Best Steel Bongos of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Steel bongos are a popular musical instrument that originated in Cuba and are now played all over the world. They consist of two drums of different sizes, typically made of steel or wood, attached to each other. The smaller drum is called the macho and the larger drum is called the hembra. Steel bongos produce a bright and crisp sound that can be used in a variety of musical styles including Latin, jazz, and pop. They are a great addition to any percussionist's collection and are suitable for both beginners and professionals.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Meinl Percussion Double Bongo Stand Cover #TOP 1
Meinl Percussion Double Bongo Stand
ftb score rating icon 9.9
LP Latin Percussion 8" Kuhglocke Bongo Cover #TOP 2
LP Latin Percussion 8" Kuhglocke Bongo
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Meinl Percussion Bongo Stand for Two Bongos Cover #TOP 3
Meinl Percussion Bongo Stand for Two Bongos
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Steel Bongos

#TOP 1

Meinl Percussion Double Bongo Stand

THBS-BK
black
Meinl Percussion Double Bongo Stand Cover
Meinl Percussion Bongo Stand Accessory - Double Stand for Two Bongos - Steel, Black (THBS-BK)

The Meinl Bongo Stand offers excellent compatibility with nearly all standard bongos, ensuring improved stability while you play. You can easily adjust the height from 86 cm to 130 cm, allowing for a customised playing experience that suits your preferences. The angle adjustable feature enhances your playing comfort, making it easier to find the perfect position. Whether you're at home, in a studio, or performing live, this stand is designed to meet your needs effortlessly.

What We Like
Compatible with standard bongos
Height adjustable for comfort
Angle adjustable for better playability
Versatile for various settings
#TOP 2

LP Latin Percussion 8" Kuhglocke Bongo

ES-9
Silver
LP Latin Percussion 8" Kuhglocke Bongo Cover
LP Latin Percussion Kuhglocke Salsa Sergio Bongo 8" Handmodell, brushed steel, ES-9

The LP Kuhglocke Bongo is a hand-held percussion instrument crafted from brushed steel. Its 8-inch size ensures portability, allowing you to easily incorporate it into various musical settings. The deeper pitch and lively overtone produce vibrant sounds that are perfect for Latin music, enhancing your overall performance. Named after renowned New York Latin music producer Sergio George, this bongo not only offers quality sound but also pays homage to the rich heritage of Latin music. Made in the USA, it guarantees durability and reliability for any musician.

What We Like
Portable and easy to use
Produces vibrant Latin music sounds
Durable brushed steel construction
Honours Latin music heritage
Made in the USA
#TOP 3

Meinl Percussion Bongo Stand for Two Bongos

TMB-S
chrome
Meinl Percussion Bongo Stand for Two Bongos Cover
Meinl Percussion Professional Bongo Stand - Double Stand for Seated Play of Two Bongos - Steel, Chrome (TMB-S)

The Meinl Bongo Stand offers excellent stability for your playing experience, compatible with nearly all standard bongos. Its height is adjustable from 31 cm to 51 cm, allowing you to find the perfect position for comfort. The stand features a sturdy metal bracket that securely holds your bongos in place, preventing any movement while you play. Additionally, the angle of the holder is adjustable, enhancing your playing comfort during long sessions. Whether at home or on the go, this stand is ideal for jam sessions, studio recordings, and performances.

What We Like
Compatible with standard bongos
Height adjustable for comfort
Secure metal bracket included
Flexible angle for easy play
Ideal for various settings
#TOP 4

Meinl Percussion Double Bongo Stand

THBS
Silver
Meinl Percussion Double Bongo Stand Cover
Meinl Percussion Bongo Stand Accessory - Double Stand for Two Bongos - Steel, Chrome (THBS)

The Meinl Double Bongo Stand is an essential accessory for any bongo player. With its compatibility with nearly all standard bongos, you can enjoy improved stability during your performances. The height adjustable feature allows you to set the stand between 86 cm and 130 cm, ensuring it suits your playing style perfectly. Furthermore, the angle adjustable design enhances your comfort while playing, making it easier to express your musicality. Ideal for jam sessions, studio recordings, or live performances, this stand is a versatile addition to your musical setup.

What We Like
Highly stable for performance
Adjustable height for comfort
Flexible angle for better play
Suitable for various settings
#TOP 5

LP Kuhglocke Salsa Claro Bongo 7.25"

ES-13
Silver
LP Kuhglocke Salsa Claro Bongo 7.25" Cover
LP Latin Percussion Kuhglocke Salsa Claro Bongo 7,25" Handmodell, brushed steel, Bongo-Glocke für einen hellen, lebendigen Sound, ES-13

The LP Salsa Claro Bongo is a versatile 7.25” hand-held instrument crafted from brushed steel. Its patented compact bongo bell produces a bright and lively sound, making it perfect for various musical styles. Being made in the USA, you can expect quality craftsmanship. This bongo bell is designed for easy handling, allowing you to enhance your performances with vibrant tones, whether you're practising at home or playing in a band.

