Bongo

What is a bongo?

The bongo is a percussion instrument with a drumhead, so it belongs to the family ofmembranophones). It is a small, single-headed, tunable tubular drum with cylindrical shells, usually used in pairs, which is beaten with the fingers or hands. Three to four bongos are also played at the same time. The bongo drums originally come from Cuba. The smaller drum is called macho (Spanish: male), the larger one hembra (Spanish: female). In Son Cubano and styles derived from it, the bongo player switches to the cowbell (cencerro in Spanish) in the part of the piece called mambo or montuno. The player of this instrument is called a bongocero.

The history of the bongo

Cuba was controlled by controlled by Spain in the 16th century. The Arawak people lived there. For the cultivation of sugar cane, the Spanish planters in the 17th and 18th century bought many African slaves. During the uprising against the French colonial power in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) in 1791, many colored agricultural workers fled to the neighboring island of Cuba. They brought their drum rhythms with them. These mixed with the guitar music of the Spanish farmers. One instrument group dedicated to son consisted of three players who traveled the country with tres, guiro and bongos. The membranes were made of goatskin.

What is the structure of a bongo?

Bongos are two small tubular drums of different sizes covered with a skin (goat or synthetic skin), the body of which tapers slightly towards the bottom and which are connected to each other using various constructions. In the most common method, the two drum bodies are screwed or glued together using a simple block of wood. However, modern versions of the bongo also have connections made of metal and/or plastic, such as the “Free Ride” bongos from the German manufacturer Meinl.

Conventional instruments are made using the barrel construction method, i.e. small wooden staves are glued together like a wine barrel. However, there are also constructions that make use of a manufacturing method from drum making. Several thin layers of veneer are glued together to form a cylinder. Modern bongos are also often made of fiberglass. The frame height is 14 to 17 cm, the head diameter of the single-headed drums is between 15 and 23 cm. Today, there are also bongos made of plastic and/or with plastic covering. These bongos are weatherproof and can therefore be used outdoors without any problems.

What types of bongos are there?

Bongos essentially have a standardized design, but there are some interesting variations that differ in material, size and certain construction details that can affect the sound and playability. One of the most common variations are the traditional wooden bongos. They are typically made of wood, usually hardwood, and are covered with skins made of either animal skin, e.g. cowhide, or synthetic materials. The skins are often attached to the drum body with metal clamps or rings, which ensures stable tension and a full sound.

Fiberglass bongos are a modern variant. These bongos are made of durable fiberglass and have the advantage of being particularly robust and insensitive to weather influences. This makes them ideal for use outdoors or in humid climates. Compared to wooden bongos, fiberglass bongos have a brighter, often sharper sound that cuts through well in loud environments.

Bongos with adjustable heads are another distinguishing feature. These models have mechanisms, usually screws or special tensioning devices, which make it possible to adjust the tension of the heads as desired. This allows the player to adjust the sound individually, which is particularly practical if different timbres or tunings are desired.

How is the sound of the bongos produced?

The sound production of a bongo is an interplay of material, technology and craftsmanship. At the center is the stretched skin membrane, which is made to vibrate when struck and thus produces different tones. The sound depends heavily on the position and type of strike. For example, striking the center of the skin with the palm of your hand produces a deep, resonant bass, which forms the characteristic fundamental tone of the bongo. This sound is full and warm and often forms the basis for rhythmic patterns.

If, on the other hand, the edge of the drum is struck with the fingernails or the flat of the hand, brighter, higher tones are produced. These tones are often more concise and are used to set rhythmic accents. One particularly interesting technique is the so-called “slap”. This involves a quick, sharp slap with the fingers or the edge of the hand, which produces a percussive, snapping sound. This “slap” gives the music a dynamic, lively character and is indispensable in many traditional rhythms.

In addition to the playing technique, physical factors also influence the sound of the bongo. Larger drums tend to produce deeper, fuller tones due to their larger membrane, while smaller bongos tend to produce higher, more lively tones. The material of the skin also plays a role: the traditionally used goatskin often produces an earthy, warm sound, while modern synthetic skins can produce a brighter, more brilliant sound.

Not to be forgotten is the tension of the skin. A tightly tensioned skin produces crisp, bright tones, while a loosely tensioned skin produces softer, duller tones. By adjusting the tension, the player can adapt the sound of the bongos to the desired musical style or his personal playing feel.

How are bongos played?

The musicians place both drums next to each other in front of them and usually hit the larger drum with their right hand. You can hit the rim and the head with the flat of your hand or just the head, you can play with your whole hand or just your fingers, you can muffle with one hand while the other plays, or you can muffle a single beat immediately by leaving your striking hand on the head. Bongos can also be played with drumsticks. The bongos are used in all Cuban dances. “Martillo” (hammer) is the basic rhythm of the bongos.

Bongos are mainly used in Son Cubano, in salsa music and, since the 1960s, also in bachata. As the bongos are tuned very high and therefore sound very penetrating, they are mostly used for solo parts. The conga tends to be used for accompaniment. The bongos are the highest-sounding skin instruments of the Latin American hand drums and, alongside the congas, are the most typical and probably most widespread percussion instruments in Cuba. Bongos can be tuned in the range of a fifth (larger bongos from g to d’, smaller ones from a to e’), in relation to each other they are usually tuned in fourths, fifths or minor sixths.

Which bongos should I buy and how much do they cost?

When buying bongos, there are many options that vary in price, quality and intended use. Which model is right for you depends on your individual needs, your budget and your level of experience.

Beginner models are ideal for absolute beginners or for those who want to try out the instrument first without spending a lot of money. Such bongos usually cost between 18 and 45 euros and are often made of simpler materials. They are well suited for children or as a toy. Although these bongos do not offer professional sound quality, they are a good choice for gaining initial experience with the instrument.

In the mid-price range, which is approximately between 45 and 135 euros, you will find bongos that are suitable for serious beginners and amateur musicians. These instruments generally offer significantly better sound quality and durability than the cheaper models. Higher quality woods or better processed skins are often used, resulting in a warmer and fuller sound. These bongos are a good investment if you want to play the instrument regularly without investing in professional models.

For professional musicians or serious amateurs, it is advisable to invest in high-quality bongos, which generally cost between 135 and 360 euros or more. These instruments are made from the best materials, e.g. cowhide or buffalo skin skins and bodies made from selected hardwood or durable fiberglass. They not only offer a first-class sound, but are also characterized by excellent workmanship and durability. Such bongos are ideal for regular use on stage or in the studio.