Which head is the best for Bongos? (LP Rawhide vs Remo Nuskyn vs Remo Fiberskyn 3)

In this video, we will compare 3 different heads for bongos; the LP Rawhide head, Remo Nuskyn and the Remo Fiberskyn 3. I’ll do a playing demonstration on the bongos for each one, explain the differences, where to find them and discuss price. Which one do you think sounds the best?
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[@RomanPercussion]

Which head did you think sounded the best? Do you have a preference? Comment below 👇🏼 I’ll be reading 👀…..also SUBSCRIBE and LIKE 👍🏼

[@jimmygray4072]

Got my Remo fibreskyn 3 for the Hembra on my LP Matadors last week Wow bouncy........makes you practice and play them more!

[@RomanPercussion]

I see what you mean. It can feel like that for sure on your hands. Definitely will inspire you to keep on practicing! Thanks for the comment Jimmy!

[@Maxtutubo]

The LP is the best option for natural sound.

[@benjaminiracheta2680]

Hey bro it’s BJ It’s awesome seeing you do your thing man! I wish you nothing but success for you and your family and god bless you I love you bro! And as far as which one sounds better, in my opinion the Remo Nuskyn sounds better. I feel like the sound is much more clearer and smoother than the other two.

[@RomanPercussion]

BJ! What’s up bro! Thanks man! Love you too bro, say hello to the fam for me......So the Nuskyn is one of my favorites for sure. It’s the first synthetic head I used on my bongos and used them for years, good choice!

[@joshbok8767]

Love your videos! Desde Australian

[@enriquequinones7931]

The one I like the most is the Fiberskyn 3. I like also the Skyndeep which is the one I have, but you know that already! PAKATA! Muy duro el vídeo gallimbo! 🐔

[@RomanPercussion]

The Fiberskyn 3 is probably the most popular or widely used. El skyndeep está chevere, el tuyo suena bien también. Vaya Pakata! Gracias broki! 🐔

[@funkytradition]

To my ear, the Natural Rawhide Skin works best for there Hembra - it has some warmth to it. For the Macho - the Fiberskyn 3 sounds very good. It may look odd to pair a Natural with a Synthetic, but who cares - it's the sound that counts most. I also like the REMO Skyndeep - not shown here.

[@RomanPercussion]

Yes, Natural for sure is warm. You’d be surprised how common the Natural/Synthetic mix is nowadays. I like that mix, that has been my most recent setup on my bongos. Remo Skyndeep is a good choice as well, not my favorite, maybe it’s the feel on my hands, solid sound though for sure! Thanks for the comment funkytradition!

[@JulioPerez-yu8ke]

I have fiberskyn on my matadors lp and they sound great, love the way they feel an sound, thankyou for the info now i know i made the right choice 💪

[@RomanPercussion]

Awesome! It depends on preferable, some love Fiberskyn, some love Skyndeep and some love Nuskyn. There is room for all in our percussion world. All great products for sure! Thanks for the comment, glad you’re enjoying the heads!

[@annaisnotokay5951]

Very important data ! Thank you!

[@RomanPercussion]

You’re welcome! Hope it helped you!

[@gusmarrero]

I agree with your assessment! I like all 3. Of had to choose LP.

[@RomanPercussion]

Glad you enjoyed it Gustavo! LP Rawhide is great as well! 👍🏼

[@adamwilks]

Skyndeep on the hembra, rawhide on the macho is how I play mine. But nothing beats the feel of rawhide. Great vid!

[@RomanPercussion]

Hey Adam, Dope setup! You’re right about rawhide. Especially thicker cow or steer skins on the hembra and cow on macho. Just depends on the musical situation and if you want to deal with constantly tuning natural skins due to the weather. Thanks for your comment and your support!

[@bongocuba]

Fyberskyn for me

[@ortiztony67]

Thanks brother for the info

[@RomanPercussion]

You’re welcome Jose! Hope it helps! Thanks for the support!

[@markharris4539]

Hi Roman. Fibre skin on the macho, it's gotta nice, crisp high pitch rim sound, and a natural head on the hembre. Good vid by the way! 👍 Mark 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@RomanPercussion]

Fiberskyn is great on macho, I sometimes play with the mix between Fiberskyn and Natural on the hembra as well. I really like that combination. Appreciate the support Mark!

[@markharris4539]

@@RomanPercussion No worries, Roman, my pleasure. Keep the vids flowing. All the best, and have a merry Xmas 🎄

[@RomanPercussion]

Appreciate it, same to you!

[@lobau2]

Obrigado pela objetividade apresentando neste vídeo os diferentes timbres das peles. Tenho um MEINL Free Ride (6.75" e 8") e gostaria de saber se a pele LP Aspire 6.75" poderá ser instalado no tambor femea.

