Bombo legguero: tool description, structure, use

Bombo legguero is an Argentinean drum of large size, the name of which comes from a unit of length measurement – a league, equal to five kilometers. It is generally accepted that this is the distance the sound of the instrument propagates. It differs from other drums in the depth of sound and is made using a special technology.

Traditionally, the bombo legguero is made of wood and covered with the skin of animals – sheep, goats, cows, or llamas. To give a deeper sound, it is necessary to stretch the skin of the animal with the fur outward.

The instrument has several similarities to the Landskechttorommel, an ancient European drum. It uses the same fastening of the rings with which the membranes are stretched. But there are a number of differences – the depth of sound, the size and the components used in production.

Sticks that produce sound are made of wood and are made with soft tips. Impacts can be applied not only to the membrane, but also to the frame made of wood.

Many famous Latin American performers use the bombo legguero in their repertoire.

The large Creole drum is used in Argentine folklore, in folk dances, and can also be used in samba, salsa and other Latin American genres.