The conga is a percussion instrument that makes sounds when you hit its head, which is covered with a well-stretched membrane. This membrane can get damaged in time, especially if the player is just starting and lacks proper playing skills. Or the player may simply want to replace the conga head with a different product, which may provide a different sound.
Although it’s not too difficult to replace the head of a conga, buying a conga head can be rather tricky. It is necessary to find a product that fits the instrument perfectly and provides the expected results.
What are the Best Conga Heads to Buy?
2) Remo M7S100F5 10-Inch Tucked Fiberskyn 3 Conga Drumhead
- Original tone qualities
- Made out of rawhide
- Durable
- Traditional feel and sound
1) Remo Tucked Nuskyn Conga Drumhead
- Made out of natural animal skin
- Wrapped around a steel ring
- Durable
- Warm sound
3) Evans Tri-Center Conga Drum Head
- Bright and penetrating slap tone
- 11" drum head with two plies of 10mil film with a 2.25" patch between
- Manufactured in the USA
The first thing that needs to remember when shopping for a conga head is the size of the product and the size of your instrument. The head that will be soon purchased should indeed fit the conga used by the player.
It may sound surprising, but not all congas of the same size will fit an instrument, even if the size is, theoretically, correct. So, taking the type of the instrument and its measure into account will certainly matter. The best method to find out the size of a conga is actually to measure it.
This can be done by simply using a measuring tape over the middle section of the conga’s head. The value obtained is the length of the playing surface and, implicitly, the size of the conga’s head. If the instrument’s old head is not available anymore, measure the length between the bearing edge.
20 Best Conga Head Reviews
1) Remo Tucked Nuskyn Conga Drumhead, 11.75"
This conga drum from Remo was made to fit Remo congas but will be compatible with other conga brands, as long as the size is suitable. Although it looks like a head made out of natural animal skin, this is a synthetic product.
Even the feel of this conga head may get one fooled for a couple of minutes, which means that the material is of great quality. While many conga players prefer natural skin for their conga heads, due to the warmth of the produced sounds, synthetic heads are better for students.
They are brighter and have a better sound projection, and are more durable in terms of wear and tear. Wrapped around a steel ring, this conga head can be fitted with ease and will maintain its properties and aspect for a very long time.
2) Remo M7S100F5 10-Inch Tucked Fiberskyn 3 Conga Drumhead, F5
Usually, synthetic drumheads are not tucked in like this one. This is a feature that can be seen only in the heads made out of rawhide. But Remo decided to come up with synthetic models that look and sound like natural skinheads. So, yes, this is a synthetic conga head, Remo being the only manufacturer that makes this kind of drumheads.
To stay within the budget while enjoying a conga head that performs well and delivers a great impression, this product may be the ideal choice. It was made by using the latest technology, but concerning traditional details and standards.
The result is a modern product with a traditional feel and sound. Its projection qualities and overtones are appreciated even by experienced conga players, who mostly used rawhide conga heads.
3) Evans Tri-Center Conga Drum Head, 11.00 Inch
Specially made for conga drums, this conga head from Evans is quite accessible and of great quality. The manufacturer brags with providing an exceptional synthetic drumhead while avoiding the issues that usually come along with synthetic materials.
The material on the drumhead is plied in two layers, each of 10 millimeters, with a 2.25-inch path in between. This will ensure a great sound while making the drumhead more resilient. The result will be a slap tone that is very penetrating and loud, while overtones are effectively minimized.
The Tri-Center model has a design that will enhance the fundamental tone of the conga, making it easy to recognize even when performing within a band. Also, the feel of this drumhead will come as a surprise, as it is very similar to that offered by natural skin.
4) Toca TP-40110 4010 & 4070 Fiberglass Series 10" Conga Head
As mentioned earlier, while some drumheads are more versatile, others will fit only certain models of congas. So, this Toca drumhead is best to be used together with congas belonging to the 40110, 4010, and 4070 fiberglass series of the same brand, with a playing length of 10 inches.
Other than this, the drumhead will work just great. It is conveniently positioned in the affordable product range so that it can be a great choice for a student or beginner.
