Hal Leonard has widened its reach in the percussion world, taking on U.S. distribution for the full range of Latin Percussion instruments. The deal, now active, gives music dealers across the country direct access to LP’s catalog: from the familiar warmth of its congas and bongos to the sharp crack of timbales, the subtle accents of hand-held accessories, and an array of modern hybrid gear.
For decades, Hal Leonard has been a familiar name not just in publishing but in distribution for drummers and percussionists. Its current roster already carries Gibraltar Hardware, Remo Percussion, Paiste Cymbals, and SJC Drums. Adding LP to that lineup is not simply a case of another brand joining the fold; it’s the arrival of a name that has defined a category for more than half a century.
“Latin Percussion is a cornerstone of rhythm culture around the globe, and we’re proud to add their legendary instruments to our distribution lineup,” said Donny Gruendler, head of strategic partnerships, MI at Hal Leonard. He described LP’s blend of “craftsmanship and sonic innovation” as a natural fit alongside the other high-end percussion makers the company represents.
LP’s history stretches back to 1964, when it began producing instruments that quickly became the standard in Latin and world percussion. Over the years, its sound has crossed into jazz, pop, rock, funk, and countless other spaces, adapting without losing its identity. Its congas and bongos have been heard on landmark recordings and in street festivals, in intimate club settings, and on stadium tours. Alongside its traditional offerings, LP has never hesitated to experiment, introducing fresh materials, inventive designs, and gear that merges acoustic tradition with electronic possibilities.
This new arrangement with Hal Leonard means more than a name on a list. It could make LP’s instruments easier to find for working percussionists, educators, and first-time players alike. Dealers will now be able to source the brand’s full product line through familiar distribution channels, shortening wait times and expanding availability in regions where LP has sometimes been harder to track down.
The timing also feels right. Percussionists today are pulling from more influences than ever: combining timbales with drum kits, layering hand percussion into electronic setups, and moving fluidly between genres in a single set. LP’s catalog speaks to that reality, grounded in decades of tradition, yet agile enough to meet the demands of today’s music scenes. It’s the kind of range that can hold its own in a street parade, a jazz club, or a festival stage packed with electronics and lights.
With this new alliance, Hal Leonard and LP bring together two long-standing names that share an understanding of rhythm’s place at the heart of music. The partnership isn’t just about moving products; it’s about putting instruments into the hands of more players, in more corners of the country, so their sound can ripple through rehearsal rooms, concert halls, and open-air stages alike.