Bongo drums are a popular percussion instrument that originated in Cuba and can now be found in music all around the world. They consist of two drums of different sizes, one larger than the other, that are played together with the hands. Bongo drums are a great choice for beginners because they are relatively easy to learn and can be used in a variety of musical styles, from Latin music to jazz and beyond.

When looking for the best bongo drums for beginners, there are a few key things to consider. First and foremost is the quality of the drums themselves. A good set of bongos should be made from high-quality materials and should produce a clear, resonant sound. Additionally, the size and weight of the drums are important factors to consider, as they can affect how comfortable and easy they are to play.

After researching and testing a variety of bongo drums, we have identified the top options for beginners. These drums offer a combination of high-quality construction, ease of use, and affordability, making them the perfect choice for anyone who is just starting out with this exciting instrument. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at each of these bongo drum sets and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Best Bongo Drums for Beginners

As music enthusiasts, we understand the importance of finding the right instrument to start your musical journey. Bongo drums are a great choice for beginners who want to learn percussion instruments. They are easy to play, portable, and can create a wide range of sounds. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best bongo drums for beginners. Our list includes bongo drums that are affordable, durable, and produce high-quality sounds. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or a professional musician, our list has got you covered.

Comfecto Bongo Drum Set

If you’re looking for a beginner bongo drum set that’s stylish, high-quality, and easy to tune, the Comfecto Bongo Drum Set is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The authentic natural animal hides on the top of the hickory shells produce a resonant, non-boxy sound.
• The bongo drums are made of high-quality, weatherproof, and durable wood and metal.
• The minimalistic design with no sharp edges and rounded-off rims makes it safe and comfortable to play for children, beginners, pros, teachers, students, and bongo enthusiasts.

Cons

• The skin of the smaller bongo may look rough and worn.
• The bongo drums are relatively heavy, weighing 5.2 pounds.
• The bongo drums may not be suitable for advanced players who need more tuning lugs.

The Comfecto Bongo Drum Set is a set of 6 and 7-inch bongo drums that are well-designed with authentic natural animal hides. The bongo drums are stylish and have an exotic, natural gloss finish, making them ideal for gifts, decorations, and occasions. They come with a free bongo tuner, drum set bag, upgraded packaging, and shipping insurance, making them a great value for the price.

The bongo drums are easily tuneable percussion drums without breaking, thanks to their Hickory shells and four easily tuneable lugs. Unlike other African bongos, the tops will not tear out or come apart easily during tuning. If the heads are damaged, free head replacement can be claimed within three days after their arrival.

Comfecto Bongo Drum Set is a great option for beginners who want a stylish, high-quality, and easy-to-tune bongo drum set. The drums produce a resonant, non-boxy sound, and the minimalistic design makes them safe and comfortable to play. If you’re looking to spice up your life with a beginner bongo drum set, the Comfecto Bongo Drum Set is definitely worth considering.

Eastar Bongo Drums 6” and 7” Wood Percussion Instrument Bongos for Kids Adults Beginners Natural Finish, EBO-1 Wood Style

If you are looking for an affordable bongo drum set for beginners, the Eastar Bongo Drums 6” and 7” Wood Percussion Instrument Bongos is a great option.

Pros

• Made of superior solid wood for a crisp and bright sound.
• Suitable for all ages with no sharp edges and polished smooth arc shape interior.
• Comes with a thick bag for easy portability.

Cons

• Some users may find the drum heads difficult to tune.
• The drum may not be as durable as more expensive options.
• The drum may not have the same sound quality as professional-grade bongos.

The Eastar Bongo Drums are made of superior solid wood, which provides a crisp and bright sound that is perfect for beginners. It is also suitable for all ages, thanks to its smooth arc shape interior and lack of sharp edges. The drum set comes with a thick bag, making it easy to carry around and perform.

However, some users may find the drum heads difficult to tune, and the drum may not be as durable as more expensive options. Additionally, the sound quality may not be as good as professional-grade bongos.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly bongo drum set for beginners, the Eastar Bongo Drums 6” and 7” Wood Percussion Instrument Bongos is a great option.

EastRock Bongo Drum Set

If you’re looking for an affordable bongo drum set that is suitable for beginners, the EastRock Bongo Drum Set might be a good option for you.

Pros

• The natural animal skin drumhead produces crisp, full, and grainy sounds that are perfect for beginners.
• The high-quality, weatherproof, and durable plastic and metal material of the drums enhance their sound quality and make them sturdy and long-lasting.
• The bongo drums set has no sharp edges, making it safe for all ages to play.

