How to Repair Bongos Drum Heads

A broken, cracked, ripped or torn drum head can make a drum impossible to play. Over time, or even due to various stresses like traveling, storage or exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause a natural skin drum head to split or break. Bongos, one of the most portable drums available, can be subjected to these different changes throughout the life of the drums, and repairing the natural skin of the drum head is a challenging understanding for even the most experienced bongocero.

In order to keep the tone and sound consistent between the macho and hembra drums that make up the bongos, it is recommended that both drum heads are repaired or replaced at the same time, especially if the skins are older. To begin repairing the drum head, the first step is to remove the old skin. Loosen the lugs that hold the rim in place, noting any resistance when unscrewing the hardware. Once the hardware is removed, lift the drum head gently, keeping the rim intact. Remove the old drum head by soaking it in water until the rim and/or hoop comes away from the skin easily. Repeat with the other drum, preparing to re-skin the bongo drums with new animal hide that has been soaking in water, as well.

After soaking, the new hide should be soft and pliable and can be centered over the top of the drum. Gently press the hoop over the new hide, holding it in place against the drum and keeping the folds evenly spaced around the drum. Pull the excess skin up and around the hoop, covering the hoop. Then secure the skin by replacing the rim of the bongo drum over the skin and hoop. Tighten the hardware that holds the rim to the drum, being sure to tighten it evenly around the drum. Check to be sure the rim is evenly spaced around the skin and level with the top of the drum. Finally, using a utility or other sharp blade, trim away the excess skin, flush with the rim. Let the drum dry for 24 hours before playing.

Repairing a damaged skin on a set of bongo drums can be easily accomplished in a few hours. The results are a long-lasting appreciation of the instrument itself and the work that goes into the construction, as well as a new surface to play and better sound. By keeping the bongos in the best shape possible, including replacing damaged, split or torn skins, the set of bongos will last for years to come.

TweetLabels: Bongo Drums, Bongos, Drum Care, repair

posted by Chelsea at 7:54 AM

Inspiration and Imitation – Learning the Bongos

Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but it also serves another purpose for drummers and percussionists. By imitating the great Bongoceros in Latin and other world music, a bongo drummer can learn timing, technique and gain the necessary skills that help with improvisation and the creation of unique and personal rhythmic styles.

Bongo rhythms can be complex, encouraging timing that varies with each hand in order to lead and enhance the Latin feel in Son, Cuban Jazz, Salsa and Rumba music. Much of the music from Cuba evolved from Clave, a versatile rhythm based on a five-stroke pattern that adds a syncopated, upbeat feel to the music. Clave is written in 12/8 time, but can be adapted to a 4/4 rhythmic pattern, fitting both the son clave and rumba clave patterns, both of which can easily be played on the bongos. It is this basic rhythm that even the most seasoned bongoceros can return to while adding fills and solos.

The clave and other bongo rhythms can be easily heard in the music of such artists as Jack Constanzo, José Mangual Sr. or Pedrito Diaz. These bongoceros are some of the most widely influential performers in Latin music and are known around the world for their incredible talent and skill. In order to really understand the intricacies of bongo playing, the clave and techniques for playing Salsa, Cuban Jazz and other Latin music, listening and playing along to these bongo greats can help establish a foundation for playing the bongos, the timing involved and the spirited style crucial to a show-stopping bongo performance.



Through practice, imitation and determination, a beginner bongocero can hone raw drumming talent into a life-long love and appreciation of the bongos. These percussion instruments, seen as a staple in music classes, drum circles and recording studios, require more than an affinity for drumming, but the passion and determination to play them to their fullest potential. Through imitating the great bongoceros and studying the styles and origins of Latin and Cuban music, bongo rhythms and playing can become second nature, flavoring all types of music with the upbeat sound and tones of the bongos.


TweetLabels: Beginner, Bongoceros, Bongos, How to Play Bongos

posted by Chelsea at 9:00 PM