What material is the shell made from?

The shell is constructed from New Zealand Pine. This specific choice makes it Latin Percussion's lightest conga shell ever produced.

Raul Rekow was a renowned conguero who played with Carlos Santana for over 40 years. This signature drum was designed to honour his legacy and match his specific tonal preferences.

How does Top Tuning work?

The patented Top Tuning system allows the user to adjust the tension rods from the top of the drum rim. This makes it faster and easier to tune the instrument without moving it from its stand.

What type of rims does this conga have?

It features LP Comfort Curve II rims. These are designed with a smooth, ergonomic curve to reduce hand pain and protect the player's hands during heavy playing.

What is the finish of the Raul Rekow Signature Conga?

The drum features an elegant dark walnut stain finish. This gives it a classic and professional aesthetic suitable for any stage or studio setting.

Is this drum suitable for touring?

Yes, it is specifically designed for touring musicians. Its lightweight New Zealand Pine construction makes it easier to transport and handle during quick stage changes.

What kind of head is included?

The conga comes with a hand-selected rawhide head. This material provides an organic feel and a bold slap sound that is characteristic of authentic Latin percussion.

What is the typical price for this instrument?

The typical price range for the LP Raul Rekow Signature Conga is approximately GBP 523. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific shipping costs.

How does the sound compare to other LP congas?

The use of pine gives it a tuneful and present tone that is distinct from denser woods like oak. It is designed to be resonant and bold, matching the late Raul Rekow’s playing style.

Does this conga require a special tuning wrench?

The Top Tuning system is designed for ease of use, typically requiring a standard tuning tool provided by LP. The main benefit is the accessibility of the hardware from the top of the rim.

Can beginners use the Raul Rekow Signature Conga?

While it is a tour-grade, professional instrument, its ease of tuning and comfortable rims make it accessible to players of all levels. However, it is priced and specified as a high-end signature model.

What size is the Raul Rekow Signature Conga?

While this signature series includes various sizes (such as Quinto, Conga, and Tumba), each is built with the same New Zealand Pine and Top Tuning specifications to ensure consistency across the set.

Gear article

Latin Percussion LP Raul Rekow Signature Top Tuning Conga

The Latin Percussion LP Raul Rekow Signature Top Tuning Conga is a professional-grade hand percussion instrument crafted from New Zealand Pine. Designed to honour the long-time Santana conguero, it features a patented top-tuning system and a dark walnut stain finish, offering a lightweight alternative for touring musicians.

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Background and Legacy

The LP Raul Rekow Signature Conga was developed to encapsulate the sonic essence and performance requirements of the late Raul Rekow. Rekow was a foundational member of Santana's rhythm section for over four decades, and his signature instrument is built to reflect the tuneful, present tone that defined his playing style. The choice of New Zealand Pine for the shell is a specific tribute to this legacy, providing a resonance that matches Rekow’s musical contribution.

Design and Construction

This model is notable for being Latin Percussion's lightest ever conga shell. The use of New Zealand Pine significantly reduces the weight compared to traditional hardwood congas, such as those made from Siam Oak or Ash. This weight reduction makes the instrument particularly suited for touring musicians who require portability and ease of setup. The exterior is finished in a sophisticated dark walnut stain, providing a classic, organic aesthetic that complements the natural grain of the wood.

Mechanical Features

A primary functional innovation of this signature model is the patented Top Tuning construction. This system allows the player to adjust the tension of the drum head from the top of the instrument using a standard tuning wrench, eliminating the need to tilt or lift the drum to access traditional side-mounted tension lugs. Additionally, the drum is fitted with LP Comfort Curve II rims, which feature a rounded profile designed to minimise hand fatigue and protect the player's palms during extended performances.

Sound Character

The combination of New Zealand Pine and hand-selected rawhide heads results in a bold, organic slap sound. The tone is described as tuneful and present, capable of cutting through a dense mix without being overly abrasive. Because the shell is lightweight, it maintains a high degree of resonance and vibration, providing an authentic conga sound that is consistent in both studio and live touring environments.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the shell made from?: The shell is constructed from New Zealand Pine. This specific choice makes it Latin Percussion's lightest conga shell ever produced.
Who was Raul Rekow?: Raul Rekow was a renowned conguero who played with Carlos Santana for over 40 years. This signature drum was designed to honour his legacy and match his specific tonal preferences.
How does Top Tuning work?: The patented Top Tuning system allows the user to adjust the tension rods from the top of the drum rim. This makes it faster and easier to tune the instrument without moving it from its stand.
What type of rims does this conga have?: It features LP Comfort Curve II rims. These are designed with a smooth, ergonomic curve to reduce hand pain and protect the player's hands during heavy playing.
What is the finish of the Raul Rekow Signature Conga?: The drum features an elegant dark walnut stain finish. This gives it a classic and professional aesthetic suitable for any stage or studio setting.
Is this drum suitable for touring?: Yes, it is specifically designed for touring musicians. Its lightweight New Zealand Pine construction makes it easier to transport and handle during quick stage changes.
What kind of head is included?: The conga comes with a hand-selected rawhide head. This material provides an organic feel and a bold slap sound that is characteristic of authentic Latin percussion.
What is the typical price for this instrument?: The typical price range for the LP Raul Rekow Signature Conga is approximately GBP 523. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific shipping costs.
How does the sound compare to other LP congas?: The use of pine gives it a tuneful and present tone that is distinct from denser woods like oak. It is designed to be resonant and bold, matching the late Raul Rekow’s playing style.
Does this conga require a special tuning wrench?: The Top Tuning system is designed for ease of use, typically requiring a standard tuning tool provided by LP. The main benefit is the accessibility of the hardware from the top of the rim.
Can beginners use the Raul Rekow Signature Conga?: While it is a tour-grade, professional instrument, its ease of tuning and comfortable rims make it accessible to players of all levels. However, it is priced and specified as a high-end signature model.
What size is the Raul Rekow Signature Conga?: While this signature series includes various sizes (such as Quinto, Conga, and Tumba), each is built with the same New Zealand Pine and Top Tuning specifications to ensure consistency across the set.