13 Best Conga Drum Reviews 2022 – Best Conga Drum Brands

Best Conga Drum & Best Conga Drum Brands

Best Conga Drum & Best Conga Drum Brands

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Conga is a single-headed, narrow and tall Cuban drum from the African origin. Just like the barrels, it is staved and divided into three different types. Those who are professional know well about the types and functional capabilities.

It is an old yet significant musical instrument and there has been a recent increase in the number of people who are showing interest in learning this beautiful instrument. It has never been out of the industry. Owing to its increasing demand, rising number of brands and companies are manufacturing these drums. There are several popular names that are supplying world-class Conga drums in various different price ranges.

With such huge variety and great diversity in the options available out there in the markets and online, it becomes really tough and overwhelming to choose the best.

There is no standard for the best Conga drum as each player has his own preferences. There are certain factors that you should keep in mind before making your purchase. Such factors include your skill level, personal choice, the objective of purchase and most importantly your budget.

What are the Best Conga Drums to Buy?

2) Toca 2300AMB Conga Drum

  • High Standard
  • Great Sound
  • Black Powder-Coated
  • Handcrafted

1) Meinl Percussion HC512WRB Conga Set

  • High Quality
  • Reputable Brand
  • Black Powder-Coated
  • Great for All

3) Lp Lpm198 Mini Tunable Wood Conga Natural

  • Affordable
  • Great Value
  • Lightweight
  • Natural Rawhide
  • Comfortable 

It is important to consider all of these but prior to the factors, there is something more important than that. First, you should have a detailed knowledge of the construction, types and functional abilities of different kinds. Only then you can make a better decision.

Construction

Majority of the modern drums are made of fiberglass shell or staved wood and feature a screw tension system of the drumhead. Beating the drum with palm or fingers of the hand, these are mostly played in the set of two, three or four.

How to Play the Conga Drum?

There are different tones that can be produced depending on the strokes. There are different strokes involved in playing Congas.

Open Tone

Playing with four fingers closer to the rim of the head will deliver a clear, distinct pitch and a resonant tone.

Muffled Tone

The muffled tone is also created by beating the drum with four fingers but the fingers are held against drum’s head.

Bass

You can also produce this low muted tone by beating the drum head with your half palm.

Slap

This one is a bit difficult. In order to produce a clear, loud and popping sound, players are required to be more active and strike fast after small intervals.

Touch

This is produced by touching the drum head with the palm heels or fingers. If you want to deliver a performance similar to that of drum rolls, you can combine the touch of fingers and palms.

Tuning

The Conga drums feature a diverse range and can adjust the tunes to produce various notes. The old and traditional drums are tuned by the adjustment of tension ropes and knots that are there on the drumhead. The latest Conga drums have a different system. For their tuning, a system comprising screw and lug is designed which is an easier way.

13 Best Conga Drum Reviews and the Best Conga Drum Brands

Following are the reviews of some of the majorly used and popular types. Give it a read and make a well-informed decision.

1) Meinl Percussion HC512WRB Headliner Series 11-Inch and 12-Inch Conga Set With Basket Stands

You must have heard about Meinl percussion if you have been into the music industry. This is a well-reputed name that is known for its attractive designs and flawless construction.

Its size measurements include 15.6 x 16.1 x 29.9 inches and the weight is 28 pounds. This is a full-sized set made exclusively for the all musicians and helps the players to perform with more comfort and enhanced efficiency. It delivers pleasing warm tones and amplified sound projection.

This pair of Conga drums is perfect to take a start as you will have a great learning experience with this. It features sturdy tuning lugs of 8 mm and rounded rims of 2mm. It includes genuine tuning brackets of Meinl style and handpicked buffalo heads.

The hardware is coated with black powder and the finishing in the high gloss makes it more attractive. The rubberwood construction makes it a reliable choice for the beginners and others. It comes in Wine Burst Red color and the striking look is the first thing that you will notice in this set. Some other colors are also available including Natural, Maple, pearl white and Vintage Sunburst.

