What is the primary purpose of the Percussion Plus KidZ Bongos?

They are designed as an introductory instrument for children and beginners to learn basic rhythm and hand percussion techniques. Their size and features are specifically tailored for smaller hands and educational environments.

Do these bongo drums require tuning?

No, these drums feature pre-tuned synthetic heads. This means they are ready to play straight out of the box and do not require any adjustments with a tuning key.

What are the sizes of the two drum heads?

The set includes one 5-inch diameter head and one 6-inch diameter head. These different sizes allow the player to produce two distinct pitches, high and low.

What are the drum heads made of?

The heads are made from a synthetic material. This provides a durable playing surface that is less affected by environmental changes than traditional animal-skin heads.

What is the 'Slap' graphic on the drum head for?

The graphic serves as a visual guide for the player. It indicates the best area to strike the drum to produce a clear and resonant sound, making it easier for children to learn.

Are these drums suitable for professional recording?

While they produce a clear tone, they are designed primarily for education and play. Professionals might prefer larger, tunable wood or fibreglass bongos for greater tonal variety.

How much do these bongo drums typically cost?

The typical price range for the Percussion Plus Slap Percussion Bongo Drum set is approximately £33.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Can the patterned wrap be removed?

The patterned wrap is a permanent part of the drum's exterior design. It is intended to be durable and eye-catching for younger players.

How do these compare to Meinl egg maracas?

Bongos are melodic percussion instruments that produce two distinct pitches through hand strikes, whereas maracas are shakers used for consistent rhythmic backing. They are often used together in a percussion set.

Is a stand included with the bongo set?

Based on the manufacturer description, this set is designed for tabletop or lap use and does not typically include a floor stand. Its small scale makes it easy to hold while seated.

Are these drums appropriate for a music school classroom?

Yes, they are ideal for music schools. Their durability, lack of tuning requirements, and educational graphics make them very practical for group teaching.

Who is the manufacturer of these bongos?

These bongos are manufactured by Percussion Plus, a brand known for producing a wide range of educational and entry-level percussion instruments.

Gear article

Percussion Plus Slap Percussion KidZ Bongo Drums

The Percussion Plus Slap Percussion KidZ Bongo Drums are a pair of small-scale hand percussion instruments specifically designed for children and beginners. Featuring pre-tuned synthetic heads and colourful patterned wraps, they serve as a durable entry point for young players in educational and home settings.

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Overview

The Percussion Plus Slap Percussion KidZ Bongo Drums are part of the brand's 'Slap' range, which focuses on making music accessible to younger audiences. The set consists of two drums of varying sizes, typically measuring 5 inches and 6 inches in diameter. These drums are joined together to form a traditional bongo configuration, though scaled down to accommodate smaller hands and seated playing positions.

Design and Construction

The drums feature a robust build quality suited for the rigours of classroom use. Key design elements include:

Pre-tuned Synthetic Heads: The heads are fixed at a set tension, removing the need for tuning tools or maintenance. This ensures a consistent pitch regardless of temperature or humidity changes.
Graphic Instruction: A unique feature of the Slap Percussion range is the inclusion of a printed graphic on the drum head, which guides the player on where to strike the surface for optimal sound.
Visual Aesthetic: The exterior is finished with a vibrant, eye-catching patterned wrap, intended to engage children and add a fun visual element to music ensembles.

Sound and Performance

The use of 5-inch and 6-inch heads allows the instrument to produce distinct high and low tones. Because the heads are synthetic, they produce a sharp, bright attack that is easily heard in a group setting. The smaller shell size facilitates easy handling, allowing beginners to focus on rhythm and technique without struggling with the physical weight or span of adult-sized bongos.

Suitability and Use Cases

These bongos are primarily intended for music schools, primary education environments, and home learners. They serve as a foundational tool for teaching basic hand percussion techniques. While designed for children, their durable construction makes them a reliable choice for any beginner seeking an affordable, maintenance-free introduction to the bongo drums.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard entry-level bongos like the Stagg Rock series or Meinl's plastic percussion offerings, the Slap Percussion models are more explicitly tailored to children. While a cowbell or maracas provide different rhythmic textures, the KidZ Bongos offer a more melodic range through their two-tone setup. Unlike traditional hide-headed bongos, these synthetic alternatives do not require tuning, making them more user-friendly for non-specialist teachers.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Percussion Plus KidZ Bongos?: They are designed as an introductory instrument for children and beginners to learn basic rhythm and hand percussion techniques. Their size and features are specifically tailored for smaller hands and educational environments.
Do these bongo drums require tuning?: No, these drums feature pre-tuned synthetic heads. This means they are ready to play straight out of the box and do not require any adjustments with a tuning key.
What are the sizes of the two drum heads?: The set includes one 5-inch diameter head and one 6-inch diameter head. These different sizes allow the player to produce two distinct pitches, high and low.
What are the drum heads made of?: The heads are made from a synthetic material. This provides a durable playing surface that is less affected by environmental changes than traditional animal-skin heads.
What is the 'Slap' graphic on the drum head for?: The graphic serves as a visual guide for the player. It indicates the best area to strike the drum to produce a clear and resonant sound, making it easier for children to learn.
Are these drums suitable for professional recording?: While they produce a clear tone, they are designed primarily for education and play. Professionals might prefer larger, tunable wood or fibreglass bongos for greater tonal variety.
How much do these bongo drums typically cost?: The typical price range for the Percussion Plus Slap Percussion Bongo Drum set is approximately £33.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Can the patterned wrap be removed?: The patterned wrap is a permanent part of the drum's exterior design. It is intended to be durable and eye-catching for younger players.
How do these compare to Meinl egg maracas?: Bongos are melodic percussion instruments that produce two distinct pitches through hand strikes, whereas maracas are shakers used for consistent rhythmic backing. They are often used together in a percussion set.
Is a stand included with the bongo set?: Based on the manufacturer description, this set is designed for tabletop or lap use and does not typically include a floor stand. Its small scale makes it easy to hold while seated.
Are these drums appropriate for a music school classroom?: Yes, they are ideal for music schools. Their durability, lack of tuning requirements, and educational graphics make them very practical for group teaching.
Who is the manufacturer of these bongos?: These bongos are manufactured by Percussion Plus, a brand known for producing a wide range of educational and entry-level percussion instruments.