Latin percussion

Manny Oquendo

Manny Oquendo

Manny Oquendo (1931–2009) was one of the most respected timbaleros and bongoseros in the history of Latin music — a master of the old-school tradition whose understated, deeply rooted playing anchored Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta and his own celebrated band, Conjunto Libre.

How to Tune Your Bongos

For the purposes of this article, let’s focus on how to tune the bongos in the more modern style that is synonymous with various styles of Son-derived music. So grab your wrench, and your ears, and let’s get to work.

How to Tune the Timbales

How to Tune the Timbales

Tuning timbales, like tuning any drum, is an oft-overlooked art form however. With proper tuning, the drums have an open, resonant quality that allows the timbale player to articulate the various stroke types and convey a clear musical message.

How to Tune Your Conga Drums

How to Tune Your Conga Drums

One of the first, and most important steps in learning to how to play congas, is learning how to tune them properly. Tuning a conga drum, like tuning any drum, is an oft-overlooked art form, despite the fact that it can be the difference between sounding like a seasoned conguero vs. sounding like a complete beginner.

Bongos: What They Are, History and Origins

Bongos: What They Are, History and Origins

The bongos are arguably one of the most widely-used instruments amongst the world of hand drums. Many people buy bongos as souvenirs, household art, or just to have something fun to jam out on. However, as those of us who play bongos know, the drum is a powerful and complex instrument with a rich history.

Timbales: What They Are, History and Origins

Timbales: What They Are, History and Origins

The timbales, of Afro-Cuban descent, have become a ubiquitous instrument in percussion set-ups used in nearly every kind of popular western music, from Salsa to Pop, Funk, and Rock’n’Roll.

Conga Drums: What They Are, History and Origins

Conga Drums: What They Are, History and Origins

Along with learning how to play the conga drums, or any instrument for that matter, it’s important to have a general idea about where those instruments come from, and how they’ve evolved over time.