Product Review
The MEINL FWB190 Marathon Series Free Ride Wood Bongos are perfect for the ambitious beginner and for those looking for an affordable set that has outstanding professional features. The MEINL patented Free Ride Suspension System means the drums are joined together with no holes drilled in the shells. This maximizes the amount of resonance and warm tones that the Rubber Wood is known for producing. All MEINL bongo stands and mounts are equipped to securely hold the Free Ride mounting system in place. Marathon Series Wood bongos are equipped with hand selected buffalo heads that produce sharp highs with warm tones, and are easily tunable. Included is a tuning key, accessory pouch and tune up oil. Paired with any MEINL Congas, these bongos are a great start or finish to your percussion set up! The Meinl Professional Bongo Stand (Model# TMB-S) for seated players will also allow you to comfortably set these up with your drum kit.
- YOUR FOREVER BONGOS: solid construction, outstanding tone, good-looking—check; these bongos are even prettier in person, and they're made with professional level craftsmanship fit for a wide range of use from recording and touring to jamming with friends
- WHY IT MATTERS: you won't need to replace with an upgraded set later; feel proud to own bongos that are motivating to play with a professional sound and feel that lasts
- DRIVING THE SOUND: we use humanely sourced, hand-selected buffalo rawhide heads that are easy to tune up and down; shells are crafted with Siam oak staves assembled on uniform grain and density for the best tone
- ONE BIG THING: made with Meinl's patented Free Ride Suspension System that avoids drilling holes in the shells; this allows the shells to resonate freely and gives the bongos a wider dynamic range (fits most bongo stands—stand not included)
- HOW TO ADJUST PITCH: includes a tuning wrench to make quick adjustments or head changes; tighten the steel tension rods for a higher pitch and loosen to drop pitch (bongos come pre-tuned but may require some adjustment)
- BY THE NUMBERS: the heads measure 6 3/4” and 8”; the bongos are 7 3/4" tall and weigh about 9.4 lbs
- THE BOTTOM LINE: these professional level bongos give you rich, clean, and resonant tone in any musical setting—live or studio; plus, you might get compliments on their good looks
- THE BIG PICTURE: Meinl is a family-owned musical instrument manufacturer and brand established 1951 in Germany; our expert German designers have deep relationships with our builders to ensure you're delivered the absolute finest quality
