Detail 01
11-3/4 in. head
The middle size. Deeper than a quinto, higher than a tumba, and the drum most conga parts are actually written around.
Product detailSKU #1274115064074
MEINLLuis Conte Artist Series Conga Natural 11-3/4 in.
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A single 11-3/4 inch conga from MEINL's Luis Conte line. For hand percussionists buying the middle drum of a set or replacing one.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Building a conga set one drum at a time
- Latin, Afro-Cuban and salsa players needing the core conga voice
- Session and live percussionists who want one carryable drum
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Anyone expecting a matched pair — this is one drum
- Players who want the high quinto lead voice specifically
- Beginners unsure they'll stick with hand drumming at this price
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Sold as one drum
A full set is usually two or three sizes. Plan on adding a quinto or tumba later if you want the range.
Detail 03
Artist series at $410
Above student congas, in working-player territory. You're paying for shell and hardware quality that holds tuning through gigs.
Detail 04
Hand drum, no sticks
Tone comes entirely from your hand position — open, slap, bass, heel-toe. Sound quality tracks technique more than on a stick drum.
Detail 05
Natural finish
Undyed shell. Shows the wood grain, and shows wear from stands and straps over time.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01A stand or basket is a separate purchase and changes how the drum resonates
- 02Playing seated with the drum tilted keeps the bottom open — floor-flat kills tone
- 03Hands need conditioning; expect sore palms for the first few weeks
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is this one conga or a pair?
One drum. Congas are commonly sold individually so players can build a matched set in the sizes they need.
02What size conga should I buy first?
This middle size is the usual first drum. It handles the majority of standard conga parts on its own, where a quinto or tumba alone leaves gaps.
03Does it come with a stand?
Budget for a stand separately. Congas are played seated between the knees or mounted in a basket or double stand, and the mount affects how freely the drum rings.
04Can I play it standing?
Yes, on a stand set to your height. Standing changes your hand angle, so slaps take some adjustment if you learned seated.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Natural
