Pearl's Elite Mahogany Series of congas feature Pearl's exclusive "Spline-Joint" technology that uses splines to mechanically secure the staves both horizonally and vertically to greatly increase the surface area of the joints for strength that others can't match. The shells feature an inner layer of hard Para Wood for improved volume and increased mid and low frequencies and an outer layer of Mahogany for incredible looks. Another feature is Pearl's New Contour Crown Rims with a lower profile for greater comfort on your hands and our exclusive Self-Aligning Washer System (S.A.W.S.) that isolate the tension hooks from the innter walls of the lugs for greater tuning ease. The Pearl Elite Mahogany, where state-of-the-art construction creates state-of-the-art sound.