Cons

• The drums are smaller in size than some other bongo drum sets, which may not be ideal for everyone.
• Some customers have reported that the bottom covers of the drums can come off easily.
• The packaging of the product could be improved to prevent damage during shipping.

The EastRock Bongo Drum Set is a great choice for beginners who are looking for an affordable and high-quality set of bongo drums. The natural animal skin drumhead produces amazing sounds that are sure to impress, and the high-quality materials ensure that the set will last for years to come. The drums are also safe for all ages to play, making them a great gift for anyone interested in learning how to play percussion instruments.

The set comes with a 4″ and 5″ bongo drum and an adjusting wrench, making it easy to tune the drums to your liking. The drums are also lightweight and portable, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

Overall, we recommend the EastRock Bongo Drum Set for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable set of bongo drums for beginners.

EastRock Bongo Drum Set

We highly recommend the EastRock Bongo Drum Set for anyone looking to purchase a beginner-friendly and durable instrument.

Pros

• Made of high-quality, weatherproof, and durable wood and metal for improved sound quality, sturdiness, and durability.
• Uses natural animal skins for crisp, full, and grainy sound.
• Suitable for all ages and safe for kids with no sharp edges.

Cons

• May have a chemical smell when first received.
• Some pieces are small and could be a choking hazard for young children.
• Slightly more expensive than some other beginner bongo drum sets.

The EastRock Bongo Drum Set is perfect for beginners of all ages, including kids, students, and bongo enthusiasts. The set comes with a mini 4″ and 5″ bongo drum and an adjusting wrench. The bongo drum is made of high-quality, weatherproof, and durable wood and metal, which translates to improved sound quality as well as sturdiness and durability. The drum head uses natural animal skins, which makes bongo drums sound crisp, full, and grainy.

This bongo drum set is particularly safe for kids since it has no sharp edges and will not scratch hands. It is also suitable for indoor and outdoor use and can be easily carried around. The EastRock Bongo Drum Set is an ideal music gift that can stimulate kids’ musical talent.

The EastRock Bongo Drum Set is an excellent choice for anyone looking to purchase a beginner-friendly and durable bongo drum set. The set is easy to carry and play, making it perfect for kids, beginners, pros, teachers, students, and bongo enthusiasts.

VANPHY Bongo Drum Set for Kids Beginners

If you’re looking for a beginner bongo drum set that is suitable for all ages, the VANPHY Bongo Drum Set might be a great choice for you.

Pros

• The drum noodle material is made of high-quality plastic and metal, which makes it weatherproof and durable.
• The natural animal drum skin, made of goatskin, produces different timbres and makes it convenient for players to play.
• The drum surface is transparent, and the high-strength hook ensures the stability of the drum skin, making it safe and comfortable to hold while playing.

Cons

• The drum set requires some setup before use.
• The plastic shells may not produce the same sound quality as traditional wooden bongos.
• The drum set may not be suitable for advanced players looking for a more professional sound.

This bongo drum set comes with a 6″ and 7″ drum that is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. The set includes an adjustable wrench and is made of high-quality, weatherproof, and durable plastic and metal.

The VANPHY Bongo Drum Set is also suitable for children, bongo drum adults, beginners, professionals, teachers, students, and beginner bongo drum lovers. It has a smooth touch, no sharp edges, and a smooth arc polished inside the drum.

Overall, if you’re looking for a beginner bongo drum set that is portable, durable, and suitable for all ages, the VANPHY Bongo Drum Set might be the right choice for you.

Pyle Hand Crafted Bongo Drums

These Pyle Hand Crafted Bongo Drums are perfect for beginners and experienced players of all ages. With hand-crafted wooden shells and natural ‘true skin’ animal hide heads, they produce amazing sounds. They are also safe for children, with no sharp edges.

Pros

• Hand-crafted Drums: Jazz up the tone of your music with Pyle Wooden bongo drums. A pair of hand-crafted wooden shell bongo drums of diameters 6.5″ and 7.5″. This set of classic/traditional bongo drums is perfect for beginners and experienced players.
• Amazing Sounds: The drum head is a pure natural ‘true skin’ animal hide, head delivers a crystal clear acoustical percussion sound. Features tuneable heads with chrome-plated hardware and a tuning key wrench. Work together to produce amazing sounds.
• Safe for All Ages: This bongo drums set has no sharp edges, therefore it is particularly safe for children. It comes with rounded rims which allows you to hold your drums in any position you like.

