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Latin Percussion

Latin Percussion M201-AW Matador Wood Bongos Natural Gold

★★★★★4.0 (33 reviews)

The LP Matador M201-AW wood bongos pair Siam Oak shells with natural rawhide heads for rich, authentic Latin tone.

$236.02*$279.99Save 15%
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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 Matador M201-AW bongos are built around Siam Oak shells, a dense tropical hardwood prized in percussion for its warm fundamental tone and strong projection. Each drum is fitted with a natural rawhide head—7-1/4" on the macho and 8-5/8" on the hembra—that delivers the bright, cutting slaps and open tones essential to Afro-Cuban and Latin music styles. The rawhide responds dynamically to hand technique and, as the heads break in with play, the tonal character deepens and becomes more nuanced.

Hardware on the M201-AW is built for durability and straightforward maintenance. The 5/16" diameter tuning lugs, backed by steel plates, provide stable and even tensioning across each head, while plated cast aluminum bottoms add structural rigidity and a clean low-end response. Traditional rims maintain the classic bongo aesthetic and feel. The Natural/Gold finish gives the drums a polished stage presence, and matching Matador series congas are available for players looking to build a coordinated percussion setup.

Key Features

Siam Oak shells

7-1/4" and 8-5/8" natural rawhide heads

Traditional rims

5/16" diameter tuning lugs, steel backing plate and plated cast aluminum bottoms

Matching congas available

Specifications

Brand
Latin Percussion
Model
M201-AW
Shell Material
Siam Oak
Macho Head Size
7-1/4"
Hembra Head Size
8-5/8"
Head Material
Natural Rawhide
Rims
Traditional
Tuning Lugs
5/16" Diameter
Backing Plate
Steel
Bottoms
Plated Cast Aluminum
Finish
Natural/Gold

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Siam Oak shells produce a warm, full-bodied tone with strong projection
  • Natural rawhide heads respond well to hand technique and develop richer tone over time
  • Traditional rims and plated cast aluminum bottoms provide solid, durable construction
  • Tuning lugs with steel backing plates allow precise pitch adjustment and reliable tuning stability

👎 Cons

  • Natural rawhide heads are sensitive to humidity changes and may require periodic re-tuning
  • Heavier than fiberglass-shell alternatives, which can matter during long playing sessions without a stand
  • Traditional rims sit higher than comfort-curve designs, which may cause hand fatigue for some players
  • No carrying bag or stand included, requiring separate purchases for transport and seated playing

Frequently Asked Questions

The macho (smaller drum) has a 7-1/4" head and the hembra (larger drum) has an 8-5/8" head, both fitted with natural rawhide.
The shells are crafted from Siam Oak, a dense hardwood that produces warm, resonant tones well suited for Latin percussion.
Yes, the bongos feature 5/16" diameter tuning lugs that allow you to adjust head tension and dial in your preferred pitch and tone.
Yes, they are designed to be accessible for beginners while still delivering the sound quality that experienced players expect from Latin Percussion instruments.

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