While it may not rise to the quality of a Remo drumhead, it will work very well for the price tag that comes along. For students, it can be a good drumhead to start with, until acquiring sufficient playing skills on the conga.
5) Remo Tucked Nuskyn Conga Drumhead, 12.50"
Another great drumhead from Remo made to suit the needs of conga players. For those owning a 12.5-inch conga, this head may be a great choice. Made out of high-quality synthetic material, this drumhead is ideal for those who don’t want drumheads made out of rawhide.
Synthetic materials can replicate so well the properties of natural materials these days, making many people turn to this option, which is more ethical and responsible. For persons among the conga players looking for synthetic components for your conga, this is the right product to check out.
Although synthetic drumheads are known to have higher-pitched sounds, this one from Remo removes this part. This drumhead is capable of providing warm sounds, with a fuller body, characteristic to rawhide drumheads.
6) Latin Percussion LP265A 11-Inch Rawhide Quinto Head
Interested in getting a conga head made entirely out of real animal skin? Then this product is capable of making this wish come true. Made out of rawhide, this conga head will deliver as expected. However, it will fit only one type of conga.
To use this conga head, the player should own an LP 11" Quintos conga, which features a traditional rim and is part of the X series. Unfortunately, this conga head will not fit any other congas.
But, if the player is the fortunate owner of such a conga, this rawhide head will help the instrument produce warm and rich sounds, with a very natural tone. Just make sure the instrument is stored in adequate conditions to prolong the life-span of the product.
7) Evans Tri-Center Conga, 11 3/4 inch-Drum Head
For conga players looking to get a similar sound and texture of a rawhide drumhead, but without putting a strain on the budget, this product is capable of offering what they need. Located in the affordable range, this Evans drumhead is covered with a synthetic material but more than capable of performing well.
The slapping sounds produced will be bright and loud, and the drumhead will behave great during each performance. Evans did their best to eliminate the issues connected to the use of synthetic materials and provide a reliable product.
We tend to believe that they found a way or, at least, are capable of offering a good level of quality for the price tag. Due to its Tri-Center design, the weight will focus on the central area of the conga head, putting a focus on the fundamental tone of the instrument.
8) Evans Percussion EC0975 9 3/4" Tri-Center Conga Head
There are conga heads for congas of all sizes, as the Evans company can prove. The player needs to find the size that suits his or her instrument. This head is made to fit congas smaller than 10”, so it’s worth paying attention to the size.
Otherwise, the purchased conga head won’t fit, and it won’t be used as intended. Covered with a synthetic material, this product can be a good investment for students, as it has a longer lifespan than natural products.
Rawhide heads, when exposed to weather and humidity, can stretch or shrink. Synthetic drumheads have better behavior in this direction, maintaining their properties for longer regardless of weather or external factors.
9) Remo M7S110F5 11-Inch Tucked Fiberskyn 3 Conga Drumhead, F5
This product is similar to the one presented previously, only that this one was made to suit 11” conga heads. Also, a synthetic drumhead, this product from Remo, could exceed a player’s expectations.
As a conga head made out of synthetic materials, it will be much more resilient. Synthetic drumheads have a lower deformation degree when exposed to external factors, stretching and shrinking less than natural drumheads.
So, to acquire more experience and skill before investing in conga heads made out of rawhide, this product will certainly help out due to its sturdiness. With an F5 film and tucked in design, this drumhead will indeed be very sturdy under the beats of students.
10) Latin Percussion LP265B 11-3/4-Inch Mounted Rawhide Conga Head
In order to be able to use this drumhead, the player will have to own a conga made by the same brand. In other words, this product works only when paired with a Latin Percussion conga of 11 ¾ inch playing length belonging to the Comfort Curve II series and featuring a traditional rim.
So, it’s possible to see just how specific some details must be to make sure a conga head fits. This is why one should always check the specifications of each conga head, before finding a suitable one for the instrument he or she uses.
It is worth mentioning that this product is made out of rawhide and comes at a rather good price tag. It is possible to find it more affordable than other synthetic drumheads. While this is great, it’s worth making sure the instrument is stored right, to avoid the deformation of the drumhead.
