Latin Percussion

Latin Percussion M201-WB Matador Whiskey Barrel Bongos

4.4 (55 reviews)

Handcrafted pine shell bongos with natural rawhide heads deliver warm, resonant tones with a striking whiskey barrel finish.

$269.99*
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 M201-WB Matador Whiskey Barrel Bongos combine traditional construction methods with an eye-catching finish inspired by aged whiskey barrels. The pine shells deliver a warm, naturally resonant tone that sits well in a mix, whether you are playing Latin grooves, pop, or acoustic sessions. Each drum is fitted with a natural rawhide head — 7-1/4" on the macho and 8-5/8" on the hembra — providing the organic, responsive feel that serious percussionists expect. The rawhide breaks in with playing, developing a richer character over time.

Hardware quality is solid throughout, with 5/16" diameter tuning lugs providing reliable and precise tensioning, traditional rims for a classic look and feel, and plated cast aluminum bottoms for structural integrity and tonal reinforcement. A steel backing plate behind each lug ensures even stress distribution during tuning. The Matador series sits in Latin Percussion's mid-range, delivering professional-grade features and materials without the price tag of their top-tier lines. For players looking to expand their percussion setup, matching congas are available in the same Whiskey Barrel finish, allowing you to build a visually cohesive and sonically consistent rig.

Key Features

Pine 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-WB
Shell Material
Pine Wood
Head Material
Natural Rawhide
Head Sizes
7-1/4" (Macho) and 8-5/8" (Hembra)
Rims
Traditional
Tuning Lugs
5/16" Diameter
Backing Plate
Steel
Bottoms
Plated Cast Aluminum

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Natural rawhide heads produce a warm, authentic bongo tone with good projection.
  • Pine shells offer a resonant and lively sound character at an accessible price point.
  • Tuning lugs allow precise head tension adjustments for tonal customization.
  • The whiskey barrel aesthetic gives them a distinctive, visually striking appearance on stage or in the studio.

👎 Cons

  • Natural rawhide heads are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, requiring occasional re-tuning.
  • Pine is a softer wood than oak or fiberglass alternatives, making the shells more susceptible to dents and dings.
  • Traditional rims may be less comfortable during extended playing sessions compared to cushioned or contoured rim designs.
  • The 7-1/4" and 8-5/8" head sizes are standard and may not satisfy players seeking a wider tonal range from larger or smaller drums.

Frequently Asked Questions

The shells are constructed from pine wood, which produces a warm, resonant tone characteristic of traditional bongo construction.
The smaller drum (macho) has a 7-1/4" head and the larger drum (hembra) has an 8-5/8" head, both fitted with natural rawhide.
Yes. The bongos feature 5/16" diameter tuning lugs that allow you to adjust head tension to achieve your preferred pitch and tone on both drums.
Yes. Latin Percussion offers matching congas in the same Whiskey Barrel finish, so you can build a coordinated percussion setup.
The bottoms are plated cast aluminum, which adds durability and structural stability while reinforcing low-end resonance.