[@Bluefank1]

🙏 Thank you! For my taste soundwise I like FS3 on macho and the rawhide on hembra

[@RomanPercussion]

You’re very welcome! That’s a good mix there, there are some that prefer synthetic on a macho to get that “pop” and they can put more tension. Rawhide on a hembra is great, gives it that bottom 👌🏼 good stuff!

[@garysosias6014]

Basically Roman, I agree with you. Suerte! Gary Sosías;-)

[@RomanPercussion]

Gary! Whats up bro, hope you’re well. We met some years ago in DC when you were playing with Sin Miedo.....it’s all preference, they all can do the job. Un abrazo!

[@saulmartinezjr.5980]

Hi Brother. In order of preference on sound for me...1. LP raw hide, 2. Remo Fiberskyn 3, and 3. Remo Nuskin. Now talking about the tuning performance I will go with 1. Remo Fiberskyn 3, and 2. Remo Nuskin. I have the Fiberskyn on my LP Performance series Bongo.

[@RomanPercussion]

For a long time, I used the Nuskyn for convenience so I didn’t have to tune all the time, also like the “drier” sound without the extra overtones. Over the years, I’ve switched around a bit and ended up using the Fiberskyn 3 more often. Remo overall makes great hand percussion heads, at a certain point, it really just depends on each player and what their looking for. Animal skin is just a very classic, traditional sound….never can go wrong with that!

[@tomfox1372]

They all sound good but for me the pearl heads are the best

[@tomigorog9140]

Hi! Nice video, hope that more is coming. Do you suggest tuning down the heads after playing? I have a meinl bongo with a natural hembra and a Nyskyn macho. I usually dont tune them down after playing, can this cause a problem? Thank you.

[@RomanPercussion]

Hello Tomi, thank you for your kind words! Glad you enjoyed it! Absolutely, more is coming! So you have to consider several factors to answer your question.....what type of Meinl bongos are they? If they are intermediate to pro series, they would come with stronger hardware to hold the tension on the macho but I would still detune the hembra to be safe. If it's a lower end or beginner model, the hardware is not as strong, therefore can cause issues and bend the bongo rim even with Synthetic heads. Synthetic heads normally do not need to be detuned and they are very strong. But you want to be cautious for sure. I've had natural skins split on me before....no bueno and not fun to deal with. Hope that helps!

[@tomigorog9140]

@@RomanPercussion Thank you for the in-detailed answer! I have a meinl luis conte signature bongo, i think it's in the upper middle category. On the Hembra i have the original True Skin Cow Head which does not seemed that tight in my tuning.

[@RomanPercussion]

@@tomigorog9140 No problem! Great set of bongos. In general, if you don't have your hembra tuned high, you should be ok. However, the true answer will always depend on how tight the skin really is. But to keep it simple.....If it's tuned high, detune for sure. Your wallet will thank you :-)

[@edUoskitar]

I got a pair of fiberskin. They're amazing sound,yes they're like 50 bucs each but worth it!!!

[@RomanPercussion]

Yea they are expensive especially if you try to get the Fiberskyn 3 version, prices are way over $50. But I agree definitely worth it!

[@mariomorenodrums9715]

I really love Remo fiberskyn heads , but I don’t like the fact that with the time of use the sticker bubbles, wrinkles or peels I mean it’s an easy fix But That’s why I ended up with Skindeep , NuSkin on bongos are cool too And obviously natural heads are cool but not convenient for the weather of Colorado (where I live) Saludos bro, good vídeo.

[@RomanPercussion]

Yea I’ve seen that as well with the Fiberskyn 3. Skyndeep on bongos are pretty good too. Definitely synthetics are the way to go in regards to weather. Saludos y un abrazo Mario. Thank you very much! I appreciate the support! 🙏🏼

[@mariomorenodrums9715]

@@RomanPercussion I like your videos bro Keep up the good work, Thanks!

[@RomanPercussion]

Thanks brother! 🙏🏼

[@borincason7647]

Ive tried ‘em all. Nothing beats natural

[@RomanPercussion]

Natural is just that “natural”. It’s hard to beat a rawhide skin for sure 👍🏼

[@NickWeissMusic]

Nuskyn sounded perfect to me, but not sure how much it's the tuning etc. I just have the stock natural heads on my bongos so maybe it's just that it sounds so different, always an excuse to get something different, am I right lol?

[@RomanPercussion]

🤣🤣🤣 yea definitely! Nuskyn is great on bongos and congas. Have to play a little harder on them but the tone is great. Definitely give them a try if you’re interested.