What We Like
Bright, lively sound
Compact and portable
Quality craftsmanship
Hand-held design
#TOP 6

LP Latin Percussion Aspire Walnut Bongo Set

LPA601-SW
Walnut
8-Inch
LP Latin Percussion Aspire Walnut Bongo Set Cover
LP Latin Percussion LP810500 Aspire Walnut Bongo

The LP Aspire Bongo features high-quality siam walnut shells that provide a rich, warm tone, making them ideal for a variety of musical styles. With natural rawhide heads measuring 6 3/4" and 8", you will enjoy a responsive sound that enhances your playing experience. The ez curve rims offer improved comfort while playing, allowing for longer practice sessions without discomfort. Additionally, the robust 9/32" diameter tuning lugs ensure that your bongo remains perfectly in tune, giving you confidence during performances.

What We Like
High-quality wood construction
Responsive natural rawhide heads
Comfortable ez curve rims
Reliable tuning stability
#TOP 7

Nino Percussion Height-Adjustable Bongo Stand

NINO20
Silver,Black
Nino Percussion Height-Adjustable Bongo Stand Cover
Nino Percussion Bongo Stand Bongostand - Height-adjustable Stand for Children's Bongo Instruments - Steel, Chrome-plated (NINO20)

The Nino Percussion Bongo Stand is tailored for children and smaller individuals, with a maximum height of 110 cm. You can easily adjust the height steplessly from approximately 78 cm to 110 cm, allowing you to find the perfect position for comfort. Additionally, the stand can be tilted at an adjustable angle of up to 90 degrees, making it suitable for both standing and sitting play. With three rubber feet, it provides a secure playing experience while protecting your floors from damage.

What We Like
Height adjustable for comfort
Suitable for standing or sitting
Non-slip rubber feet
Compatible with most bongo models
#TOP 8

Latin Percussion Traditional Dark Wood Bongos

CP221-DW
Dark Wood
Latin Percussion Traditional Dark Wood Bongos Cover
Latin Percussion LP810002 CP Traditional Bongos - Dark Wood

The Latin Percussion Bongos feature sturdy siam oak shells, providing a rich, warm tone for your music. With heads measuring 6 3/4" and 8" made from natural rawhide, you can expect a responsive and authentic sound that enhances your playing experience. The traditional rims ensure a comfortable grip while playing, allowing you to focus on your rhythm. Additionally, the 1/4" diameter tuning lugs and Cuban style steel bottoms make tuning and maintenance easy, ensuring your bongos sound great every time.

What We Like
High-quality siam oak shells
Responsive natural rawhide heads
Comfortable traditional rims
Easy tuning with steel bottoms
#TOP 9

Latin Percussion City Bongos in Vintage Sunburst

LP601NY-VSB
-inch
Latin Percussion City Bongos in Vintage Sunburst Cover
Latin Percussion LP810204 City Bongos - Vintage Sunburst

The Latin Percussion City Bongos are designed in two convenient sizes of 6" and 7", making them easy to handle for players of all skill levels. Crafted from durable Siam Oak with a striking Vintage Sunburst finish, these bongos not only look great but also produce rich, warm sounds. The natural rawhide heads enhance the tonal quality, allowing you to create authentic rhythms. Additionally, the EZ Curve hoops improve playability, giving you a comfortable experience while playing.

What We Like
Durable Siam Oak construction
Attractive Vintage Sunburst finish
Natural rawhide heads for rich sound
EZ Curve hoops for comfort
#TOP 10

LP Latin Percussion 8" Bongo Cowbell

ES-3
Silver
LP Latin Percussion 8" Bongo Cowbell Cover
LP Latin Percussion Bongo Cowbell BONGO CWB ES-3, Silver

The LP Bongo Cowbell is an 8" hand-held instrument crafted from brushed steel. It produces a dominant fundamental tone with a medium pitch, making it ideal for cutting through loud percussion sections during performances. This feature ensures that your sound stands out, allowing you to engage your audience effectively. Being made in the USA, it reflects quality craftsmanship and durability, promising you a reliable addition to your musical toolkit.

What We Like
Hand-held convenience
Dominant tone quality
Medium pitch suitable for loud settings
Durable brushed steel construction
Quality made in the USA
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our steel bongo research, we found 26 steel bongo products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,572 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steel bongos list. We found that most customers choose steel bongos with an average price of £87.74.

The steel bongos are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steel bongos, including Meinl Percussion, Latin Percussion, Nino Percussion.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.