The reason, IMHO, why thew ash will sound differetn from a traditional is that you said the sides are smooth and the shell is the same thickness all over.  On a traditional djembe, there is what I've heard called a "table".  This is the area right above where the neck of the bottom meets the bowl on the top. This bottom area of the bowl should be thicker than the sides of the drum. This projects the sound back out the top.  Also, the  djembes I've heard that have a rougher finish inside seem to get better sound.  Your drum maker seemed to lump congas and djembes together, and these instuments are worlds apart.  I guess that's what scared me right off the bat.  I'm always afraid of ordering drums without playing them, if it's not a major name brand.  This djembe could come out sounding great for you, but I'm sure I wouldn't appreciate the sound.  I'm just a traditional kind of guy.  I want zero resonance.  All I want is that huge "pop" that you can only get from traditional drums.  I took one of those LP djembes to an African dance class here in Boulder, and the African guys wouldn't even let me play it!

Very interesting info. I didn't realize that.

Very good point.

Well, you know, I think I'm just going to go with it... I've gotten a lot of good pointers, tips and info from this thread and thanx to all whom helped me in my search.

I think I'll just go ahead and have him build the ash, rope tuned djembe. It feels right to me, like talking with the guy and everything just seems right, and for me thats rare in a purchase, esspecially with instuments. And if all else fails, it is a present after all, so nothing's lost!!! I'll let you guys know how it turns out!