Bongos
The modern bongos, or bongó as they are called in Spanish, are a set of two drums with shells typically constructed of a hardwood such as oak or mahogany, or of fiberglass. The larger of the two drums, referred to as the “hembra,” is typically between 8-10’’ in diameter, while the smaller drum, the “macho” is generally 6-8” in diameter.
The two drums are held together by a small bridge normally made up of a composite wood, regardless of the material of the shells. Bongos may be mounted on a metal stand for a standing or sitting player, but are traditionally played by being held between the player’s knees. Learning to hold the bongos between one’s knees securely, can prove to be a tricky but essential step for the beginner learning how to play bongos.
As with its cousins the congas, the bongos can also be fitted with either animal or synthetic heads. The very first bongos used mainly cow or mule hide for the heads, which was tacked on to the shell. Today’s bongos still use cow skins, as well as water buffalo, steer, and other animals, in addition to synthetic heads.
The two drums are held together by a small bridge normally made up of a composite wood, regardless of the material of the shells. Bongos may be mounted on a metal stand for a standing or sitting player, but are traditionally played by being held between the player’s knees. Learning to hold the bongos between one’s knees securely, can prove to be a tricky but essential step for the beginner learning how to play bongos.
As with its cousins the congas, the bongos can also be fitted with either animal or synthetic heads. The very first bongos used mainly cow or mule hide for the heads, which was tacked on to the shell. Today’s bongos still use cow skins, as well as water buffalo, steer, and other animals, in addition to synthetic heads.