Schlagwerk WB16 Pocket Bongo

These are simple and well made. Inside and out, they are smooth, tidy, well put together - you can definitely feel and hear the schlagwerk quality control. The tone of the two are well matched and clear. They respond best to fingers taps and rolls. Played with the hand they are muted; their small size needs resonance so quick, bouncing hits are best and result in a lovely short, woody 'poc' sound. Laying your hand on them has a deadening effect. It is possible to get a small range out of them too - louder and more resonant in the centre, quieter and more muted towards the edges. They're not comparable to skin bongos in terms of their range or their volume, but they do sound sweet and clear. I bought them to mount on a (schlagwerk) cajon and they add a very nice set of complimentary sounds. Having said that, for what they are, they're certainly an expensive option but at least you know what you're getting; there are cheaper wooden 'bongos' out there, but I don't know how they compare. The last thing to say is that the velcro strips come already attached, so there is no option to configure these as I would have done had it been possible (I have an odd set up as many percussionists do in one respect or other, that would have benefited from specific placement of the velcro), but for most people that will not matter. These are simple, enjoyable, limited but very, very nice indeed.