For over half a century, LP has crafted classic percussion instruments as well as patented hundreds of improvements and new designs for musical instruments that meet the exacting standards of professional musicians. Latin Percussion instruments have been featured in thousands of the world’s most famous, chart-topping recordings – from classic salsa – to classic rock. LP's range of product includes congas, bongos, cowbells, timbales, cajons, shakers and effect percussion instruments. In fact, LP is such an essential part of so many musical genres, it’s nearly impossible to turn on a radio or listen to a playlist and not hear an LP instrument.

 

In 1956, Martin Cohen, a young mechanical engineer from the Bronx happened upon New York’s famous Birdland jazz club. He walked in and was immediately captivated by the sound and energy of Latin Jazz. Martin Cohen was so taken with the infectious music that he wanted his own set of bongos. Unfortunately, due to trade embargoes, high quality, Cuban-made bongos were unavailable in the United States. So Cohen put his engineering skills to use and created his own set of bongos. In 1964, Martin Cohen founded Latin Percussion (LP) and was soon delivering bongos, cowbells and other instruments in brown paper bags to musicians. Cohen utilized this close connection with artists of the Latin Music szene which contributed greatly to the success story of the brand and which is still part of the company philosophy - the needs of performing musicians are placed ahead of everything else. Today, Latin Percussion instruments are considered the world’s best percussion instruments.