Hand Drums
Everything published on Viyolens under Hand Drums — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
Bongo Drumming for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A calm, step-by-step start for anyone new to bongo drumming: posture, your first three tones, building the martillo, and a routine that actually sticks.
Common Congas Mistakes to Avoid
Congas are mechanically simple, which is exactly why small errors get away with themselves for so long before someone notices.
Congas for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Congas look a little intimidating at first, but it's a genuinely welcoming instrument to begin on. Let's take it gently, one step at a time.
Common Bongo Drumming Mistakes to Avoid
The most common bongo drumming mistakes are habits, not talent problems. Here is what to catch early, and the simple fix for each one.
Bongo Drumming: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Wood or fibreglass, natural hide or synthetic heads, budget or professional: here is the plain-spoken guide to buying the right pair of bongos.
Congas: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying your first set of congas isn't complicated once you strip away the jargon. Here's the honest version of what to check.
Congas Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Tall drums, one head each, played by hand — but there's real craft and a deep tradition behind that simplicity. Here's how congas actually work.
Everything You Need to Know About Bongo Drumming
From eastern Cuba to salsa clubs and bedroom studios, here is everything worth knowing about bongo drumming: history, anatomy, the martillo pattern and basic technique.
The Best Congas for the Money
There's no single best conga — only the best one for the music you're playing and the conditions you're playing it in.
