Ricky Ricardo and his band would own stock in Latin Percussion if they could. Latin Percussion is a leading maker of bongos, congas, and other percussion instruments. It markets its products under such brand names as Aspire, Matador, Music Collection, and World Beat. LP instruments are sold in the US through retailers (Sam Ash, Guitar Center) and through a worldwide dealer network. Its products are favored by seasoned musicians, including Giovanni Hidalgo, Armando Peraza, and Carlos Valdez. Mechanical engineer and Latin jazz fan Martin Cohen formed the company in 1964. Jazz icon Tito Puente was among LP's first customers. The company operates as a unit of KMC Music, formerly Kaman Music Corporation.