What material is the shell made from?

The shell is constructed from two-ply Siam Oak, which is selected for its bright and resonant tonal qualities.

What type of drum head is included?

It is fitted with a Remo Fiberskyn head, which is highly durable and designed to provide a warm, responsive sound.

What is the diameter of this specific conga?

This model features a 12 1/2-inch diameter, typically functioning as a Tumba in a standard conga configuration.

Does this conga come with a stand?

Yes, it is supplied with a Meinl Steely II Conga Stand for stable positioning during performance.

What accessories are included with the purchase?

The package includes an accessory pouch, Conga Savers to protect the shell, and the Steely II stand.

What makes this model suitable for travelling percussionists?

It features patented notches for quick height adjustability and a durable Fiberskyn head that is less susceptible to weather changes than animal skin.

What is the typical price for this instrument?

The typical price for this Meinl Marathon Exclusive Series model is approximately £529.

What are 'Conga Savers'?

Conga Savers are protective components included with the drum to prevent the hardware from scratching or damaging other drums in a setup.

How many plies is the wood shell?

The Siam Oak shell is built using two-ply construction for a balance of strength and resonance.

Is the Fiberskyn head better than rawhide?

Fiberskyn offers more durability and tuning stability in varying climates, whereas rawhide is traditional; the choice depends on the player's need for consistency versus tradition.

Can the height of the drum be adjusted?

Yes, the instrument features patented notches that allow for quick and precise height adjustment.

What genre of music is this conga suited for?

Due to its bright resonance and professional build, it is suitable for any genre requiring hand percussion, including Latin, Jazz, and contemporary professional performances.

Gear article

Meinl Marathon Exclusive Series 12 1/2" Conga (Fiberskyn)

The Meinl Marathon Exclusive Series 12 1/2" Conga is a professional-grade percussion instrument designed for working musicians and travelling performers. Constructed from two-ply Siam Oak and featuring a Remo Fiberskyn head, it is engineered for bright resonance and high durability across various environments.

Meinl Marathon Exclusive Series Conga 12 1/2" Fiberskyn REMO head

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Meinl Marathon Exclusive Series Conga represents a balance of traditional materials and modern engineering. The shell is crafted from two-ply Siam Oak, a wood choice known for providing a bright, resonant tone suitable for professional settings. This specific model features a 12 1/2-inch diameter, making it a larger component of a conga set, often serving the role of a Tumba.

A key distinguishing feature of this iteration is the inclusion of a Remo Fiberskyn head. Unlike traditional rawhide, Fiberskyn is designed to resist changes in humidity and temperature, offering a consistent feel and sound for the travelling percussionist who may encounter diverse climates.

Hardware and Utility

Meinl has integrated several patented designs into the Marathon Exclusive Series to assist with setup and longevity. The instrument utilizes a system with notches for quick height adjustability, allowing the player to find their optimal playing position rapidly.

Protection is also a priority in the design; the package includes 'Conga Savers,' which are meant to prevent the lugs from damaging adjacent drums or the shell itself. The drum is supplied with a Steely II Conga Stand and an accessory pouch, providing a complete solution for the working professional.

Sonic Character

The combination of the Siam Oak shell and the Remo Fiberskyn head produces a warm yet responsive sound profile. While the wood provides the necessary brightness and projection for stage use, the synthetic head ensures a focused tone with reduced overtones compared to lower-quality heads. It is specifically voiced to produce clear slaps and deep, resonant open tones.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is positioned for the 'working percussionist' who requires reliability and high-end sonic performance without the extreme cost of custom boutique drums.

When compared to standard Marathon series drums, the Exclusive version provides upgraded hardware and the Fiberskyn head. While Meinl produces other specialised percussion like the Planetary Tuned Crystal Singing Bowls or Spin Spark Shakers, the Marathon Exclusive Conga remains a core rhythmic foundation for Latin, Jazz, and Pop ensembles.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the shell made from?: The shell is constructed from two-ply Siam Oak, which is selected for its bright and resonant tonal qualities.
What type of drum head is included?: It is fitted with a Remo Fiberskyn head, which is highly durable and designed to provide a warm, responsive sound.
What is the diameter of this specific conga?: This model features a 12 1/2-inch diameter, typically functioning as a Tumba in a standard conga configuration.
Does this conga come with a stand?: Yes, it is supplied with a Meinl Steely II Conga Stand for stable positioning during performance.
What accessories are included with the purchase?: The package includes an accessory pouch, Conga Savers to protect the shell, and the Steely II stand.
What makes this model suitable for travelling percussionists?: It features patented notches for quick height adjustability and a durable Fiberskyn head that is less susceptible to weather changes than animal skin.
What is the typical price for this instrument?: The typical price for this Meinl Marathon Exclusive Series model is approximately £529.
What are 'Conga Savers'?: Conga Savers are protective components included with the drum to prevent the hardware from scratching or damaging other drums in a setup.
How many plies is the wood shell?: The Siam Oak shell is built using two-ply construction for a balance of strength and resonance.
Is the Fiberskyn head better than rawhide?: Fiberskyn offers more durability and tuning stability in varying climates, whereas rawhide is traditional; the choice depends on the player's need for consistency versus tradition.
Can the height of the drum be adjusted?: Yes, the instrument features patented notches that allow for quick and precise height adjustment.
What genre of music is this conga suited for?: Due to its bright resonance and professional build, it is suitable for any genre requiring hand percussion, including Latin, Jazz, and contemporary professional performances.