepting the challenge of making it a reality thanks to his unparalleled skills with wood.

The style of hardware became Eric’s next choice and as flashy as the side plates from the Salsa Club line are, Eric thought that the long stainless steel adornments clashed with the grooves and the band. Likewise, he felt that the “cutouts” on the Custom Cubano side plates were not quite what he was looking for and he enthusiastically opted for the sharp-angled hardware from the MOPERC Rumbero line saying:

“It’s a look that pays homage to tradition while giving a nod to a new, modern expression.”

“Can we go…MORE black?”

When the discussion turned to color, the conversation took a dark turn. Very dark. Many will remember that Eric’s stunning first set of MOPERCs were Custom Cubanos, stained black. And, as much as he loves the color, he wanted his signature drums to be way, WAY MORE BLACK. So, between Francis and Michael, they suggested a technique, new to MOPERC, of letting black stain rest on the shell for a longer period, allowing it to penetrate more deeply into the grain, before wiping it down. 

Once dry, the drum is then finished with a matte varnish that reflects minimal light, resulting in the most vivid black imaginable. A black so deep that you’d swear it goes through the entire stave.

WATCH THE FULL PRODUCT STORY HERE

Another MOPERC monument

Every single drum MOPERC does is a way to deliver the sound of passion. Because we believe that every percussion player or music lover the world over, regardless of style or skills, can benefit from a healthier culture and happier communities. And as such, we’ve made it our mission to to make and market handcrafted hand drums of superior build, for a sound that speaks volumes about our craft, quality and, most importantly, passion.

So just LOOK at the collaborative masterpiece the maestros of MOPERC dreamed up and delivered with the Eric Perez Signature Series:

  • 30-inch ash wood shells available in all MOPERC sizes

  • 30th Anniversary shape

  • Signature groove design accentuated by two bands (including bottom one!)

  • Premium Rumbero side plates

  • Premium cow skin

  • A way more back color and, of course the purest sound available

Simply put? A new addition to the stellar Signatures Series from MOPERC, the Eric Perez Signature Series joins latin music legends’ Poncho Sanchez signature congas and Anthony Carrillo signature bongos, on top of the very few 30th anniversary congas that are left to purchase!

If You’re Early, and You Know It Get Some SWAG

You gotta love those early-rising birdies who, day after day, take to the head of the line at the earthworm buffet. They know, that as good as pushing the snooze button might feel, the consequence for getting shut out from the smorgasbord is dire, and while MOPERC won’t run out of the Eric Pérez signature series drums, there’s an important reason for moving to the front: SWAG!

Like what, you ask? Well, we have at least for awesome reasons:

Receive a certificate of authenticity

The engraved wood plate will be your certificate of authenticity, including the serial numbers for your drums.

Exlusive T-Shirt

And finally, you’ll be the envy of the percussion world, not only because you play these amazing instruments, but because of the exclusive T-Shirt that comes with them.

But remember... to snooze is to lose!

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