Cons

• Limited size: The drums are only available in diameters of 6.5″ and 7.5″.
• Limited color options: The drums are only available in a two-toned wood panel with a glossy finish in red.
• Limited tuning range: Some users have reported difficulty in achieving the desired tuning range.

These Pyle Hand Crafted Bongo Drums are extremely sturdy and durable, made of top quality materials which translates to improved sound quality as well as sturdiness and durability. This set of drums is ready to stick with you for years. The set is also a perfect gift idea for yourself, friends and loved ones.

We highly recommend the Pyle Hand Crafted Bongo Drums for beginners and experienced players alike. They are safe, sturdy, durable, and produce amazing sounds. With a limited size, color and tuning range, they may not be suitable for everyone, but for those looking for a classic/traditional bongo style, they are a great choice.

MUSICUBE Bongo Drum Set

If you’re a beginner looking for a bongo drum set, we recommend the MUSICUBE Bongo Drum Set. This set comes with a tuning wrench and offers a great tone with authentic natural skin heads.

Pros

• The FSC certification ensures that the production of the drums is environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable.
• The natural glossy finish provides a good mix of melodic options and superior lively tone.
• The kraft paper package is more environmentally friendly than colorful laminating boxes.

Cons

• The drum may require tuning to achieve accurate sound quality.
• The set is not recommended for professional use.
• The bongos may not be as durable as higher-end models.

The MUSICUBE Bongo Drum Set is an excellent choice for beginners who want to learn how to play bongos. The set is environmentally friendly and offers a great tone with authentic natural skin heads. The natural glossy finish provides a good mix of melodic options and superior lively tone. The kraft paper package is more environmentally friendly than colorful laminating boxes. However, the drum may require tuning to achieve accurate sound quality, and the set is not recommended for professional use. While the bongos may not be as durable as higher-end models, they are a great value for the price.

EastRock Bongo Drums 6” and 7” Set for Kids Adults Beginners Professionals Transparent Cavity and Metal Bongos Drum Percussion Instruments with Tuning Wrench (Blue 6”+7” Bongos)

If you’re looking for bongo drums that are both sturdy and provide excellent sound quality, then the EastRock Bongo Drums are a great choice.

Pros

• The unique cavity and metal construction of the drums, combined with natural animal skin, provides improved sound quality, sturdiness, and durability, making them ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
• The natural animal skin head produces crisp, full, and grainy sounds with strong penetrating power, making the bongo drums perfect for playing in any setting.
• The smooth touch and lack of sharp edges make these bongo drums safe and comfortable to hold, making them suitable for all ages.

Cons

• The skin must be gradually tightened evenly, which can be a bit of a hassle for beginners who are not familiar with the tuning process.
• Some customers have reported issues with the brace between the drums, which could be stronger.
• The bongo drums may arrive dirty or used, which can be disappointing for customers who are expecting a brand new product.

The EastRock Bongo Drums are a great choice for anyone looking for bongo drums that provide excellent sound quality and sturdiness. However, customers should be aware of the potential issues with tuning and the brace between the drums, as well as the possibility of receiving a used or dirty product.

Remo KD-5400-01 Kids Percussion Bongo Drum

If you’re looking for a bongo drum set for your little one, the Remo KD-5400-01 Kids Percussion Bongo Drum is a great choice.

Pros

• The bongo drum set is perfect for beginners and is part of the Remo Kid’s Percussion Collection.
• The acoustic shell produces good sound quality.
• The drums are made with high-quality Remo material and are durable.

Cons

• The drum set does not come with mallets, so you’ll have to purchase them separately.
• The drums are a bit small, so they may not be suitable for older children.
• The drum set is a bit pricey compared to other beginner bongo drums.

This bongo drum set is a great investment for parents who want to introduce their children to music. The Remo KD-5400-01 Kids Percussion Bongo Drum is part of the Remo Kid’s Percussion Collection, making it a perfect choice for beginners. The acoustic shell produces good sound quality, and the drums are made with high-quality Remo material, ensuring their durability.

One downside to this drum set is that it does not come with mallets, so you’ll have to purchase them separately. Additionally, the drums are a bit small, so they may not be suitable for older children. Lastly, the drum set is a bit pricey compared to other beginner bongo drums.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality bongo drum set for your child, the Remo KD-5400-01 Kids Percussion Bongo Drum is a great choice.

