We recently upgraded two quintos: an oak Valje 11″ and a cherry LP Valje 11″. Ryan fabricated custom 304 stainless steel flesh hoops, providing a precise and lasting fit. I mounted 1.8mm thick Middle Eastern steer hides, delivering a warm, articulate tone that suits these classic builds beautifully.
The 12″ oak conga from the same set was still in great condition, so no new skin was needed.
There’s always something to learn from vintage drums. Each project offers insight — from construction choices to tonal behavior — and deepens our appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.
We recently had the pleasure of working on a beautiful set of cherry wood LP Valje Armando Peraza Series bongos. These drums are not only visually striking—they carry a deep lineage tied to the evolution of Afro-Cuban percussion and the legacy of one of its most iconic figures.
As part of the restoration, Manito fabricated new 304 stainless steel flesh hoops, ensuring durability and precision fit. I then mounted new steer skins—using 1mm for the macho (the smaller drum) and 1.6mm for the hembra (the larger). The result is a set that not only looks stunning but plays with a rich, responsive tone worthy of its heritage.
The Valje drum tradition dates back to the 1950s, when Tom Flores began handcrafting congas and bongos in California. Known for their contoured shells, Cuban-style steel bottoms, and exceptional build quality, Valje drums quickly gained a loyal following among professional percussionists.
By 1999, LP had fully integrated the Valje line into its catalog, blending the original Valje aesthetic with new innovations. The Armando Peraza Series bongos reflect that evolution: North American cherry wood shells, chrome hardware, and a shorter center block for better ergonomics, especially for seated players.
These bongos are named for the late Armando Peraza (1924–2014), a towering figure in Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban percussion. Born in Havana, Peraza emigrated to the United States and went on to perform with legends such as George Shearing, Cal Tjader, and Carlos Santana.
Peraza was known not only for his virtuosity and stage presence but also for his role in bridging Afro-Cuban rhythms with American jazz, funk, and rock. His work helped shape the sound of Santana and left a lasting influence on generations of percussionists around the world.
This restoration project was more than a repair—it was a chance to reconnect with a powerful tradition. We’re proud to have contributed to keeping this legacy alive, one drum at a time.
Custom Bongos for Manito’s Sister – Spalted Rock Maple with Handmade Hardware
We’re proud to share one of our latest creations: a custom set of solid shell bongos made especially for Manito’s sister. These drums are more than just instruments—they’re heirloom-quality pieces, crafted with care, precision, and sustainably sourced materials.
Sustainably Sourced, Thoughtfully Made
The shells are carved from solid spalted rock maple, harvested in Athens, GA using sustainable practices. Spalting adds a beautiful, organic visual texture to the wood, making each drum shell completely unique.
Handmade Details
We take pride in building every part of our drums in-house, including the 304 stainless steel hardware, hand-shaped for strength and style. The hardware features our half-round Moderna crown—a sleek, ergonomic design that complements the natural beauty of the wood.
The bridge is crafted from walnut, with striking lapis and magnesite inlay—a subtle touch of color and craftsmanship that makes these bongos stand out even more.
Built for Tone and Durability
The macho is fitted with a 1mm steer skin, while the hembra uses a slightly thicker 1.8mm steer skin, giving each drum a distinct voice. The combination of solid shell construction and natural skins delivers a deep, responsive tone with plenty of character and warmth.
Specs at a glance:
Wood: Spalted Rock Maple
Shell Height: 6-3/8″
Shell Width: 6-3/4″ (Macho), 9″ (Hembra)
Bridge: Walnut with lapis & magnesite inlay
Skins: 1mm steer (Macho), 1.8mm steer (Hembra)
Hardware: Handmade 304 stainless steel, Half-Round Moderna Crown
Finish: Satin
Weight: 12 lbs 8 oz
One-of-a-Kind Instruments
Every drum we make is built to last—and to be played. This custom set is no exception. Whether on stage or in the studio, these bongos will hold their own sonically while offering an aesthetic that’s unmistakably handcrafted.
We designed our Loaner Mounting Lug Set to make mounting flat drum skins fast, easy, and frustration-free.
Each set includes three 5/16″ x 7″ matte-finished stainless steel lugs—longer than standard—to give you the extra reach needed to bring the crown or rim down smoothly and evenly.
Use these extended lugs to apply balanced pressure across the head. Once there’s enough clearance, insert your original lugs in the gaps. Then just swap out the loaner lugs to finish the job.
Each lug comes with a high-strength cadmium-coated washer and a 1/2″ nut for secure, reliable tightening.
Return the set within 60 days in good condition for a full refund.
High-quality rawhide used in drum heads is made primarily of fat, elastin, and collagen. When properly processed, it offers everything needed for rich tone, durability, and longevity.
However, when it comes to conditioning these natural skins, less is more. Overuse of oils or conditioners can saturate the hide, leading to a flabby, lifeless sound and making the drum difficult to tune.
We recommend letting the skin naturally absorb oils from your hands during regular playing. For those with particularly dry hands, a very light annual application of an environmentally friendly vegetable oil—such as canola oil—can help. Use a soft cloth to apply, and always wipe off any excess immediately.
With care, your natural drum heads will develop character, improve with age, and continue to produce beautiful sounds.
