Latin Percussion

Latin Percussion M854S-VSB Matador 12.5" Tumba

4.7 (11 reviews)

A 12.5-inch Siam oak tumba with rawhide head and soft stroke rims, delivering deep, authentic Afro-Cuban tone.

$499.99*
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 Matador M854S-VSB is a 12.5-inch tumba — the largest drum in the conga family — designed to anchor rhythm sections with its deep, resonant low-end voice. Its shell is crafted from Siam oak, a hardwood known for producing warm, sustained tones with good projection. The natural rawhide head responds sensitively to playing dynamics, delivering everything from soft, rolling bass tones to sharp, cutting slaps. The Vintage Sunburst finish gives the drum a visually striking appearance that pairs well on stage or in a studio, with a powder-coated hardware finish that guards against rust and wear.

A standout feature of the Matador line is the Soft Stroke Rims, which have a rounded profile that is noticeably more comfortable under the hands than traditional sharp-edged bearing rims. For players who practice or perform for extended periods, this design choice meaningfully reduces hand fatigue and soreness. A tuning wrench is included so you can dial in your preferred head tension right out of the box. At 30 pounds, the M854S-VSB is a substantial instrument that feels solid and stable during aggressive playing, though its weight means you will want a padded bag or wheeled cart for regular transport.

Key Features

Matador Soft Stroke Rims with natural rawhide head

Package Weight: 16.783 kilograms

Package Dimensions: 45.72 L x 78.74 H x 45.72 W (centimeters)

Country of Origin: China

Specifications

Brand
Latin Percussion
Model
M854S-VSB
Drum Size
12.5 inches (Tumba)
Shell Material
Siam Oak
Head
Natural Rawhide
Rims
Matador Soft Stroke
Finish
Vintage Sunburst, Powder Coated
Included Accessories
Tuning Wrench
Weight
30 pounds
Package Dimensions
45.72 cm (L) x 78.74 cm (H) x 45.72 cm (W)
Country of Origin
China

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Siam oak shell produces a warm, deep resonance ideal for low-end tumba patterns
  • Natural rawhide head delivers traditional tonal warmth and dynamic sensitivity
  • Soft Stroke Rims reduce hand fatigue during long playing sessions
  • Powder-coated hardware resists corrosion and adds durability
  • Includes a tuning wrench for immediate setup and tuning adjustments

👎 Cons

  • At 30 pounds, this tumba is heavy and cumbersome to transport without a dedicated bag or cart
  • No stand is included, requiring a separate purchase for upright playing
  • Natural rawhide heads are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, requiring more maintenance than synthetic heads
  • Limited to a single finish option (Vintage Sunburst) in this model configuration

Frequently Asked Questions

The M854S-VSB tumba shell is constructed from Siam oak, a dense hardwood that produces warm, resonant low tones well-suited for conga and tumba drums.
Matador Soft Stroke Rims are rounded, comfort-profile rims designed to reduce hand fatigue during extended playing sessions while still providing a solid surface for slaps and rim shots.
A tuning wrench is included, but a stand is not — you will need to purchase a conga/tumba stand separately.
It comes fitted with a natural rawhide head, which delivers a warm, traditional tone with good projection and responsiveness to touch dynamics.
Vintage Sunburst is a gradient stain finish applied over the Siam oak shell, transitioning from a darker edge to a lighter center for a classic, retro appearance.