All of Luis`needs have been met and exceeded with the MEINL Artist Series Luis Conte Signature Congas. They combine the charm and sound of the old traditional Cuban drums with modern features and innovations. These congas are equipped with traditional rims, are mounted as close to the shell as possible, and when combined with MEINL’s True Skin Buffalo Heads, they enable an even more controlled sound.

Ramon “Mongo” Santamaria was without a doubt one of the most respected conga players ever, and a pioneer of modern Latin Jazz. During the 50’s his band “Black Cuban Diamonds” laid down the foundation for an outstanding career. Ramon recorded dozens of legendary percussion albums. Worldwide Jazz hits, such as “Watermelon Man” in 1963 and the album “Summertime” from 1980 are only two of the many recordings from this great master percussionist. Mongo has inspired more percussionists around the globe than any other conguero. Mongo Santamaria died at the Baptist Hospital in Miami, USA in February 2003. He was 85 years old. It is with great appreciation and deepest respect that we honour our friend and his life’s work with his MEINL Artist Series Mongo Santamaria Congas.