Natural skin drum heads tend to perform best in stable conditions—ideally around 70% humidity and 75°F (24°C). Maintaining this environment helps preserve the integrity of the skin. Additionally, many players make it a habit to detune their drums when not in use, which can significantly extend the skin’s lifespan.
Even after many years of working with natural skins, I continue to learn and explore new factors that influence their performance and durability.
One key point to understand is that the macho head, being the thinner of the two, typically bears the most tension. As a result, it is often the first to show signs of wear or failure.
Environmental conditions have a major impact on skin longevity:
High humidity softens the collagen proteins in the skin, weakening the structure. Under high tension, even a 1mm skin can fail in these conditions.
High temperatures cause the collagen to contract, increasing the overall tension on the head. Traditional drumming cultures often took advantage of this property by tuning drums near open flames to tighten the skin.
Another common factor in premature skin failure is improper or uneven tuning. Equal tension across all tuning points is critical. A widely used method—especially among drum set players—involves placing a fingertip gently in the center of the skin and tapping near each lug with a tuning wrench. By matching the harmonic pitch at each point, tension is distributed evenly and unwanted overtones are minimized.
Natural skins are incredibly rewarding to play, but they do require attentive care. When maintained properly and tuned with intention, they offer a feel and tone that synthetics simply can’t replicate.
FOR SALE: PM Four-Conga Set – Handcrafted from French Oak Wine Barrels by Peter Musser
A rare opportunity to own one of the finest sets of congas ever made. Crafted in Petaluma, California by master drum builder Peter Musser, this PM four-conga set is a true work of art and sound. Built from reclaimed French oak wine barrels, each drum showcases impeccable craftsmanship—from the precision joinery to the mirror-polished 304 stainless steel hardware.
Premium Features:
Custom-matched Manito Percussion steer skins for tonal consistency and clarity
Fully handcrafted with no compromises in quality or materials
Finished to perfection with a warm, rich tonal range across the set
• Free insured FedEx shipping to the continental U.S. (Select “Free Shipping” at checkout)
• For shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, or International destinations, please contact us:
(706) 614-4563
info@manitopercussion.com
These drums aren’t just instruments—they’re legacy pieces built to inspire and endure. Whether you’re a serious player, collector, or studio professional, this set delivers unmatched tone, craftsmanship, and beauty.
We recently had the honor of working on a truly special set of drums—an oak Skin on Skin conga set crafted by legendary drum builder Jay Bereck. These instruments are not only sonically rich but also historically significant.
Our restoration and upgrade work included:
Custom 1/4″ round 304 stainless steel flesh hoops and bespoke floor stands, fabricated by Manito.
New steer skins expertly mounted:
1.8mm on the 10″ requinto
2.0mm on the 11″ quinto
2.2mm on the 12″ conga
2.4mm on the 13″ tumba
Tuning lugs were cleaned and lubricated to ensure smooth performance.
Shell protectors were hand-crafted to preserve the integrity and beauty of the drums.
It’s always a privilege to care for instruments of this caliber—and to help preserve the legacy of one of the great master builders.
Our Premium PreMounted™ Conga Heads feature natural skins mounted on 1/4″ round 304 stainless steel flesh hoops. These heads are designed to fit drums with specific shell sizes and crown types right out of the box.
With a variety of skin types, thicknesses, and three color options, our PreMounted™ Heads are fully customizable to suit any application and playing style.
Skin Thickness Recommendations
Skin thickness should be selected based on the size of the drum shell. The larger the shell, the thicker the skin. This ensures a balanced, harmonious sound across your entire set of drums.
Sound Profiles by Thickness
Bright & Resonant
For a bright sound with very crisp slaps, longer sustain, and more overtones:
Requinto: 1.6mm
Quinto: 1.6mm
Conga: 1.8mm
Tumba: 2mm
Super Tumba: 2.2mm
Warm & Classic
For a warm, classic sound with crisp slaps, round open tones, rich bass, and controlled overtones:
Requinto: 1.8mm (recommended)
Quinto: 1.8mm (recommended)
Conga: 2mm (recommended)
Tumba: 2.2mm (recommended)
Super Tumba: 2.4mm (recommended)
Dry & Woody
For a dry, woody sound with crisp slaps, shorter sustain, and highly controlled overtones:
Requinto: 2mm
Quinto: 2mm
Conga: 2.2mm
Tumba: 2.4mm
Super Tumba: 2.6mm
Traditional Dry & Woody
For a very dry sound with the shortest sustain and almost no overtones:
Requinto: 2.2mm
Quinto: 2.2mm
Conga: 2.4mm
Tumba: 2.6mm
Super Tumba: 2.8mm
Skin Types
Black Gold™: Brazilian buffalo, known for warm tones, rich bass, medium action, and a slightly dimpled, supple playing surface.
Fat Cat™: Middle Eastern Nili Ravi buffalo, offering dry/woody tones, low action, and a smooth, dense playing surface. Ideal for folkloric styles.
Steer (Peru): Peruvian steer, providing crisp slaps, round open tones, rich bass, and highly controlled overtones. This medium-action skin is perfect for studio applications.
Steer (Middle East): Middle Eastern steer, delivering crisp slaps, round open tones, rich bass, and controlled overtones. With a smooth and somewhat supple playing surface, it’s ideal for both live performances and studio use. This is our shop favorite.
(706) 614-4563
info@manitopercussion.com
