Latin Percussion

Latin Percussion LP491-AWC Pedrito Martinez Signature Bata Drum

2.3 (4 reviews)

Pedrito Martinez signature bata drum with Siam Oak shell and natural rawhide heads for authentic Afro-Cuban tone.

$649.99*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Latin Percussion LP491-AWC Pedrito Martinez Signature Bata Drum is a professional-grade medium Itólele built for musicians serious about authentic Afro-Cuban percussion. Developed in close collaboration with Grammy-nominated percussionist Pedrito Martinez, this drum features a longer, more streamlined body than many commercially available batas, closely reflecting the proportions of traditional Cuban instruments. The result is a drum with exceptional tone, resonance, and projection that stands up to the demands of both live performance and studio recording.

The shell is crafted from Siam Oak, a dense hardwood known for its warm tonal characteristics and durability. Both the 5-3/4" and 9" heads are made from natural rawhide, which gives the drum its characteristically bright attack and deep, singing sustain. The lug-tuned system allows players to fine-tune the pitch of each head to suit their playing style or ensemble context. LP includes a black nylon neck strap for comfortable hands-free play, a tuning wrench, and their proprietary Lug Lube to keep the hardware functioning smoothly over years of use. At 25 inches long and 17.3 pounds, this is a substantial instrument built to professional standards.

Key Features

Medium Itolele, 5-3/4" & 9" heads

Siam Oak shell

Natural rawhide heads

Includes black nylon neck strap, tuning wrench, LP Lug Lube

Specifications

Brand
Latin Percussion
Model
LP491-AWC
Type
Bata Drum (Medium Itólele)
Head Sizes
5-3/4" & 9"
Shell Material
Siam Oak
Head Material
Natural Rawhide
Dimensions
13 x 13 x 25 inches
Weight
17.3 lbs
Included Accessories
Black Nylon Neck Strap, Tuning Wrench, LP Lug Lube

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Siam Oak shell produces warm, resonant tone with strong projection.
  • Natural rawhide heads deliver authentic traditional bata sound.
  • Signature design by Pedrito Martinez features a longer body for improved tonal depth.
  • Includes neck strap, tuning wrench, and lug lube right out of the box.
  • Lug-tuned system allows precise pitch adjustments.

👎 Cons

  • At 17.3 pounds, it is heavy for extended standing play sessions.
  • Natural rawhide heads are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, requiring regular maintenance.
  • Priced as a professional instrument, which may be steep for casual players.
  • Only the medium Itólele is included—building a full bata ensemble requires purchasing additional drums separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is the medium-sized Itólele, featuring a 5-3/4" head on the small end and a 9" head on the large end. In a traditional bata ensemble, it sits between the smaller Okónkolo and the larger Iyá.
It comes with a black nylon neck strap for standing play, a tuning wrench for adjusting the lugs, and a tube of LP Lug Lube to keep the hardware operating smoothly.
Pedrito Martinez is a Grammy-nominated Cuban percussionist widely regarded as one of the foremost bata and conga players in the world. He collaborated with LP to design this drum with a longer, streamlined body modeled after traditional Cuban batas for improved tone and projection.
Yes. The natural rawhide heads are mounted on a standard lug-tuned system, so they can be replaced with compatible LP rawhide heads when worn.