US
Percussion

Meinl LC300NT-M Luis Conte Artist Series Wood Bongos

  • 6 3/4 inch and 8 inch drum pair
  • Rubberwood stave shells, natural matte finish
  • Cow skin heads, tuned with the included key
  • Woodblock center connection joins the drums
  • Pouch, tuning key and tune up oil included
  • 2 year limited warranty
  • 10 pounds, 9 x 9 x 18 inches listed

Updated 20 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A traditional wood and skin bongo pair for hand percussionists who want a signature Meinl voice. Natural heads react to humidity, so expect to retune more often than with synthetic heads.

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ASIN: B002PZRZT2Model: LC300NT-MCategory: Bongos

Overview

Meinl built these Luis Conte signature bongos from rubberwood stave shells joined by a rigid woodblock, the style Conte prefers. Cow skin heads tune with the supplied key, and a natural matte finish leaves the wood grain on view.

Natural cow skin over wooden shells gives the warm, deep tone with a strong mid-range that Meinl describes. The woodblock join holds the pair firmly in place while playing. Skin heads ask for more attention than synthetic ones, and no stand or mount is part of the package.

Who it's for

Players building out a percussion setup, seated with the drums held between the knees, get a traditional skin and wood pair. Outdoor performers in damp climates and buyers who never want to retune are better served by synthetic heads.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Natural cow skin heads
  • Rubberwood stave shells, matte finish
  • Rigid woodblock center connection
  • Tuning key, pouch and oil included
Cons
  • Skin heads shift with humidity changes
  • No stand or mount included
  • Color field says random, not natural

Performance notes

Pitch and attack depend on head tension, set with the tuning key. Cow skin tightens in dry air and slackens in damp air, so tension drifts with the room. The rigid woodblock stops the shells flexing against each other, so strokes land on a stable pair.

Specifications

BrandPercussion
ModelLC300NT-M
Dimensions & fit
Item weight10 pounds
Item dimensions9 × 9 × 18 inches
Drum sizes6 3/4 inch and 8 inch
Construction & materials
Body MaterialRubberwood stave shells
Finish TypeNatural Matte
Head materialCow skin
Included components
Included ComponentsAccessory pouch, tuning key, tune up oil
Warranty & support
Warranty Description2 years
Other details
Connector TypeWoodblock
Sound profileWarm, deep mid-range

Frequently asked questions

How do I tune and look after the Meinl LC300NT-M heads?

Tighten or loosen the heads evenly with the included tuning key. Meinl also supplies tune up oil, and since the heads are natural cow skin they react to humidity, so store the drums away from damp and heat.

Do the Meinl LC300NT-M bongos come with a stand?

No stand is listed. The package is the bongo pair with an accessory pouch, tuning key and tune up oil.

Where are the Meinl LC300NT-M bongos made?

The listing states they are not made in China. The actual country of origin is not named.

What color are the Meinl LC300NT-M bongos?

The listing describes a natural matte finish, while the color field reads random color. Confirm the finish with the seller if the look matters.