What material is the head of this tambourine made from?

The head is made from authentic goatskin, which provides a natural feel and a warm, resonant tone. It is pre-tuned to ensure consistent sound quality without the need for manual adjustment.

What type of jingles are used on this model?

This tambourine features stainless steel jingles. These are chosen for their bright, shimmering sound and their ability to cut through other instruments in a mix.

Is this a single-row or double-row tambourine?

It is a 2-row tambourine, meaning it has two levels of jingles around the frame. This design increases the volume and density of the sound compared to single-row models.

What is the finish of the wooden frame?

The frame features a Walnut Brown finish. This gives the instrument a professional and classic aesthetic suitable for various stage settings.

Can the drumhead be tuned by the user?

No, the goatskin head on this specific model is pre-tuned. This ensures the instrument is ready to play immediately and maintains its intended pitch.

How does the sound of steel jingles compare to brass?

Steel jingles typically offer a brighter and more high-pitched shimmer compared to the warmer, darker tones of brass. They are often preferred for their clarity and projection.

Is this instrument suitable for professional gigging?

Yes, it is designed with an amazingly sturdy frame specifically for gigging. The build quality is intended to live up to the expectations of active percussionists.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The typical price for this Meinl tambourine is approximately £52. This places it in the mid-to-high tier for professional hand percussion.

Does this model come in different sizes?

While Meinl produces various sizes, this specific model is noted for its compact size that nonetheless delivers a 'large sound' due to its double-row jingles.

Can this tambourine be mounted on a drum kit?

This specific model is designed as a hand-held percussion instrument. It does not feature the mounting hardware found on dedicated 'mount-all' or bass drum tambourines.

How does the wooden frame affect the sound?

The wooden frame provides a traditional resonance and a solid foundation for the jingles. It generally offers a warmer acoustic character than synthetic or plastic frames.

What makes this different from a headless tambourine?

The presence of a goatskin head allows for additional techniques like finger strikes and palm hits. A headless tambourine like the Remo 6" Single Row is lighter but lacks these melodic drum tones.

Gear article

Meinl 2-Row Headed Wood Tambourine (Walnut Brown)

The Meinl 2-Row Headed Wood Tambourine is a professional-grade hand percussion instrument featuring stainless steel jingles and a pre-tuned goatskin head. Finished in a Walnut Brown aesthetic, it is designed to provide a high-volume, shimmering sound within a compact, gig-ready wooden frame.

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Overview and Construction

The Meinl Headed Wood Tambourine is a multi-tonal percussion instrument that combines a traditional wooden frame with modern hardware. Its primary structure is a sturdy wooden shell finished in Walnut Brown, designed to withstand the rigours of frequent live performance. Unlike headless models, this version incorporates a pre-tuned drumhead made from goatskin, which allows the player to utilize the instrument as both a shaker and a hand drum.

The hardware consists of two rows of stainless steel jingles. This double-row configuration is intended to provide a fuller, louder output compared to single-row alternatives, making it suitable for unamplified acoustic settings and large stage environments alike.

Sound Character and Dynamics

The sonic profile of this tambourine is defined by its bright, shimmering high-frequency response. The stainless steel jingles offer a crisp 'chick' sound that cuts through dense musical arrangements. The inclusion of a goatskin head adds a resonant, warm low-end component that can be used for rhythmic accents or thumb rolls.

Key characteristics include: * Vibrancy: The steel jingles provide a lively, resonant accent. * Tonal Versatility: The combination of the head and the jingles offers multiple playing surfaces. * Volume: The dual-row design ensures a large sound despite the instrument's manageable size.

Intended Use and Suitability

This instrument is positioned as an essential tool for professional percussionists and gigging musicians who require a reliable, high-quality tambourine. Its robust construction makes it ideal for touring, while its nuanced tonal range suits studio recording sessions. It is particularly effective for musicians who need a single instrument that can provide both the sharp attack of steel jingles and the tactile response of a natural skin head.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard plastic tambourines or headless models like the Remo 6" Single Row, the Meinl Headed Wood model offers a more complex frequency response and greater volume. While plastic variants may offer different durability profiles, the wooden frame and natural skin of the Meinl provide a more traditional aesthetic and feel. It serves a different musical purpose than specialized hand percussion like the Sonor NG31 Glockenspiel or Meinl Crystal Singing Bowls, focusing instead on rhythmic texture and high-frequency brilliance.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the head of this tambourine made from?: The head is made from authentic goatskin, which provides a natural feel and a warm, resonant tone. It is pre-tuned to ensure consistent sound quality without the need for manual adjustment.
What type of jingles are used on this model?: This tambourine features stainless steel jingles. These are chosen for their bright, shimmering sound and their ability to cut through other instruments in a mix.
Is this a single-row or double-row tambourine?: It is a 2-row tambourine, meaning it has two levels of jingles around the frame. This design increases the volume and density of the sound compared to single-row models.
What is the finish of the wooden frame?: The frame features a Walnut Brown finish. This gives the instrument a professional and classic aesthetic suitable for various stage settings.
Can the drumhead be tuned by the user?: No, the goatskin head on this specific model is pre-tuned. This ensures the instrument is ready to play immediately and maintains its intended pitch.
How does the sound of steel jingles compare to brass?: Steel jingles typically offer a brighter and more high-pitched shimmer compared to the warmer, darker tones of brass. They are often preferred for their clarity and projection.
Is this instrument suitable for professional gigging?: Yes, it is designed with an amazingly sturdy frame specifically for gigging. The build quality is intended to live up to the expectations of active percussionists.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The typical price for this Meinl tambourine is approximately £52. This places it in the mid-to-high tier for professional hand percussion.
Does this model come in different sizes?: While Meinl produces various sizes, this specific model is noted for its compact size that nonetheless delivers a 'large sound' due to its double-row jingles.
Can this tambourine be mounted on a drum kit?: This specific model is designed as a hand-held percussion instrument. It does not feature the mounting hardware found on dedicated 'mount-all' or bass drum tambourines.
How does the wooden frame affect the sound?: The wooden frame provides a traditional resonance and a solid foundation for the jingles. It generally offers a warmer acoustic character than synthetic or plastic frames.
What makes this different from a headless tambourine?: The presence of a goatskin head allows for additional techniques like finger strikes and palm hits. A headless tambourine like the Remo 6" Single Row is lighter but lacks these melodic drum tones.