Hand Drums

Choosing the Right Hand Drum for Your Percussion Setup

Unlock the rhythms of the world with Sweetwater's curated selection of hand drums! Though their roots lie in traditional music, hand drums abound in every genre today — from easy-listening acoustic pop to Latin-themed progressive metal. Whether you're a set player or an auxiliary percussionist, these percussion staples are a great way to texturize your arrangements and expand your value as a performer. Transform your sound and join the ranks of countless artists who have redefined their music through the power of hand drums.

Why Top Players Get Their Hand Drums at Sweetwater

Are you searching for creative ways to spice up your music? You've come to the right place. From single cajons to full sets of congas, Sweetwater's 10,000-square-foot, climate-controlled warehouse ensures your instrument arrives at your door just as the manufacturer intended. Not only that, but our fast, free shipping gives you the best chance of getting your gear in time for your next session. Explore the finest hand drums from top brands like Meinl Percussion, LP, Toca Percussion, Schlagwerk, Gon Bops, and more at Sweetwater!

Cajons to Congas: Essential Types of Hand Drums for Every Genre

Are you looking for ways to round out your auxiliary percussion setup, energize your live worship sets, or expand your creative vocabulary in the studio? Hand drums open up new worlds of rhythmic expression. Below, explore the most popular types of hand drums musicians rely on to add texture, flavor, and character to their live sets and studio tracks.

Bongos: For Salsa, Jazz, and Beyond

Small, high-tuned bongos are essential to the Afro-Cuban sound. These beloved single-headed small hand drums play an important role in traditional salsa and son cubano music, as well as more exploratory forms of Latin rock, jazz, Afrobeat, and fusion music. Bongo drums are more than mere backbone rhythmic instruments; they're gateways to fresh vibes and complex polyrhythms with the power to take your music to new places.

Bongo drums are a traditional pair of hand drums, made up of the smaller macho (7–7.25 inches) and larger hembra (8.5–9 inches) drums. Bongos can be played between the legs while seated or stand-mounted above the congas while standing, making them an adaptable part of any hand percussion setup.

Cajon: An Acoustic Performance Favorite

The cajon has become a core part of acoustic sets and remains one of the best beginner hand drums. This flamenco and folk music staple exploded onto the contemporary scene some 20 years ago with its ability to bring drum set rhythms to a softer, more intimate stage. The cajon comes in two distinct flavors: the flamenco cajon, which has internal snares (wires) to produce a snare-like snap; and the Peruvian cajon, which forgoes the snares for a more traditional attack.

Looking for inspiration? Sweetwater's cajon accessories will keep your rhythms fresh and creative juices flowing. Pair your cajon with a specialty kick pedal and a set of cajon brushes for a busk-able drum set alternative. Add a seat or saddle for extra comfort, then toss a few specialty shakers, accessories, and maybe an extra cajon beater into any of our cajon cases for portable percussion that follows you from the campsite to the bandstand.

Congas: The Heartbeat of Latin Music

Desi Arnaz with the conga at his hip. Giovanni Hidalgo with the bongos between his knees. These performers and their Afro-Cuban instruments are as much a part of our musical heritage as Les Paul with his electric guitar. Though they have similar sounds, congas and bongos have some important differences. Congas are much taller, taking up more space in a room, but have the advantage of producing a wider range of tones: warm, tubby low-mids to a crisp, defined slap. The smaller bongos typically come in pairs, mount to a stand or rest on a table, and produce a sharper crack without the low-end richness. Which instrument is right for your music depends on your space considerations — both in your practice area and in your transport vehicle — and where you want your percussion to sit in a mix.

Djembe: Perfect for Drum Circles

The goblet-shaped djembe, native to West Africa, is a favorite for drum circles and beach bonfires. It owes its popularity to players like Paul Simon and Incubus's Brandon Boyd, who demonstrated its conga-like slap and thunderous bass tones to a wide audience. The djembe's unique shape lends itself to an interesting stage presentation. Seated players can straddle the bowl between their knees, elevating the foot to keep bass notes pure. Standing players can rest the instrument on a stand or strap it to their bodies for maximum stage mobility. Whichever method you choose, your djembe is guaranteed to make a big splash at your next performance.

Need Conga, Bongo, and Djembe Drumheads? We've Got You Covered

Traditional conga, bongo, and djembe heads are made of stretched, dried rawhide. For players who want the exacting touch and response of a traditional instrument, LP's rawhide heads are the way to go. But for players who tour, be warned that hide heads will stretch over time and with climate changes. Another option is found in our Remo Fiberskyn heads. These offer a look, tone, and texture similar to rawhide but with modern conveniences: easier seating and better weather resistance.

Explore Large and Small Hand Drums at Sweetwater

For more information on hand drums and other percussion tools, call Sweetwater. Our knowledgeable Sales Engineers have the live experience and expertise to connect you with the bongos, congas, cajons, and djembes that meet your performance goals. If you live in the greater Fort Wayne area, stop in for one of our monthly drum circles! These free community events are a great way to hone your craft and connect with other performers. Be sure to let your Sales Engineer know if you drop by — we'd love to meet you in person.