[chungiemunchin]

I too am waiting for my set of Yamaha Absolute Maple Customs only mine are in stock at the music store. I opted for a 3 month layaway plan at the end of which, I will own them outright.
I too opted for the vintage natural finish just like the ones in your picture. Antonio Sanchez was my first inspiration to purchase this set however, since making the decision, I found out that Dafnis Prieto plays them as well. Both are incredibly fine musicians and I am hoping to play as well as them once I get my set (heh-heh.....just kidding.....I meant, as good as them after I practice another ten years....which we all know goes by quickly!)

Can't friggin wait! Oh, I also just ordered the Peter Erskine-John Abercrombie-John Pattituci live DVD on which Peter plays a set. I want to hear just how great they can sound for when I get my set, I expect to spend sometime in my music room, just working with the tuning and sound. Playing is a process and I am embracing (yes, even savoring) every moment and benchmark I surpass on the way to getting out and playing with some of my fellow musicians in the area. I am a musician world!