2) Toca 2300AMB Conga Drum

Toca Percussion is a known name in the world of music. It is famous for the production and supply of high standard percussion instruments. Like its other instruments, the Conga drums it manufactures are also amazing.

Among the entire line of Toca Congas, the 2300AMB is phenomenal in performance. It is a wonderful choice for exploring your skills and to enhance them. The astonishing sound quality delivered by this 2300AMB drum makes is a more desirable choice.

It features natural rawhide heads and a size of 4 x 15 x 15 inches. The weight is not much, it weighs only 6 pounds. The light weight makes it more portable and offers more comfort for the play. The hardware is coated with black powder and it features 28 inches long double plywood shell construction that makes it a sturdier option.

This conga drum is handcrafted with great care and the design is kept simple. Amber color makes it appealing to the eyes and gives it a decent outlook.

3) Lp Lpm198 Mini Tunable Wood Conga Natural

Lp has always been known for making and supplying the top quality percussion instruments. Each of its instruments offers out-class performance and enhanced durability. Like all other instruments, the one under discussion here is also matchless in terms of design, quality, and functionality.

The dimensions include 11.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches and its weight is just 3.05 pounds. This lightweight instrument gives stunning sound quality and you will be amazed by it. Although it is small in size the sound it delivers is clear and big.

The manufacturing material is wisely chosen to enhance the durability and to maintain the high standard. Its head comprises the natural rawhide and the drum structure is made by using high quality siam oak. The mini comfort curve rims are also added. This simple looking instrument is made with attention to detail and produces amazing results.

The elegant and decent outlook is one of the main reasons why people prefer it. The logo of Lp adds beauty to its appearance.

The price is also affordable. For those who want to take a good start at an economical price and with a strongly constructed instrument, it is the most suitable option.

4) Lp Wb2040 World Beat Caribe Conga

The graceful design, catchy outlook, simple style, and robust construction make this model of Lp a smart choice. It is built to provide a more convenient and pleasant playing experience to the players.

The dimensions include 13 x 22 x 12 inches and it weighs just 13.22 pounds. Try your hands on this one and enjoy playing pleasing warm tones with improved projection of sound.

It is made with kiln dried Siam Oak and features 9 inches head and EZ curve rims in black color. These rims make the play easier as compared to the rims that are made in traditional style. In order to make the tuning more comfortable, a wrench is also included. Make the adjustments as you need and play in your own style.

For providing a more joyous on efficient learning experience, it comes with a carrying strap. Using the strap you can easily carry the drum and play skillfully. The size is kept small so that it can be carried over the shoulder without any trouble. Particularly, the beginners will love to perform with this conga drum because of the added comfort.

5) Latin Percussion LP Galaxy Giovanni Series 11-3/4″ Wood Conga

This marvellous addition from Lp is one of the best sellers and is famous for its exclusive shell design and solid construction. The quality is matchless and it delivers a stunning sound quality. Professional player choose this one because of its commendable results and it takes the performance to a whole new level.

It is 35.7 pounds in weight and this heavy instrument gives a very solid and powerful sound. The attack, warmth, and resonance it delivers are unmatched and you won’t find such phenomenal results with any other conga drum.

This spectacular conga is handcrafted and comprises top-notch American Ash wood and the deep, glossy finish adds to its outlook and makes it more attention-grabbing. It is wisely designed and includes the heart side plates that are secured well with backing plate and three bolts. It comes complete with a Drum sack in which you can keep it after the use.

Grab it and play some fantastic rich and mild tones, cracking highs and strong bass tones with superb sound protection.

6) Meinl Percussion Conga Drum

It is more suitable for those who like the sound and style of traditional and old Cuban drums. The design is kept simple and the decent outlook makes it a preferable one. Made with extensive attention to detail, this conga drum is well constructed and offers a superb sound quality. It generates wondrous tones and gives a remarkable playing experience. All levels of musicians will enjoy their performance with this classic model.