Soulmate Bongo Drums 4” and 5” Set for Kids Beginners Adults Transparent Percussion Bongos Drum with Tuning Wrench,Natural Finish(Black Bongos) 4+5 Black 2

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly bongo drum set, the Soulmate Bongo Drums are a great option.

Pros

• Made of high-quality, weatherproof and durable plastic and metal
• Natural animal skins used in the drum head produce crisp, full, and grainy sound
• Transparent bongo surface and special material on the inner wall of the drum cavity ensure good stability

Cons

• May not be suitable for professional musicians
• Sound quality may not be as good as more expensive bongos
• Some users may prefer a different design or color

These bongo drums are made of high-quality, weatherproof and durable plastic and metal, with natural animal skin used in the drum head. This translates to improved sound quality as well as sturdiness and durability. The bongo drum head produces crisp, full, and grainy sound that is high and loud, with strong penetrating power. Big drums can play bass, while small drums can play higher sounds.

The bongo surface is transparent, and the inner wall of the drum cavity is made of special material. The high-strength hook and iron design firmly fix the drum skin to ensure the stability of the drum skin. It is safe and comfortable to hold on your body or leg to play. The 4” + 5” Bongo Drum is an ideal music gift for kids, which can stimulate children’s musical talent and coordination of the whole body and limbs. The portable size design allows you to enjoy playing anywhere anytime.

The Soulmate Bongo Drums are a great beginner-friendly option for those looking to learn how to play the bongos. If you’re a professional musician or looking for a higher-quality sound, you may want to consider a more expensive set. However, for the price, these bongos offer good value and quality.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best bongo drums for beginners, there are a few key features to look for to ensure that you get a quality product that meets your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Size and Weight

One of the first things to consider when choosing bongo drums is the size and weight. Bongos come in different sizes, ranging from small to large, and the size you choose will depend on your personal preference and playing style. It’s important to choose a size that feels comfortable to play and that is easy to transport.

Material

The material used to make the bongo drums is also an important factor to consider. Most bongos are made from wood or synthetic materials, and each material has its own unique sound and feel. Wood bongos offer a warm, natural sound, while synthetic bongos are more durable and require less maintenance.

Head Material

The head material is another important factor to consider when choosing bongo drums. Bongo drumheads can be made from animal skins or synthetic materials, and each material has its own unique sound and feel. Animal skin drumheads offer a more traditional sound and feel, while synthetic drumheads are more durable and require less maintenance.

Accessories

When buying bongo drums, it’s also important to consider any accessories that may be included. Some bongos come with stands, carrying cases, or tuning wrenches, which can be helpful for beginners who are just starting out. However, it’s important to note that these accessories may add to the overall cost of the bongos.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best bongo drums for beginners that will meet your needs and help you develop your skills as a percussionist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should we consider when choosing our first set of bongo drums?

When choosing your first set of bongo drums, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, consider the size of the drums. Smaller drums are generally easier to play for beginners. Secondly, consider the materials used to make the drums. Bongo drums can be made from various materials, including wood, fiberglass, and synthetic materials. Lastly, consider your budget. Bongo drums come in a wide range of prices, so it is important to find a set that fits your budget.

Can beginners easily learn to play bongo drums, and what resources are best for learning?

Yes, beginners can easily learn to play bongo drums with practice and dedication. There are several resources available for learning, including online tutorials, instructional books, and private lessons with a professional instructor. It is important to choose a resource that fits your learning style and level of experience.

What distinguishes conga drums from bongo drums, and which is better for beginners?

Conga drums are larger than bongo drums and are played with the hands instead of the fingers. Bongo drums are generally considered easier for beginners to learn due to their smaller size and simpler playing technique. However, both instruments are unique and offer their own distinct sound.

What types of wood are considered the best for quality bongo drum sound?

The type of wood used to make bongo drums can greatly affect the sound quality. Some of the best woods for bongo drums include mahogany, oak, and ash. These woods are known for their resonance and durability.

What are the ideal size specifications for bongo drums suitable for beginners?

For beginners, smaller bongo drums are generally easier to play. A common size for beginner bongo drums is 6 inches and 7 inches in diameter. However, it is important to choose a size that feels comfortable for you to play.

Where are some reputable places to purchase bongo drums for a novice player?

There are several reputable places to purchase bongo drums for novice players, including music stores, online retailers, and instrument makers. It is important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you are getting a quality instrument.