Latin Percussion

Latin Percussion (LP) is an iconic brand that has left an indelible mark on the world of percussion instruments. For more than half a century, LP has been dedicated to crafting exceptional percussion instruments that meet the exacting standards of professional musicians. Their commitment to innovation and their passion for music have resulted in the creation of countless classic percussion instruments and the patenting of hundreds of improvements and new designs. The LP journey began in 1956 when a young mechanical engineer and photography enthusiast named Martin Cohen stumbled upon New York's renowned Birdland jazz club. The moment he stepped inside, he was captivated by the electrifying sound and infectious energy of Latin jazz. This encounter would forever change his life and pave the way for the birth of LP. Inspired by the pulsating rhythms and vibrant melodies of Latin music, Cohen immersed himself in the 1960s Latin music scene. Yearning to own his own set of bongos, he encountered a roadblock: high-quality, Cuban-made bongos were not readily available in the United States due to trade embargoes. Undeterred, Cohen decided to apply his engineering skills and embarked on a mission to create his own bongos. Months of meticulous study and experimentation culminated in the birth of what would soon be hailed as "the finest bongos the world had ever seen." Cohen's dedication to perfection and his unwavering pursuit of excellence led to the establishment of Latin Percussion in 1964. Armed with his innovative creations, including bongos, cowbells, and other percussion instruments, Cohen personally delivered them to musicians in brown paper bags. New York's vibrant Latin nightclubs became Cohen's research and development labs, where he collaborated with talented artists and harnessed their real-world experiences playing live music to refine and perfect his percussion instruments. This unique approach, placing the needs of performing musicians above all else, became the foundation of LP's philosophy—a tradition that still thrives today. In 2015, Latin Percussion joined forces with another esteemed American family-run business, Drum Workshop® (DW). DW and LP share a common ethos, rooted in passion and continuous collaboration with the world's top drummers and percussionists. DW's founder, Don Lombardi, and his son, Chris Lombardi, the President and CEO, are dedicated to upholding LP's legacy, combining authenticity of sound with contemporary design to offer the finest percussion products available on the market. Today, LP's instruments are put to the test by both professional and amateur musicians across the globe. Their legacy endures as LP's talented research and development team tirelessly works hand in hand with the world's greatest artists, striving to create the ultimate percussion instruments. Each year brings new innovations and refinements, building upon the brand's rich heritage and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of percussion. LP's instruments have left an indelible imprint on the world of music. Whether it's the infectious rhythms of salsa or the driving beats of classic rock, LP instruments have been featured in thousands of chart-topping recordings. They have become an essential part of numerous musical genres, to the extent that it is nearly impossible to turn on a radio or listen to a playlist without encountering the unmistakable sound of an LP instrument. In a world where musical expression knows no boundaries, Latin Percussion continues to inspire musicians, ignite creativity, and elevate performances to new heights. Their commitment to innovation, dedication to craftsmanship, and unwavering passion for music have solidified LP's position as a leader in the realm of percussion instruments, and their legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.