Its size in 19.1 x 30 x 19.1 inches and it has a weight of 22.1 pounds. The structure includes high-class and sustainable double plywood and conventional tuning rims in the Cuban style. It comes with a natural matte finish and the simple outlook is what makes it more appealing to the eyes.

It features handpicked skin buffalo heads, whose thickness and sonic characteristics make it a fantastic choice. Moreover, it has strong and good quality tuning lugs of 8 mm, and black powder coated hardware. The traditional TTR rims of 4 mm are also included. These are placed closer to the shell and increase the conga sound.

7) Latin Percussion LP City Wood Congas 10″ & 11″ Set

This aesthetic set of conga drums will make you fall for its delicate design and attractive colors. The solid construction and handy features add to its plus points and the high-quality performance makes it the first choice of musicians. It offers convenience for all levels of players and delivers solid sound.

The size dimensions include 31.5 x 15.5 x 29.5 inches and the weight is 23.9 pounds. It consists of 10 and 11 inches Siam oak shells that feature rawhide heads, 9/32 inches lugs, and coated hardware in black powder. The rubber bottom adds more stability to it.

It comes complete with a double stand. The height of the stand can be adjusted so that you can play more comfortably. The Vintage Sunburst finish makes it more wonderful. The looks are gorgeous and the playability is excellent. This is built to deliver rich tones and the strong construction makes it more durable.

It is a great option for those who want a comfortable playing experience with the good quality of sound. The set of wood congas does not include any gig bag and you will have to buy that separately.

8) Lp Aspire Wood Conga 12 In Natural

The entire line of Lp Conga drums is wonderful. The ones we are mentioning here are more famous than the others because of their functional efficiency and usable features. The Aspire Conga is one of those that are usually recommended by the mentors.

The size dimensions of this elegant instrument include 16 x 30 x 17 inches and it weighs 27.6 pounds. This heavy Conga also delivers a strong and powerful sound that will leave you astonished.

Specifications of Lp Aspire Conga 12 include top-quality Siam oak with 2 ply shell and a natural rawhide head, like in all other Lp conga drums. The EZ curve rims are also included for providing a pleasant playing and practice time.

Its side plates are coated with black powder and features tuning lugs of 9/32 inches diameter. This simple design and soft look make a pleasing impact.

Try this for a delightful playing experience. It delivers wonderful tones and is very easy to handle. Students and starters should choose this one. They would love its huge sound and handy features.

9) Latin Percussion LP646NYCMW LP City Wood 10″/11″ Conga Set with Stand

The sturdy conga set from the Lp is provided at fair rates. It is not easy to find fantastic quality at such affordable rates. For those who have financial constraints but don’t want to compromise on the quality, it is the best choice. Particularly, the starters will find it very suitable.

Its size measurements are 9 x 22 x 30 inches and the total weight measures 24 pounds. The specifications include 10 and 11 Siam oak shells, 9/32 inches lugs and the black powder coated hardware. The set features rubber bottom that provides more stability and enhances the comfort level so that you can play more efficiently.

The construction of the Siam oak adds to its strength and you can keep this sturdy, reliable set for a long time. It comes complete with a standard stand of adjustable height. Thus, you won’t have to purchase that separately.

These 11 and 10 inches drum shells comprise rawhide heads of 7 and 6 inches respectively. It is available in multiple finishing options including dark, natural, and vintage sunburst.

10) Pearl PFC202EDU649 10-Inch and 11-Inch Primero Field Percussion Fiberglass Conga Set 

This conga set comprises 10 and 11 inches drums that are elegant in appearance. The structure, style, design, and outlook are all stunning and it is also the best in terms of functional capabilities.

The size dimensions are 16 x 15 x 30 inches and the total weight is 29 pounds. It is designed to be used in the outdoor settings and this filed conga set is matchless in performance.

