Bongo Drums vs. Conga Drums
Given the phonetically similar pronunciation of the words "bongo" and "conga" and the fact that both refer to drums, it is not surprising that many people get confused about what separates these two instruments. However, there are actually many differences between bongos and congas, especially when it comes to design, technique, and sound. Still, the origins of both drum types are remarkably similar.
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Overview
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Bongo drums consist of two small, cylindrical and single-headed drums that are connected together at the middle. Typically, these drums have five keys or tightening pins around the head, and one of the the drums is slightly larger than the other, providing two different sounds. The drums are less than a foot high, and can easily fit into the player's lap. Conga drums, on the other hand, are large, conical insruments that often stand over two feet tall. Each drum may be played separately or may be paired with another drum, though congas are not connected in pairs as bongos are.
Bongo Technique and Sound
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Rapid wrist movements are essential to bongo technique. Both bongos and congas are typically played with the hands (though either may be played with sticks). Beyond this, the instruments are quite different with regard to playing technique. Traditional bongo drum technique requires the player to keep the drums between his knees while he plays, resting the bongos on his calves and sitting on the floor. Contemporary bongo players may also use drum stands. Players should try to strike the drums with the pads of the fingers, as opposed to knuckles or joints, with rapid, snap-like wrist motions. Because of the small size of bongo drums, the percussive sound is limited and is not very deep or loud.
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Conga Technique and Sound
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Congas can be played with one, two, or even three drums. Conga technique, on the other hand, traditionally consists of the player sitting upright in a chair and holding the drum in place between both legs, ensuring that the conga is tipped at a five-to-ten degree angle to allow the sound to escape through the opening at the bottom of the drum. Contemporary conga players also often play using a drum stand. Conga playing typically requires less rapid wrist motions than bongo playing, and players often strike the larger surface of the conga with the entire pad of the hand. Players may also strike using the fingers, though the conga produces a deeper sound than the bongo with nearly every hit. The instrument is capable of much more resonate sounds than those produced by bongos.
History
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This is an area where bongos and congas have many similarities, as both were developed in Cuba. The origins of both the bongos and congas can be traced to Africa, as the ideas for each instrument were brought over during the slave trade in the 17th and 18th centuries. Contemporary history has been less similar for the instruments. While both are associated with salsa and Latin American music, bongo drums enjoyed a surge in popularity in the mid- 20th century, when stars like Marlon Brando and James Dean became bongo students. Congas never enjoyed quite the cult status. Today, artists from many different genres and musical backgrounds have embraced both bongos and congas as a viable percussive alternative to other drum kits.
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References
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