Bongo drums

The bongo drums, often simply called bongos, are a small but vibrant percussion instrument originating from Afro-Cuban culture. A pair of drums joined together, bongos consist of a smaller drum (the macho) and a larger drum (the hembra), each producing distinct, complementary tones. Read more…

The bongo drums, often simply called bongos, are a small but vibrant percussion instrument originating from Afro-Cuban culture. A pair of drums joined together, bongos consist of a smaller drum (the macho) and a larger drum (the hembra), each producing distinct, complementary tones.

Crafted traditionally from wood with animal skin drumheads, modern bongos may feature synthetic materials while retaining their rich, resonant sound. Played with the fingertips and palms, they are renowned for their versatility, offering crisp, high-pitched strikes from the macho and deeper, warm tones from the hembra.

Bongos are central to Latin music genres such as salsa, son, and rumba, but their rhythmic appeal has transcended cultural boundaries, finding a home in jazz, world music, and even modern pop. Whether delivering intricate solos or driving energetic grooves, bongos bring a dynamic and lively character to any performance.

Our colleciton features bongos from Percussion Plus, Meinl, LP percussion and more. Perfect for professional percussionists or beginners, the bongos invite anyone to explore their rhythmic creativity and connect with the universal language of rhythm.