Jose "Joe" Madera, born in New York City, played timbales with "Machito" in his teens.

He later became Tito Puente's conguero for 30 years and was the musical director of the Tito Puente Orchestra for 10 years. Jose has been staff arranger at Fania Records since the 1970s and has performed on over 100 recordings in Latin, Pop, R&B, and Jazz music.

These distinguished congas are finished with a unique pattern using a process developed in the LP factory. While the character of the finish is consistent, each drum is a unique piece of art.