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Are you willing to buy a bongo and finally start your music journey after contemplating it over and over again? If yes, then this is the article that will help you understand the basic arc of this upbeat musical instrument. Starting from the structure and history of this instrument to the list of affordable bongos available on the market, you can use this article as a comprehensive guide:
- Basics of a Bongo
If you are willing to buy a bongo then must have heard this instrument played and at the same time, you felt the urge to understand this instrument while playing it. Or you have been learning to play this instrument by borrowing from others and now you are confident enough to invest in one to start your journey finally.
- History of Bongo
The history of the Bongo is not clear, and there are many instances where instruments like this have been a part of history, across the world, there are many renditions of this instrument, existing in history for a long time. But as per various finds, the instrument was first documented in Cuba sharing its roots with central and West African drums. Coming from the Afro-Cuban percussion family, this instrument has been heavily used in various forms of music across the world.
- Structure of a Bongo
Bongo has its similarities and differences with the conga drums. Both drums Bongo are of the same size but have different diameters, the smaller one is called Macho, this one ideally has 6 to 8 inches of diameter on the other hand the comparatively larger drum is called Hembra with 6 to 10 inches of diameter.
In the earlier days of Bongo, it used to be made out of wood and animal skin. But now, the leading industries that manufacture Bongos are using plastic fiberglass and other modern materials. Investing in a bit-expensive Bongo Drum will give you the sound you are willing to create, whereas the cheaper drums will sound terrible.
- Playing Techniques
This instrument is played with the fingers and palms of both hands. This has repeating eighth-note patterns, which can be easy to cope with and hard to master. There are some basic Bongo rhythms that every new Bongo player must know and practice. After a few lessons and a good amount of practice, you will be good to perform with your bongo on public domains.
- Best Bongos You Can Buy:
The following list of Bongos is easy to find will not cost a hefty amount of money and will surely give you impressive sound qualities. Continue reading and choose which will be the best option for you:
1.Toca Synergy
This is one of the most affordable Bongo models that will produce great sounds. This comes in different colors and head patterns. The body is made out of plywood and the head is made out of rawhide. The Macho of this model is 6 inches and the Hembra is 6 ¾ inches. Here are some Pros and cones of this model:
- Pros
- Very affordable for those who are looking for budget-friendly options
- Sleek and has a cool colorful style
- Comes with the tool to tighten the heads
- Cons
- Not that much resonance with plywood
- Better for kids instead for adults
- Tuning may not hold with cheaper hardware
2. Meinl Percussion Journey Series
This is another budget-friendly option, made out of ABS plastic with buffalo drumheads. The macho head has a size of 6.5 inches and the hembra head is 7.5 inches. This also comes with a tuning wrench to adjust this hardware. This model is most suitable for beginners.
- Pros
- A great low-budget model
- They look like a quality brand
- The sound you get for the low price is great
- Cons
- The sound of plastic is not for every player, especially for professionals
- Only available in one color which is matte black
- Not the best option for intermediate players
3. Remo Rhythm Club
This model has the lowest price and this can be the ideal Christmas gift for kids. This is affordable and produces good-quality sounds. The heads of this bongo are of 5 inches and 6 inches. It also includes several colors which can be ideal for your kids.
- Pros
- One of the lowest-priced but real bongo drums available on the market
- Easy to take camping or to outdoor events
- Small and cheap with many happy customers
- Cons
- Probably best for kids and beginners
- Small heads equal less resonance
- It has a very childish look to it
4. GP Percussion B2
This low-budget option has drum shells made out of hickory and heads made of natural rawhide. The smaller head has 6 inches diameter and the larger head has 7 inches diameter. But it doesn’t offer impressive sound quality.
- Pros
- It is often sold out so clearly people buy it more often
- For camping and outdoor activities, it works fine
- A great starter instrument to get a student playing
- Cons
- The materials won’t provide the best sound
- Probably not for a potentially serious player
- A few more bad ratings than most budget models
5. Latin Percussion Aspire Series
This by far is the best quality Bongo that you can buy if you are an intermediate player. This option will help you to hone your skills. The Macho head of this model is 6.75 inches and the Hembra head is 8 inches. And this instrument is made out of real rawhide and Siam oak sides. The kook of it also is quite aesthetic.
- Pros
- More resonance with larger heads
- Siam oak is used in a variety of Latin percussion instruments
- Easy to tune with the included wrench
- Cons
- The style may not be suitable for all
- Could be larger drumheads for the price
- You may not like the Siam oak tone
6. Meinl Percussion Headliner
This is another great intermediate-level model which can give you great sound quality. This has rubberwood decorated in a sunburst fashion and also comes with buffalo drumheads. The head sizes of this model are 6.75 inches and 8 inches. This is a great option to play on a show.
- Pros
- Great mid-budget range for most buyers
- Can be found on many of the Best Bongo lists
- An excellent buy for a new student
- Cons
- People may not care for the vintage sunburst look
- If you don’t like the sound of buffalo drumheads
- Rubberwood may not be the best resonance for you
7. Latin Percussion Matador
This nice Black Nebula style of Matador bongos by Latin Percussion is a bit on the pricier side. This model is made of Siam oak and has traditional heads sized 7.25 and 8.625 inches respectively.
- Pros
- Siam oak provides projection
- Larger size than cheaper bongo models
- A great model if looking to upgrade
- Cons
- At this price, you need to like the style
- The tone may not be to your liking
- It lacks customer reviews
8. Latin Percussion E-Class
This is one of the most professional range Bongos you will find. However, it is made out of Siam oak and authentic rawhide like other models. The wood used in this model is kiln-dried and the macho and the hembra heads have sizes of 7.25 inches and 8.625 inches.
- Pros
- An incredible sounding bongo
- Great for professional use
- The name recognition alone usually means quality
- Cons
- Like any star-sponsored brand, you will pay some for the name
- You may not like the style
- If you aren’t a serious player, this may be too high in budget
9. Pearl Elite Series
This Bongo model is synonymous with the best drums and percussion instruments available in the market. The drumheads come in 7 inches and 9 inches. The body is made out of Thai oak with buffalo heads.
- Pros
- Perfect for professional use
- Very easy to tune with the included wrench
- These look like they cost a lot
- Cons
- Not the kind to take camping probably
- As usual for that price, you must like the style
- Too high of budget for most players
10. Latin Percussion Galaxy
This is another exclusive high-end model that you can use for professional usage. The gold ones are the most brilliant-sounding Bongos you can find in the market. They are crafted with kiln-dried wood and natural rawhide drumheads. The sizes are 7.25 inches and 8.625 inches,
- Pros
- Very flashy for those who want that look
- Regardless of flash, they sound great
- Sponsored by another famous percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo
- Cons
- Perhaps too flashy for some
- For the price, a slightly larger head would be nicer
- Quite expensive for basic bongo needs
Depending on who is buying the instrument and for what purpose you can surely find the best Bongo from this list. This list includes Bingos for beginners, intermediate players, and also professional players. Hopefully, you will find this content to be instructive and helpful.
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