It features a fiberglass construction that gives it a delicate and classy outlook and makes it more suitable for the outdoor performances. The Remo fiber skin tucked heads are also included and the structure is made to be strong and durable for longer use.

No gig bag and stand are included with it and you will have to buy those separately if you need. It comes at an economical price and offers the uncompromised quality of sound. Grab it for enjoying the solid sound, enhanced projection,and excellent warm tones.

11) Bossa Nova Mambo Series Conga Set (10″ Quinto & 11″ Segundo) w/ Stand in “Mahogany” Finish

It is a marvellous set that delivers professional quality at fair rates. For those who want to enjoy a performance of professional level at an affordable rate, this is a very suitable option.

The Shells are made of Siam oak which is considered as the most suitable material for the conga drums. The sturdy structure makes this Conga set more durable and one can keep on practicing on this for a longer time. It features contour curve rims and hand-chosen Rawhide skins.

Interestingly, this set is highly suitable for both the stage and studio performances. The loud, rich sound, warm tones, and amplified projection are some of its plus points.

It is best for the players of all the levels. Whether you are a newbie or an intermediate player, you will find it commendable. Even the top professionals will enjoy performing with this one. Considering the price, it is truly astonishing. This comes in a very attractive Mahogany lacquer finish.

12) Toca Synergy Fiberglass Conga Set w/ Stand – White

The breathtaking appearance and classy design will make you fall for this conga set. The white color adds more to its elegance and those who like the color are going to get this for sure. The quality of sound and the playability are as fantastic as the outlook is. Thus, it is a perfect choice in all regards. Whether your primary concern is the ease of play or the physical appearance, you are going to like it.

Its shells are 28 inches tall and have fiberglass construction. The head diameters are 10 and 11 inches and they comprise rawhide as most of the conga drums have.

This set comes complete with a double-braced stand. Its height can easily be adjusted. This valuable addition makes it easy for you to perform and saves you a considerable amount of money that you would have spent on buying a separate stand. The white conga drums with black stand look very graceful and are perfect for the outdoor use.

13) Latin Percussion LP City Wood Congas 10″ & 11″ Set – Natural Satin Finish

Here comes one more top-class model by Lp. Each of its Conga drums is best in its own way and the one under discussion here is particularly known for powerful sound and beautiful tones.

The dimensions include 31.5 x 15.5 x 29.5 inches and the weight is 57 pounds. This heavy set delivers the powerful sound of appreciable quality. The natural satin finish maintains its simplicity and those who prefer simpler styles and decent outlook will prefer this.

Its shells comprise widely used Siam Oak and these are 10 and 11 inches tall. The heads are made of rawhide just like most of Lp’s other high-quality conga drums. Other specifications include 9/32 inches tuning lugs and powder coated black hardware. The bottom contains rubber for additional stability and hinders vibrations.

A height adjustable stand is also provided with this conga set. Take a start with this sturdy set and you won’t regret it.

Choosing the Best Conga Drum from the Best Conga Drum Brands

These are the conga drums that are widely used and most recommended by the experts. All these have different plus points.

2) Toca 2300AMB Conga Drum

  • High Standard
  • Great Sound
  • Black Powder-Coated
  • Handcrafted

1) Meinl Percussion HC512WRB Conga Set

  • High Quality
  • Reputable Brand
  • Black Powder-Coated
  • Great for All

3) Lp Lpm198 Mini Tunable Wood Conga Natural

  • Affordable
  • Great Value
  • Lightweight
  • Natural Rawhide
  • Comfortable 

The question is which one you should go for?

Well, the answer is simple. First, you have to define your budget, the total money that you are willing to spend. We have mentioned models of different price ranges. You can choose any of these models. But prior to that, you should keep one thing in mind. Remember, starters should go for beginner models that are not too expensive.

Although if you have the budget, still, you should start with an entry level Conga drum. It will help you to learn in a better way. Once you decide to be serious in the learning, you can go for other options.