[@mike.thomas]

I like the drier tone of the Nuskyn in your demo. Man, it sure is hard to find an 8.625” Remo synthetic head. I’ve looked all over. I like my LP “hand picked” on my LP Uptowns, but I’d also like to see how synthetic performs given humidity changes and the fact that I have my windows open occasionally.

[@RomanPercussion]

Thanks for the comment Mike! The Nuskyn was favorite for years before I got my hands on the Fiberskyn 3. I still like the sound though. If I remember correctly, you can use a 8.5 head instead of 8.625, depending on the set of bongos you have. Synthetic on bongos are great in my opinion, takes all the common problems away such as constant tuning or skins breaking from tension. Humidity shouldn’t matter. Based on my experience, they don’t change pitch no matter the conditions. Hope this helps!

[@mike.thomas]

@@RomanPercussion It does help. I wondered whether it was possible that 8.5” could work, so it’s good to know there is at least a chance. I see that Evans has a matched set of heads that are sized correctly for my LPs, and are reasonably priced. Have watched a couple of vids and it appears they may sound OK, just not nearly as popular (or attractive-looking) as the Remo options. Anyway, thanks for the help and advice!

[@RomanPercussion]

Not a fan of Evans percussion heads....definitely would recommend Remo. You’re welcome!

[@mike.thomas]

@@RomanPercussion Thanks, man.

[@RomanPercussion]

You’re welcome Mike!

[@borikero1]

Nuskyn 👍

[@irwinjimenez]

2nd one (synthetic) sound a bit higher, right in the middle. I guess it depends on what it's being played with.

[@sebastien2992]

Great video! I was thinking of going nuskyn on the hembra and fiberskyn on the macho. I have LP matador bongos, would the 7.15 and 8.5 work? (mine are 7.1/4 and 8.5/8)? Thanks in advance!

[@RomanPercussion]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 That’s a good combination. Since I’ve done this video, which was a while ago….I’m a huge fan of the Black Remo Skyndeep heads for bongos. Check those out, for me, that’s my go to for bongo heads now. My newer bongo videos I’ve used them so you’ll be able to hear their sound. As far as the sizes, yes that should work fine. Matadors, to my understanding, usually come with traditional rims so that should work. Make sure that the heads you get are TUCKED heads. I just had a friend break his macho head because he had a crimplock version. Not the best for bongos because it takes a lot of pressure when tuning and they can break. Good luck!

[@sebastien2992]

@@RomanPercussion thank you for responding even though this video was made a while ago! I'll check out your latest videos!

[@RomanPercussion]

You’re welcome! Enjoy!

[@chickenjones]

I had a rawhide head that got torn. I replaced it with another rawhide (they are cheaper), got torn again. Have you had the same issue with these heads?

[@RomanPercussion]

Ah man, sorry to hear that chickenjones. So, typically a mass produced skin like the ones you find with the bigger percussion companies, tend to be on the thinner side. One time, I had a rawhide split on me but I had forget to detune it. Bongo skins can be very sensitive so you want to be extra careful. Make sure to always detune when you’re finished playing and make sure to evenly tune each lug; (Ex: if you do 2 turns on one lug, make sure to do 2 turns on all of them). Hope this helps!

[@chickenjones]

@@RomanPercussion it does help.thanks!

[@RomanPercussion]

You’re welcome!

[@abdulhaditajulazli5676]

what model of this Lp bongo ? and what size the skin ( macho )

[@RomanPercussion]

Eddie Montalvo bongo, 7 1/4”

[@jimmygray4072]

Got myself a remo fibreskin3 delivered at weekend but have a problem, i'v put the remo head on the Hembra but i'v just hand tightened the nuts and my tuner keeps saying its a C sharp, maybe i need to stretch it so when i tune down it will go to the Middle C.. i just dont want to do something that might damage my new drumhead .....Help

[@RomanPercussion]

It shouldn’t damage the head as long as the crown/rim fit, which it seems that way if you were able to hand tighten them. Make sure to evenly tune the drum, some use the “star” method, should be fine after that.

[@jimmygray4072]

@@RomanPercussion The drumheads on perfect but with the nuts not even tightened its giving me a C sharp and i cant tune down any lower the nuts are too loose then.. i have a set of LP Matadors. or are you saying i need to tighten nuts, then loosen it back down too the C? stretching the drumhead? always had rawhide skins on my bongos but after hearing the Remo fiberskyn on your video thought yeah man i'am trying that baby on the LP's

[@RomanPercussion]

Yes, just tune the drum first, adjust the tuning if the pitch isn’t what you want. Remember to tune evenly. It’s a new head so it has to be seated and stretched a bit. It’s a great drumhead for sure!

[@jimmygray4072]

@@RomanPercussion Sounds amazing ringing like a Tuning fork been playing along to tunes all morning... Superb! Gracias amigo

[@RomanPercussion]

Awesome! Also, you can fine tune the drum to take out some of the ring. Enjoy!

