The history of drums ranges back from the age when it was primarily a device to communicate and an instrument used to perform during any rituals or ceremony. The jungle tribes have been using it as a means to send signals to other people of the same tribe or different tribes. Same is the case in the history of Latin drums.
Due to the simple nature of a drum structure, the use of drum has been a worldwide phenomenon. The music, as the saying goes, is without any boundaries. And thus Latin drum that has its influences and origin from the Africa and the indigenous South America is popular around the world.
Recent years have seen the growth in the popularity of the Cuban music, and in turn it has brought a lifeline in the Latin form of music and also in the exposure of Latin drums. The Salsa and the Samba once again have gained popularity throughout the world. The globalization effect has increased the popularity of instruments like, congas, bongos and timbales.
Latin drums include the likes of Bongo, Cajon, Conga, and Timbales. If one considers the name of Latin drums and percussions then we will have a list including instruments as Agogos, Blocks, Bongos, Cabasas, Castanets, Congas, Cow Bells, Cuicas, Egg Shakers, Guiros, Maracas, Pandeiro, Single Reco, Kelly Shaker, Surdos, Tambourines, Tamborim, Timbales and Tubanos.
The above list certainly gives a lot of names to the ordinary drummer who is trying to create a custom drum set. However, such variety is one exciting element, for which drummers all over the world has tended to taken a liking for creating their custom drum kits. Drummers all over the world have been using drums from different parts of the globe. The collection, when played, can generate wonderful music.
Bongo generates the sound when being struck in the low and high pitch sound areas. It’s compact size and lightweight has made it one of the favorites among the Latin drums users.
Cajon is used to produce convincing sound and snare effect. Drummers use their hands or use rods and brushes to play this instrument. It, generally, needs a floor stand to keep on the ground.
Blocks are usually made of wood. The block comes in all three variations, viz. small, low and high pitch. Their size is small so it is quite convenient for the drummers to use their hands.
Cowbells come in pairs but it is on the preference of the drummer to use more than two in his collection. Two sticks also come in association with this piece of Latin drum.
Macaras are used to play with two hands in use. They provide style to the collection of the drummer.
To use such a wide range of Latin drums in his collection the drummer also needs to have a good knowledge on the pieces of hardware he uses. There are even more devices that a drummer can use in his already wide compilation of different drums and percussion devices.