Best Wood Bongos of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Wood bongos are a percussion instrument that consists of two small open-ended drums of different sizes. These drums are made from high-quality wood and are designed to produce a unique sound that is both lively and rhythmic. Wood bongos are commonly used in a variety of musical genres, including Latin, jazz, and world music. They are easy to play and suitable for both beginners and professionals. With their distinctive sound and elegant design, wood bongos are a great addition to any musician's collection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

LP Latin Percussion Miniature Bongo LPM199-AW Cover #TOP 1
LP Latin Percussion Miniature Bongo LPM199-AW
ftb score rating icon 9.9
LP Latin Percussion Matador Wood Bongo with Chrome Hardware Cover #TOP 2
LP Latin Percussion Matador Wood Bongo with Chrome Hardware
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Meinl Percussion Wood Bongos with Tuning Key Cover #TOP 3
Meinl Percussion Wood Bongos with Tuning Key
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Wood Bongos

#TOP 1

LP Latin Percussion Miniature Bongo LPM199-AW

LPM199-AW
Natural
LP Latin Percussion Miniature Bongo LPM199-AW Cover
LP Latin Percussion Natural Wood Bongo LPM199-AW Mini Bongo

The LP Bongo LPM199-AW is a delightful miniature replica of the renowned LP Generation II bongos. With 3.5" and 4.125" heads, these bongos provide a compact yet authentic drumming experience. The Mini Comfort Curve II rims offer comfort during play, making it easier for you to enjoy extended sessions. Additionally, the rubber feet ensure stability, preventing any unwanted movement while you're playing. Furthermore, the tunable feature allows you to adjust the pitch, giving you complete control over your sound.

What We Like
Compact size for easy transport
Comfortable playing experience
Stable with rubber feet
Adjustable tuning for sound control
#TOP 2

LP Latin Percussion Matador Wood Bongo with Chrome Hardware

M201-ABW
8.625-inch
LP Latin Percussion Matador Wood Bongo with Chrome Hardware Cover
LP Latin Percussion Matador Wood Bongo Almond Brown Chrome Hardware M201-ABW

The LP Matador Wood Bongo features shells made from durable siam oak, ensuring a rich and warm sound that enhances your performances. Its natural rawhide heads, measuring 7 1⁄4" and 8 5/8", provide excellent resonance and projection, perfect for both practice and live settings. With traditional rims, you can enjoy a comfortable playing experience, allowing for easy hand techniques. The chrome-plated tuning lugs and cast aluminium bottoms provide stability and reliability, making tuning simple and straightforward for users.

What We Like
Durable siam oak shells
Natural rawhide heads
Comfortable traditional rims
Stable chrome-plated hardware
#TOP 3

Meinl Percussion Wood Bongos with Tuning Key

HTB100WB-M
Brown
Meinl Percussion Wood Bongos with Tuning Key Cover
Meinl Percussion Bongos Headliner Wood - 2 hand drums with 6.75 and 8 inches - including tuning key - Siam Oak, Brown (HTB100WB-M)

The Meinl Bongos are perfect for musicians looking to enhance their sound. Featuring two hand drums, the smaller Macho (6.75 inches) and larger Hembra (8 inches) provide a versatile rhythmic accompaniment for singers and songwriters. The hand-selected buffalo heads ensure an authentic sound, allowing you to deliver the best performance possible. The non-slip rubber feet offer a secure playing experience, protecting your surfaces and giving you confidence while you play.

What We Like
Authentic buffalo head sound
Secure, non-slip design
Traditional TTR rims
Compact for easy transport
#TOP 4

Meinl Percussion Headliner Wood Bongos Set

HB100NT
Natural
Einheitsgröße
Meinl Percussion Headliner Wood Bongos Set Cover
Meinl Percussion Bongos Headliner Wood - 2 hand drums with 6.75 and 8 inches - including tuning key - Siam Oak, Natural (HB100NT)

The Meinl Bongos are perfect for adding rhythmic accompaniment to any performance. With a smaller Macho drum at 6.75 inches and a larger Hembra drum at 8 inches, you can easily create a variety of sounds. The hand-selected buffalo heads ensure an authentic sound, enhancing your music experience. Additionally, the non-slip rubber feet provide a secure playing feel, allowing you to focus on your performance without worrying about stability. The rounded rims offer extra comfort, making it easier for you to play for extended periods.

What We Like
Authentic sound quality
Secure playing experience
Comfortable to play
Compact size for portability
#TOP 5

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 6

Meinl Percussion Wood Bongos with Tuning Key

HB100VSB
Vintage Sunburst
Meinl Percussion Wood Bongos with Tuning Key Cover
Meinl Percussion Bongos Headliner Wood - 2 hand drums with 6.75 and 8 inches - including tuning key - Siam Oak, Vintage Sunburst (HB100VSB)

The Meinl Bongos are an excellent choice for musicians seeking a compact musical accompaniment. With two hand drums, the smaller Macho (6.75 inches) and the larger Hembra (8 inches), these bongos allow for versatile playing. The hand-selected buffalo heads provide an authentic sound, enhancing your musical experience. Their non-slip design, featuring eight rubber feet, ensures a secure grip while protecting your surfaces. Additionally, the rounded rims offer increased comfort during play, making it easier for you to express your creativity.