11) Remo Drum Set, 12.5-inch (M7-1250-F6)
It is very hard to believe that this conga head is made out of a synthetic material when it looks so real. Remo has a way of waking drumheads that manage to mimic not just the aspect of rawhide, but also its properties as well. So, this product brings together the beautiful looks and sound of a rawhide head, while offering extended endurance.
It will stay the same after house and hours of playing, both in the studio and outside the studio. Made to suit larger congas, of 12.5 inches, this head has an F6 film. This will make it resilient and will provide the rich sound conga players are after.
There are high chances a player will like the tone of this conga head and appreciated the patented tucked design of this brand.
12) Evans Tri-Center Conga Head, Fits LP 12-1/2 Inch Professional Series
For conga players that are not keen on purchasing drumheads made out of animal skins, this product is the ideal compromise. This Evans conga head is made entirely out of synthetic material, while successfully managing to avoid the issues that come along with this type of material.
So, the player can expect to hear the conga deliver rich and warm sounds. The innovative design of the head’s central area, the Tri-Center solution, helps the player minimize the presence of overtones while enhancing the instrument’s fundamental tone.
In other words, he or she will have a conga that will sound like a conga. The products made and provided by Evans are made in the USA only, so quality and reliability are guaranteed. And there might be no regrets for purchasing a synthetic drumhead, as this model is made to offer the same feeling as a natural skin drumhead.
13) Remo M4-1175-N6-D 11.75-Inch Nuskyn D1 Crimplock Symmetry Conga Drumhead
For students, this Remo drumhead can be a very good start. Synthetic drumheads are more resistant and don’t need as much attention as those made out of natural skin. At the same time, they are capable of producing a wider range of sounds when the instrument is played.
Thus, students can get used to a more versatile playing style, refining their skills and preferences as they accumulate more experience. The best part is that this drumhead is capable of replicating natural skin extremely well, so a student will get used to the sound.
As skills are developed, he or she will be able to choose whether to continue using a synthetic drumhead or opt for a natural one. Regardless of choice, Remo will always provide reliable products.
14) Latin Percussion CP636A 9-Inch Rawhide Conga Head for CP636-WRB
Made out of genuine rawhide, this conga head will suit only the CP636-WRB congas. So, this product can represent an option only if such a conga is used. If not, this product won’t be a good fit. But if it is a fit, this conga head can represent a great purchase. It will produce full-bodied sounds, and it is very easy to install on the right conga.
The player will need, however, a lug wrench to properly tune the drumhead, once it is on its position. Other than this, there aren’t any other troubles installing this head on the right kind of conga.
As a recommendation, the conga head should be detuned after using it, as a drumhead made out of rawhide that is stretched a lot can lose its properties in time. So, doing this will prolong its life.
15) Meinl Percussion HHEAD11 11-Inch Headliner Conga Head
For conga players that don’t mind getting a few bucks extra out of their pockets for a better drumhead, this product offered by Meinl can be a great choice. Made out of carefully selected buffalo skin, this drumhead will sound beautifully without a doubt.
At the same time, it will require additional care and maintenance to preserve its properties. But, no matter how great this drumhead is, it will only fit a particular type of conga. The product was created to fit the Meinl 11” Headliner Conga, so this is a detail you need to pay attention to.
Even if an 11” conga is used by the player, this drumhead may still not fit due to certain particularities. It’s not worth taking the risk because it’s possible to find drumheads compatible with your instrument.
16) Remo Symmetry Skyndeep Conga Drumhead - Calfskin Graphic, 9.75"
When choosing a Remo drumhead, there are slim chances to choose wrong. If the size fits the used conga, then there’s nothing to worry about. But, do pay attention to the details of this product, as it says “calfskin graphic”. This means that it will only look like genuine calfskin, not being made out of real calfskin.
Yes, the product we have here is made out of synthetic materials, but with an incredible resemblance to natural calfskin, typical for Remo drumheads. The company knows how to make high-quality drumheads out of synthetic materials, so they look exactly like those made out of rawhide.
