Meinl DG400MS - Artist Series Bongo Diego Galé 7" & 8 1/2" Midnight Star

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

Producer, composer, and Grammy-nominated instrumentalist, Diego Galé has developed a very personal approach to Afro-Cuban music, nourished by a deep knowledge of traditions and a demand for contemporary performance. The MEINL Percussion Diego Galé Artist Series follows this logic: offering a signature instrument with refined design and expressive sound, crafted to meet the real demands of professional musicians, both in concert and recording.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This bongo set is aimed at intermediate to expert percussionists seeking a reliable, consistent, and powerful instrument capable of holding its place in a band without effort. It is especially suited for Afro-Cuban and Latin styles (salsa, timba, son, Latin jazz), but also fits pop, urban, or world productions whenever a clear percussive color, standout accents, and good mix definition are desired.

Features and Innovations

Constructed from premium fiberglass, this model focuses on consistency: even when changing location, temperature, or volume level, the instrument maintains stable response and solid projection. The 10 mm solid tuning lugs provide secure tuning, while the rounded 4 mm SSR hoops enhance comfort under the hands and contribute to a feeling of control, especially appreciated during fast patterns and dynamic playing phrases. The high-gloss finish and chrome hardware complete a package designed to be as visually appealing as it is musically effective.

Sound

Fiberglass is known for its projection and ability to deliver a sharp attack with great precision, a major asset when the bongo needs to cut through an orchestra or remain clear in a dense mix. It promotes a direct response, with a wide dynamic range, while maintaining a very pleasing timbral uniformity between light strokes and accented hits.
The REMO Black Calfskin Skyndeep heads provide a sound that is both modern and organic: bright highs for slaps and open notes, and warm lows that add body to phrases. The result is an expressive, precise, and musical set, designed for nuances, groove, and the "flavor" of Afro-Cuban rhythms, both in the studio and on stage.

Technical specifications

Category	bongo	Color	Black
Type	bongos	Finishing	Glitter
Material	fiberglass	Hardware	Chromed
Skin type	Synthetic

Diameters	7 and 8 1/2 inches	Lugs	10 mm solid tuning lugs
Finish	high gloss	Hoops	4 mm rounded SSR hoops
Heads	REMO Black Calfskin Skyndeep	Hoop type	SSR