How Is a Bongo Drum Built?
Parts The parts are collected for the bongos. Two drum shells of different sizes serve as the the macho and the hembra, the smaller and larger drum respectively. These are traditionally made of wood, but can also be made of ceramic, fiberglass or plastic. The shells will be covered by two drum heads, which are the playing surfaces, these made from skin. There are also synthetic skins available. Some people even use x-ray film. A block of wood will join the two drums into one unit. Metal parts include the tuning or base ring that will fit over the bottom of each drum, two skin rings and rims, which will hold the skins in place at the top, and lugs that hook to the rim and are screwed into the tuning base. Drum Head The tuning ring is attached to the bottom of the bongo, encircling it as a band. The skins are soaked for a few hours to make them pliable. Working on one drum at a time, the skin is centered over the shell, the skin rings over that, and the rims over that. Working around, th