What We Like
Authentic buffalo head sound
Secure non-slip design
Comfortable rounded rims
Compact and versatile
#TOP 7

LP Latin Percussion Aspire Wood Bongo Set

LPA601-DW
Dark Wood
-inch
LP Latin Percussion Aspire Wood Bongo Set Cover
LP Latin Percussion Aspire Wood Bongo Dark Wood LPA601-DW

The LP Aspire Wood Bongo is designed for both beginner and experienced players. With sizes of 6 3/4" and 8", these bongos offer versatility for various musical styles. The body, crafted from Siam Oak and finished in dark wood, ensures durability and a rich sound. Featuring natural rawhide heads, you can expect a warm tone that enhances your performances. The Aspire EZ Curve hoops make tuning simple, allowing you to easily adjust the sound to your preference.

What We Like
Versatile size options
Durable Siam Oak body
Rich sound from rawhide heads
Easy tuning with EZ Curve hoops
#TOP 8

Eastar EBO-1 6 and 7 Inch Bongo Drum

EB0196
Natural finish
6'' and 7''
Eastar EBO-1 6 and 7 Inch Bongo Drum Cover
Eastar EBO-1 Wood 6+7 Bongo Drum

The Eastar EBO-1 Bongo Drum is crafted from superior solid wood, producing a crisp and bright sound that enhances your playing experience. It's designed for all ages, featuring smooth edges to ensure safety for children and beginners alike. The use of real animal skin for the drum heads provides a natural timbre, allowing you to explore different sounds easily. With its simple round rim, you can effortlessly adjust the tone, making it suitable even for those new to drumming.

What We Like
Durable solid wood construction
Safe for all ages
Natural timbre with real skin
Easy tone adjustment
#TOP 9

Meinl Percussion Headliner Wood Bongos Set

HB100VWB-M
Vintage Wine Barrel
Meinl Percussion Headliner Wood Bongos Set Cover
Meinl Percussion Bongos Headliner Wood - 2 hand drums with 6.75 and 8 inches - including tuning key - Siam Oak, Black (HB100VWB-M)

The Meinl Headliner Bongos are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their musical experience. With two drums, the smaller Macho (6.75 inches) and the larger Hembra (8 inches), these bongos provide rhythmic accompaniment perfect for singers and songwriters. The hand-selected buffalo heads ensure an authentic sound, allowing you to create rich musical tones. Plus, the non-slip rubber feet keep the drums secure while you play, protecting your surfaces and enhancing your comfort as you perform.

What We Like
Authentic sound quality
Secure playing experience
Comfortable rounded rims
Compact and portable
#TOP 10

Meinl Percussion Mini Wood Bongos with Tuning Key

FWB100SNT-M
Mini Wood Bongos
Einheitsgröße
Meinl Percussion Mini Wood Bongos with Tuning Key Cover
Meinl Percussion Bongos Mini Wood - 2 small hand drums with 3,5 and 4,25 inches - including tuning key - Siam Oak, Natural (FWB100SNT-M)

The Meinl Mini Wood Bongos are perfectly sized for various musical settings, whether you're jamming with friends or recording in the studio. Their unique curved shell shape ensures you achieve a clear and precise sound, enhancing your overall performance. With the patented Free Ride Suspension System, you can enjoy the freedom of movement while playing, adding a dynamic element to your music. The hand-selected buffalo heads contribute to an authentic sound, making these bongos a fantastic choice for any musician.

What We Like
Handy size for easy transport
Clear, precise sound quality
Free movement while playing
Authentic sound from buffalo heads
Non-slip rubber feet for stability
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of wood are bongos made of?

Bongo shells are traditionally made of oak wood with drum heads made of animal skin (usually rawhide). Modern bongos are made of many different types of wood and use either animal or synthetic skin. The drums also have metal hardware consisting of lugs, tuning rings, the bearing edge, and the center bridge.

2. How much is a bongo worth?

A professional-level set of bongos can be found anywhere from $200 to $500. The price range completely depends on the degree of customization. Toca, for example, makes several bongo drum series that are custom to famous percussionists. The more custom your bongos, the higher the price.

3. Are there different types of bongos?

For example, some “Conga” drums were 11 inches in diameter, which is most commonly used for quinto conga drums....What Are the Different Sizes of Conga Drums?

Editor's Notes

During our wood bongo research, we found 75 wood bongo products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,964 customer reviews through our big data system to write the wood bongos list. We found that most customers choose wood bongos with an average price of £86.96.

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

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.