
Latin Percussion
Latin Percussion M201-WB Matador Whiskey Barrel Bongos
★★★★★
Handcrafted pine shell bongos with natural rawhide heads deliver warm, resonant tones with a striking whiskey barrel finish.
$269.99*
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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
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
What type of wood are the Matador Whiskey Barrel Bongos made from?
The shells are constructed from pine wood, which produces a warm, resonant tone characteristic of traditional bongo construction.
What sizes are the two drums on the M201-WB?
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.
Can the heads on these bongos be tuned?
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.
Are matching congas available to pair with these bongos?
Yes. Latin Percussion offers matching congas in the same Whiskey Barrel finish, so you can build a coordinated percussion setup.
What material are the bottoms of these bongos made from?
The bottoms are plated cast aluminum, which adds durability and structural stability while reinforcing low-end resonance.