The Percussionist
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The conga is normally the foundation for most percussion setups. Originally, from African roots (Congolese), the shape and dimensions that we recognize today stem from Cuba. The Cuban term is tumbadora, which began making its mark in Cuba during the early 1930s. The conga provided more “low-end” and overall greater support offered by the bongos, or bongo’. Bongos were the primary rhythmic instrument in son (rhymes with “tone”), which is the folkloric Cuban dance music that started gaining popularity in the early 1900s. Bongos were played as a non-specific soloing and improvising instrument, and the conga soon became the anchor.
These Cuban and rumba conga parts made their way to the sizing and terminology found in common production today. The tumba is the largest, usually 12.5" head diameter, followed by the conga, 11.5", and the quinto is the smallest at 11". Some manufacturers also offer “super” tumbas, 13—14" head sizes, and a smaller “requinto” of 9—10". Today, we refer to a group or set of these hand drums as congas. Historically, you play in a seated position, so comfortable sizing of each drum is usually 28—30" tall. Though the origins are Cuban, you may hear congas in virtually all styles of popular music.

Screen name:
The Percussionist
Member since:
Dec 08 2008
Active over 1 month ago
Level of commitment:
Just for Fun
Years playing music:
25
Tend to practice:
More than 3 times per week

Influences

are nina simone, shiela e, bille h, rinnie r, taste of honey, emotions, hip hop sounds and phillip hyman

EQUIPMENT

congos and computers