[@coffeetoride5800]

LP sound the best for me nuskin Remo also not bad difrent charakter but good

[@johnmorrow1253]

its the moisture in the air that is the problem where i live. with a hide skin once there is dampness you lose your sound. no amount of tension makes up for damp in the skin period, skin swells with moisture and loses rigidity. Plastic sounds just as bad if its really wet. We are waiting for some of those ultra waterproof kevlar marching things in Lancashire

[@RomanPercussion]

Wow that’s interesting, I’ve never heard of that situation before. I understand what you mean, once there is dampness it’s close to impossible to work around.

[@johnmorrow1253]

@@RomanPercussion Hey man thanks for the reply. Kin' Cotton, Lancashire (alleged uk). The Industrial Revolution arguably began where i live. In bygone times Lancashire was full of cotton mills. The machinery was water-wheel power (before steam) driven by the hundreds of streams which were and still are fed from the high rainfall running off the Pennine Fells to the East. That was the power source. The great bonus was the damp conditions were perfect for causing the natural cotton yarn to spin and stretch beautifully. The spun cotton could be woven into millions of miles of fabric which was shipped elsewhere to be made into cotton products. Our climate is rubbish for natural drumskins, but! The cotton weavers and industrial scale fabric makers produced thousands of lip-reading deaf workers who were immersed in the clattering rhythms of the mills. The clog dancers in the North of England were the rhythmic powerhouse of the nation. We love drumming where i live rhythm is in our blood. I enjoy clattering thimbles on the washboard but i love bongo. Make an album with me "The Clog and the drum" ? www.linkedin.com/in/john-morrow-818359bb/

[@franklabbrador9279]

Remo Fiberskin....

[@frannelleon5030]

Hola saludos m recomiendas ese lp natural en la hembra brot!!!

[@RomanPercussion]

Saludos! Para la hembra, no está mal. Hace el trabajo bien, puedes poner un mejor cuero de calidad, pero no es necesario.

[@frannelleon5030]

@@RomanPercussion gracias mi brot ese cuero es bastante gordito o lo vez muy fino para la hembra?? Xqvm han dicho q mientras más grueso sea el cuero en la hembra suena mejor???

[@RomanPercussion]

@@frannelleon5030 el cuero como viene está bien, un cuero un poco mas grueso vas a tener un mejor sonido en mi opinión. Se elimina los “overtones”, pero tú puede usar el cuero de factoría por ahora, hace el trabajo.

[@frannelleon5030]

@@RomanPercussion ya esta bien muchas gracias mi pana x la asesoría agradecido x la ayuda bendiciones.. 👍💯💯💯🫂🫂

[@miguelrivera6146]

Remo Nuskyn is for me bro. and also like Remo Fiber Skyn 3

[@RomanPercussion]

I was lucky enough to get a pair of Fiberskyns from a friend, years after I had the Nuskyns. Nuskyns are dope, clean tone, very little overtone.

[@miguelrivera6146]

@@RomanPercussion blessings brother, Yea I like how Nuskyn sounds in our Jibaro music 😊

[@RomanPercussion]

Same to you bro. Speaking of Jibaro music, might have a surprise this Friday so be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss it 😉

[@Psqwall]

what size are your heads ?

[@RomanPercussion]

All of them were 7 1/4 Macho and 8 1/2 Hembra.

[@Psqwall]

@@RomanPercussion I need a 6 1/2” head and I’m having trouble finding one

[@RomanPercussion]

Hmm 6 1/2….might be a little challenging since that’s not a “standard” size. I don’t believe that size is made for synthetic models but you could look up the options Remo or Evans may have. Which brand and model are the bongos?

[@Psqwall]

@@RomanPercussion Vintage no name bongos from the 1960s Made in China. Very similar to Star Bongos. The have plastic bullet style lugs mounted on the sides.I got a Remo Nuskyn 7.15 head to fit on the bigger side but 6.35 was too big for smaller side. Do you think 6.3/4” will work ?

[@RomanPercussion]

Not familiar with those bongos, not sure if it will fit, I think the 6 3/4 heads will be bigger than the one you tried. Maybe trying a middle grade set of bongos may help.

[@hollowwallsendmiseryforest8709]

Lp rawhide low bongo sounds too bouncy and rubbery

[@genghishank1]

Mr Burns’ head is best

[@RomanPercussion]

Haha!!! 🤣😂

[@mr.5545]

Remo fiber skin on both

[@RomanPercussion]

One of my favorite synthetic heads, solid choice. Thanks for the comment Miguel!

[@TheDoReMiFaSolLaTiDo]

The LP one is boring sounding