Latin Percussion LP1400-UG Udu Drum Udongo II

Name: Latin Percussion LP1400-UG Udu Drum Udongo II
Brand: Latin Percussion
SKU: LP1400-UG

★★★★★3.4 (11 reviews)

A dual-chambered clay udu drum that produces everything from mellow, dry tones to bright, wet textures.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Latin Percussion LP1400-UG Udu Drum Udongo II is a clay percussion instrument rooted in the West African udu tradition, reimagined with a dual-chamber design that significantly expands its expressive range. Each chamber produces a distinct character — one delivering mellow, round, dry tones and the other producing bright, sharp, wet sounds. By striking, tapping, and manipulating the openings with your palms and fingers, you can coax an impressive variety of textures from a single instrument, including the signature "whining" sound created by modulating air pressure over an opening.

The two-headed layout makes the Udongo II particularly accessible for bongo players, as the dual-chamber positioning mirrors the feel of playing a pair of bongos. This makes it a natural addition to a percussionist's setup for studio sessions, acoustic performances, or world music ensembles where organic, pitched drum tones add depth and atmosphere. Like all clay instruments, it requires thoughtful handling and transport, but the tonal rewards — rich, resonant, and unlike anything a synthetic drum can produce — make it a compelling voice for any percussion collection.

Key Features

Rich, extreme textures between chambers, ranging from mellow, round dry sounds to bright, sharp, wet sounds

Unique "whining" sound can be created

Two headed design is ideal for the bongo player

Item Package Quantity: 1

Specifications

Brand

Latin Percussion

Model

LP1400-UG

Material

Clay

Design

Two-Headed (Dual Chamber)

Sound Range

Mellow/Dry to Bright/Wet Textures

Special Effect

Whining Sound

Country of Origin

Not Specified

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Two chambers offer a wide tonal range within a single instrument
Clay construction delivers the authentic, resonant udu sound
Capable of producing a distinctive "whining" effect not found on standard hand drums
Dual-headed layout is intuitive for players with bongo experience

👎 Cons

Clay body is fragile and vulnerable to cracking if dropped or knocked over
Relatively niche instrument with a learning curve for players unfamiliar with udu technique
No built-in mounting option, requiring lap or surface placement during performance
Limited dynamic range compared to membrane-headed percussion instruments

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sounds can the LP Udongo II produce?

It produces a wide range of textures across its two chambers — from mellow, round, dry tones to bright, sharp, wet sounds — plus a unique "whining" effect created by manipulating the openings.

Why is the two-headed design described as ideal for bongo players?

The two chambers are positioned similarly to a pair of bongos, so players familiar with bongo technique can apply similar hand patterns to play both chambers naturally.

What material is the Udongo II made from?

It is made from clay, which is the traditional material for udu drums and is essential to producing their characteristic resonant, pitched tones.

How is the "whining" sound created on this drum?

The whining effect is produced by covering and uncovering one of the openings with your hand while striking or tapping the body, changing the air pressure inside the chamber.