Ordered these for playing at parties, thinking that their price will allow one to play them sometimes with hands like any other bongo, and sometimes disrespectfully with a stick (my apologies). The metal rings sit in a position which did not sit with my anatomy and seriously hurt my hand. This is not the case with other bongos. Also, I think, the skin was on the thinner side, so the sound was so so. I sold them even cheaper to an absolute beginner who happy for the bargain and joyful he had something to toy around with to get started. Sold these, bought more expensive ones soon. All problems gone.