Bongo drum is a percussion instrument of Afro-Cuban origin. It normally comes as a pair of small open bottomed drums of different sizes. Bongo is a Spanish word. The larger drum of the pair is called “Hembra (female) and the smaller one “Macho” (male). Together the instrument is called as Bongos and a hand drum played with bare hand. The Bongo drums were created in 1900’s in Cuba for Latin American Dance Bands.
The diameter of the larger drum is about 25cms and that of the small one is about 20cms. Bongo drums have a height of 20ms. The Bongo drums produce relatively high-pitched sound and played by holding them behind the knees. For right-handed players the larger drum will be on the right. The skin of the drumhead are tightened using metal clips attached to the body of the instrument.
The Bongo drums are played by striking the edge of the drumheads with fingers and palms. In concert orchestras and bands, the Bongo drums are mounted on a stand. Bongo drums are sometimes played using a stick having a spherical head as well.
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