And the best part is that their performance is very close to those as well. So, it is possible to get a durable drumhead that behaves well in time, with minimum effort and attention.
17) Remo Conga Drumhead, Tucked, 12.5", SKYNDEEP,"Black Calfskin" Graphic
Those caring about quality will certainly enjoy a Remo drumhead. This brand knows how to deliver, whether it’s about synthetic or natural skin drumheads. Made out of calfskin, this drumhead looks and feels apart. It has a dark grey color and a great texture.
It is worth mentioning that the manufacturing company uses a unique method for embedding the ink in the skin, without affecting its properties. Thus, the tones it will produce are crisp and vibrant, while the design is one that will attract all the attention around the player.
If it’s possible to invest in a Remo drumhead, this product will give you all the reasons to do so. It is the kind of product that will not let a player down.
18) Remo Conga Drumhead, Symmetry, 11.06" D2, NUSKYN
If the playing length of the conga is just above 11”, it’s possible to take this product into consideration. This conga head from Remo is a synthetic one, but capable of making an instrument sound just like when using a natural drumhead.
This means that high pitched tones, often found in the case of synthetic drumheads, are out of the question. It’s great that Remo found such a solution, as synthetic drumheads are more resistant to external factors and extended use.
They have a lower stretching and shrinking rate than natural drumheads, so this kind of product can be a great investment for the long term. And Remo drumheads may cost a little more than other brands, but at least the player invests in a high-quality product.
19) Latin Percussion LPM914 4-1/2-Inch Mini Tunable Conga Head
This conga head has a size that will suit mini congas only. Check the size and type of the instrument before purchasing a drumhead, to make sure it fits well. Using the drumhead will not be an option if it’s too large, as it will wobble, and it will be impossible to secure it right.
Latin Percussion is a brand that enjoys using rawhide for the making of its drumheads. This product is no exception to this rule. So, for players that want a rawhide drumhead for their mini conga, this product can suit their needs. While it is not that hard to install, there’s the need for some tools to make sure it is well secured and tuned after setup.
A ratchet of lug wrench will help out, so it is worth having them around to install this drumhead on the designated conga.
20) Meinl Percussion Head by REMO
Anyone looking for a contrasting conga head for your instrument should take a look at this black calfskin drumhead from Meinl. However, it is worth mentioning that this product is made out of the highest quality polyester, so we are talking about a synthetic drumhead.
The “calfskin” is only the texture, aspect, and performance of the product, as it is not made out of real calfskin. But, even so, there’s no need to worry about the way the conga will sound. This is a great quality product that will deliver high performances.
Also, in comparison with natural skin drumheads, this one is more resistant to weather-related factors. So, there are lower chances for the conga head to get deformed due to high-humidity or a too dry environment.
Choosing the Best Conga Heads
At first, getting a drumhead for a conga can seem like an easy task. But, after taking a closer look at this list, it’s easy to see that it’s not so. There are quite a few details to consider in order to enjoy a well-selected and high-quality product.
Size should be the main concern of the player when shopping for a conga head. It is a must for the head to fit the size of the owned conga. So, measure the playing length of the instrument with care, positioning the measuring tape in the middle of the head’s rim on both sides.
And always measure the middle line of the head, as it is the longest. Then, concerning the material of the drumhead, this is more of personal preference.
Today’s synthetic drumheads are made to sound very much like a natural skin drumhead, so the differences will be hard to notice. Not to mention that synthetic drumheads are more resilient and require little maintenance.
2) Remo M7S100F5 10-Inch Tucked Fiberskyn 3 Conga Drumhead
- Original tone qualities
- Made out of rawhide
- Durable
- Traditional feel and sound
1) Remo Tucked Nuskyn Conga Drumhead
- Made out of natural animal skin
- Wrapped around a steel ring
- Durable
- Warm sound
3) Evans Tri-Center Conga Drum Head
- Bright and penetrating slap tone
- 11" drum head with two plies of 10mil film with a 2.25" patch between
- Manufactured in the USA