Latin Percussion LP522T-RGM Richie Gajate-Garcia Signature Quinto

The Latin Percussion LP522T-RGM Richie Gajate-Garcia Signature Quinto is built for professional percussionists who need an instrument that performs under the demands of live Latin, jazz, and fusion work without sacrificing the sonic refinement that studio sessions require. Developed in collaboration with Richie Gajate-Garcia — a session and live performer whose credits span some of the most demanding stages and studios in contemporary music — this quinto is shaped by real-world professional requirements. The 3-ply Romanian tilia wood shell produces a characteristic warmth and midrange clarity that you hear immediately: the open tone has a focused sustain that sings without blooming into mud, and the slap delivers a dry, cutting attack that translates well from a room full of percussion to a close-miked studio setup.

The fiberglass layer bonded to the upper interior of the shell is an engineering choice with direct sonic consequences — it stiffens the zone that bears the most mechanical stress from tuning tension, improving both durability and projection. Natural rawhide heads add the touch sensitivity and dynamic range that experienced players expect, responding to subtle pressure variations across the playing surface. The Chrome-plated Comfort Curve II Steel Rims distribute tension evenly and allow precise tuning without the binding or uneven pull that less refined hardware can introduce. At 30 inches tall, this quinto occupies the full presence range of the instrument — it's a serious piece of gear, finished in Mavi satin with decorative lathed bands that announce its signature origins without being excessive.