Best Bongo Drums in 2023 Reviewed by Experts

It is essential to distinguish bongo drums from other drum types, such as the conga. Two tiny drums are constantly linked to form a bongo. They produce higher-pitched sounds compared to conga drums since they are smaller. Initially, they were primarily made of wood and animal skins, but today, the heads of many famous versions are made of plastic, fiberglass, and other contemporary materials. Some players believe they can get a good deal by spending as little money as possible because the instrument is so straightforward. You need a reasonable budget if you want a superb pair of bongo drums. The best bongo drums will help you make the best choice possible. Please review our selections below.

1. Best overall: Latin Percussion LP793X Bongo Drum

2. Best for beginners: Meinl Percussion Bongos with Durable Synthetic

3. Best for kids: Remo RH-5600-00 Rhythm Club Bongo Drum

4. Best with bass: GP Percussion B2 Pro-Series Tunable Bongos

5. Best affordable choice: Toca Synergy Series Bongo Set Blue

1. Latin Percussion LP793X Bongo Drum

Specification

• Brand: Latin Percussion

• Package Dimension: 11 x 11 x 20 inches

• Color: Matching congas available

• Material: Wood, Aluminum, Steel

• Face Diameter: 7.25 & 8.625 inches

Product's Summary

Come to our first selection, Latin Percussion LP793X Bongo Drum, a high-end model with hardware in gold and chrome, the LP Galaxy. In particular, the gold ones have a highly upscale and expensive appearance. The hembra size is 8.625", and the macho head is 7.25". 

They are made with naturally occurring rawhide drumheads and kiln-dried wood. These have undergone far more effort, similar to the majority of premium professional models. These will be an excellent option if you're seeking a fancy-looking set of bongos.

Pros

• For those that like that look, very flashy. 

• Whatever the flash, they sound fantastic. 

• A famous percussionist sponsors it.

Cons

• It could be too showy for some.

2. Meinl Percussion Bongos with Durable Synthetic

Specification

• Brand: Meinl Percussion

• Package Dimension: 8.46 x 9.45 x 17.52 inches

• Color: Black

• Material: Steel

• Face Diameter: 7.5 & 6.5 inches

Product's Summary

The second selection is Meinl Percussion Bongos with Durable Synthetic. This inexpensive replica has buffalo drumheads and is made of ABS plastic. The larger or hembra head is 7.5", while the smaller or macho head is 6.5". A tuning wrench and adjustable hardware are also included. 

The sounds and resonance will improve as you increase the price, and your drum will be more suited for playing in front of bigger crowds. This bongo is among the best inexpensive ones based only on positive ratings.

Pros

• An excellent reasonable spending plan. 

• They are a reliable brand. 

• The audio quality is excellent.

Cons

• Exclusively offered in matte black.

3. Remo RH-5600-00 Rhythm Club Bongo Drum

Specification

• Brand: Remo

• Package Dimension: 13 x 6 x 7 inches

• Color: Brown/Black

• Material: Acousticon shells, molded rubber base

• Face Diameter: 5 & 6 inches

Product's Summary

The next choice on our list is Remo RH-5600-00 Rhythm Club Bongo Drum. The cheapest type on the list, it's primarily used as a bongo drum for children. This drum would not have been included in the roundup because of the many positive evaluations. 

Without a doubt, Remo is a reputable manufacturer, and customers adore this drum! With 5′′ and 6′′ for each head, it is significantly smaller than conventional bongo drums. Most likely, the drum's inclusive and colorful design is its most robust feature.

Pros

• Cheap yet authentic bongo drums. 

• Simple to bring camping or outdoor activities. 

• Small and affordable with lots of satisfied clients.

Cons

• Just for beginners and children.

4. GP Percussion B2 Pro-Series Tunable Bongos

Specification

• Brand: GP Percussion

• Package Dimension: 16.5 x 8.5 x 7 inches

• Color: Hickory

• Material: Wood, Rubber

• Face Diameter: 6 & 7 inches

Product's Summary

The final recommendation is the GP Percussion B2 Pro-Series Tunable Bongos. These inexpensive drums include hickory shells and natural leather heads. They are slightly larger than most less expensive models because the minor head is 6" and the largest is 7". 

The tunable heads can be tightened using the tuning wrench that is included. If the sound quality of this model leaves you unsatisfied, consider increasing your budget.

Pros

• One of the best-selling products. 

• It works well for outdoor activities.

• An excellent first instrument.

Cons

• The components won't deliver the finest sound.

1. Where were the Bongo drums invented?

The date and location of the bongo drum's invention are unknown, but documents point to Cuba as the likely location. Early accounts of the Afro-Cuban percussion instrument's use in eastern Cuba around the late 19th century.

2. What materials are Bongo drums composed of?

Animal skin and oak wood are usually used in the drums' construction. A bongo drum covered in fur. Although many modern variants use various kinds of wood, the drum's traditional shell is composed of oak wood. On one end of the wooden surface, the drum was historically made from rawhide, an animal skin.

3. How should I play the Bongos?

Although bongos are hand drums, there are differences in the playing styles for each of these instruments. Each of these drums has a unique sound you can create because they are all tuned differently and have varying diameters. Most hand drums produce one or more of the ones listed below: 

• Muted Slap

• Muted Tap 

• Rimshot 

• Open Tone

We have reviewed the 4 best bongo drums for you in 2022. They are from reputed manufacturers Latin Percussion, Meinl Percussion, and Remo, with prices from 32$ to 87$. You can choose the options that best suit your requirements from the following list.

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