suggestion for percussion recording

[Tonio]

The Santana engineer was pretty reassuring, using the sm57's to record congas......now where have I heard that recommendation before?

Sm 57 ? hmm, who said it? ???

Joking aside, most percussionist gets the shits in regards to recording. Last thing on a engineers mind in general. But if its Gio and a big time producer involved, they will get a U87. But in rock or really busy mix SM57 is good to bring out the details, otherwise it could be too thin for something like a rumba. But , hey thats when placement comes into play and knowing how to capture what it is needed.
Knowing how to use your tools is the trick, just like knowing how to play drums. You would be suprised what equipment was used to record some old rumba back in the day

T