What material are the shells made from?

The shells of the Pedrito Martinez Signature bongos are crafted from mango wood, which is a high-density and durable hardwood.

What type of drum heads are used on this model?

These bongos feature hand-selected natural rawhide heads, chosen for their authentic tone and traditional tactile response.

What is the benefit of the Comfort Curve II hoops?

Comfort Curve II hoops are designed with an ergonomic profile to reduce hand fatigue and pain during extended playing sessions compared to standard rims.

What is the typical price range for these bongos?

The typical price for this signature set is approximately £289, positioning it as a professional-level instrument.

Who is the artist associated with these bongos?

These bongos were designed to the specific specifications of Pedrito Martinez, a highly influential Cuban percussionist and bandleader.

What finish is applied to the wood shells?

The shells feature a stained mocha finish, which highlights the natural grain of the mango wood.

What type of hardware finish is included?

The instrument is equipped with chrome hardware, including the hoops, tuning lugs, and base plates.

Is the pitch of the bongos adjustable?

Yes, the drums feature standard tuning lugs that allow the player to adjust the pitch of the rawhide heads to their preference.

How does mango wood affect the sound?

Mango wood is a high-density timber that provides a clear, resonant, and authentic bongo tone with good projection.

Are these bongos suitable for professional use?

Yes, due to their high-density construction and professional hardware, they are designed for both stage and studio environments.

What is the 'Generation 2' designation?

Generation 2 refers to the evolved design series by Latin Percussion that often features specific shell shapes and hardware configurations for improved performance.

How do these compare to entry-level plastic bongos?

Unlike plastic alternatives, these use high-density hardwood and natural skins, offering a significantly more complex harmonic profile and professional feel.

Gear article

Latin Percussion LP Bongo Generation 2 Pedrito Martinez Signature

The Latin Percussion LP Bongo Generation 2 Pedrito Martinez Signature is a professional-grade hand percussion instrument constructed from high-density mango wood. Designed to the specific requirements of acclaimed percussionist Pedrito Martinez, these bongos feature hand-selected natural rawhide heads and Comfort Curve II rims for a traditional sound and ergonomic playing experience.

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Overview and Design

The LP Bongo Generation 2 Pedrito Martinez Signature represents a collaboration between Latin Percussion and the renowned Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez. A key differentiator for this model is the choice of mango wood for the shells. Mango wood is noted for being a hard-wearing, high-density material that provides a stable foundation for high-tension tuning while maintaining a distinct visual grain.

The aesthetic design features a professional stained mocha finish, which is paired with polished chrome hardware. This combination offers a clean, stage-ready appearance suitable for both traditional and contemporary musical settings.

Hardware and Playability

To enhance ergonomics, LP has equipped this signature model with Comfort Curve II hoops. These rims are designed to reduce the impact on the player's palms and fingers compared to traditional flat rims, making them suitable for long performances or recording sessions. The hardware includes heavy-duty tuning lugs that allow for precise pitch adjustments of both the macho (smaller drum) and hembra (larger drum).

Sonic Character

The combination of high-density mango wood and hand-selected natural rawhide heads results in an authentic, traditional bongo tone. The rawhide provides a tactile, natural feel under the hands and produces a crisp, articulate 'pop' on the macho while maintaining a warm, resonant depth on the hembra. The high-density nature of the wood contributes to the projection and clarity of the instrument's transients.

Suitability and Comparisons

This instrument is positioned for professional and intermediate players who require a reliable, tour-grade bongo set. While many standard bongos utilize Siam Oak, the use of Mango wood in this signature model offers a different tonal density and aesthetic. Compared to utility percussion such as the Stagg Rock Cowbell or Remo Headless Tambourines, these bongos are sophisticated melodic percussion instruments requiring specific hand-technique and tuning maintenance.

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Frequently asked questions

What material are the shells made from?: The shells of the Pedrito Martinez Signature bongos are crafted from mango wood, which is a high-density and durable hardwood.
What type of drum heads are used on this model?: These bongos feature hand-selected natural rawhide heads, chosen for their authentic tone and traditional tactile response.
What is the benefit of the Comfort Curve II hoops?: Comfort Curve II hoops are designed with an ergonomic profile to reduce hand fatigue and pain during extended playing sessions compared to standard rims.
What is the typical price range for these bongos?: The typical price for this signature set is approximately £289, positioning it as a professional-level instrument.
Who is the artist associated with these bongos?: These bongos were designed to the specific specifications of Pedrito Martinez, a highly influential Cuban percussionist and bandleader.
What finish is applied to the wood shells?: The shells feature a stained mocha finish, which highlights the natural grain of the mango wood.
What type of hardware finish is included?: The instrument is equipped with chrome hardware, including the hoops, tuning lugs, and base plates.
Is the pitch of the bongos adjustable?: Yes, the drums feature standard tuning lugs that allow the player to adjust the pitch of the rawhide heads to their preference.
How does mango wood affect the sound?: Mango wood is a high-density timber that provides a clear, resonant, and authentic bongo tone with good projection.
Are these bongos suitable for professional use?: Yes, due to their high-density construction and professional hardware, they are designed for both stage and studio environments.
What is the 'Generation 2' designation?: Generation 2 refers to the evolved design series by Latin Percussion that often features specific shell shapes and hardware configurations for improved performance.
How do these compare to entry-level plastic bongos?: Unlike plastic alternatives, these use high-density hardwood and natural skins, offering a significantly more complex harmonic profile and professional feel.