Bongo drums are closely tied to eastern Cuban music, especially the Changui and Son styles. These drums are cylindrical with an open bottom, and the heads are either made of animal skin or synthetic materials. These drums basically come in two sizes with the larger drum known as the hembra (female in Spanish) and the smaller drum known as macho (male). While bongo drums can be played with sticks, they are generally struck by hand in a hammer pattern (rhythmic, balanced pace). Bongo drums are portable and can be carried while being struck, or they can be held between the knees. Bongos create a high pitched drumming sound and are played by hitting the head with the fingers and palms.
Conga drums were originally used by Africans, and these drums were made out of a log that had been dug out. Then, skins were nailed onto the wood and stretched tight, and the original drums could be any shape or size. Modern congas are made of fiberglass or staved wood, and heads are screwed into place. There are four different types of conga drums with the Tumba being the largest at 12.5 inch diameter, and the nino being the smallest 9 and ¾ inch diameter. The other two are the Conga at 11 ¾ inch diameter and the quinto at 11 inch diameter. Congas are usually played in pairs with percussionists striking the heads, and they make a deep, clear sound.
Floor toms are double-headed drums, meaning that both sides can be used to create sound. Floor toms became popular in bands starting in the 50s, and they create a mid-level to deep sound. They are typically seen in standard drum sets, and they can be added to the set by attaching the drum to the cymbal stand via a drum clamp. For easier access, the floor tom stands on three legs so that sitting drummers can easily strike the floor tom. The floor tom can also be converted into bass drums, and this set up is popular in jazz bands. Floor toms can range from 14 x 14 inches in diameter to 18 x 16 inches in diameter, but the most popular size is 16 x 16.