What material is the shell made from?

The shell of the Meinl 12" Synthetic Head Bendir is constructed from Rubber Wood, which is sourced from environmentally sustainable plantations.

How is the 'buzzing' sound produced?

The buzzing sound is generated by four strings stretched across the inside of the drum frame that touch the synthetic head, vibrating when the drum is struck.

Is the drum head tuneable?

Yes, the synthetic head is fully tuneable, allowing the player to adjust the pitch to their preference or to match other instruments.

Does humidity affect the pitch of this drum?

Because it uses a synthetic head rather than animal skin, the pitch is not significantly affected by humidity or outdoor weather conditions.

What is the diameter of this specific model?

This specific Meinl Bendir model has a diameter of 12 inches.

What colour finish does this drum have?

The drum features an African Brown finish, applied to the Rubber Wood shell.

Is the drum designed for comfort?

Yes, the shell features rounded edges to ensure comfort for the player's hands during extended practice or performance sessions.

How does the 'True Feel' head differ from standard plastic heads?

The 'True Feel' synthetic head is designed to mimic the tactile response and warmth of a natural skin head while retaining the durability of synthetic materials.

Can this drum be used for outdoor performances?

Yes, its synthetic head makes it highly suitable for outdoor venues where temperature and moisture changes would usually detune a traditional drum.

What is the typical price for this instrument?

The typical price for the Meinl 12" Synthetic Head Bendir in African Brown is approximately GBP 155.

How many strings are used for the buzzing effect?

The instrument utilises four strings stretched across the interior of the head to create the signature Bendir rattle.

What category of instrument does Meinl place this in?

While it is a hand percussion instrument, it is categorised under Meinl's broader range of frame drums and electronic drum kit related percussion lists.

Gear article

Meinl 12" Synthetic Head Bendir (African Brown)

The Meinl 12" Synthetic Head Bendir is a modern interpretation of the traditional North African frame drum, constructed from environmentally sustainable Rubber Wood. It features a synthetic head and internal buzzing strings, designed to provide a consistent pitch regardless of environmental humidity.

See live prices

Overview

The Meinl 12" Synthetic Head Bendir is a professional-grade frame drum that incorporates traditional acoustic properties with modern materials. Finished in African Brown, the instrument is built using Rubber Wood sourced from environmentally sustainable plantations. It is characterised by its internal snare system and a robust synthetic head that offers a 'true feel' response similar to natural animal skins.

Mechanical Features and Tuning

A primary feature of this Bendir is its tuneable synthetic head. Unlike traditional goat-skin heads, which are highly sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations, the synthetic material maintains its tension and pitch. This makes it particularly suited for outdoor performances or venues with high humidity. The shell is designed with rounded edges, which are intended to provide comfort for the player during extended periods of play.

Sound Character

The instrument produces a classic Bendir sound, defined by a distinct 'buzzing' quality. This effect is achieved through four strings stretched across the interior of the drum that remain in contact with the underside of the head. When the drum is struck, the vibration of the head causes the strings to rattle, adding a crisp, rhythmic texture to the low-end resonance of the frame.

Market Context and Alternatives

While grouped alongside varied percussion and snare options such as the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Tama Starclassic Performer, the Bendir serves a specific niche in hand percussion. For players seeking a simpler frame drum experience without the buzzing effect, alternatives like the Remo 10 Lollipop Frame Drum exist, though they lack the professional tuning capabilities and depth of the Meinl model. It represents a middle ground between basic percussion toys and high-end orchestral or kit-based drums like the DW Collectors Series.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the shell made from?: The shell of the Meinl 12" Synthetic Head Bendir is constructed from Rubber Wood, which is sourced from environmentally sustainable plantations.
How is the 'buzzing' sound produced?: The buzzing sound is generated by four strings stretched across the inside of the drum frame that touch the synthetic head, vibrating when the drum is struck.
Is the drum head tuneable?: Yes, the synthetic head is fully tuneable, allowing the player to adjust the pitch to their preference or to match other instruments.
Does humidity affect the pitch of this drum?: Because it uses a synthetic head rather than animal skin, the pitch is not significantly affected by humidity or outdoor weather conditions.
What is the diameter of this specific model?: This specific Meinl Bendir model has a diameter of 12 inches.
What colour finish does this drum have?: The drum features an African Brown finish, applied to the Rubber Wood shell.
Is the drum designed for comfort?: Yes, the shell features rounded edges to ensure comfort for the player's hands during extended practice or performance sessions.
How does the 'True Feel' head differ from standard plastic heads?: The 'True Feel' synthetic head is designed to mimic the tactile response and warmth of a natural skin head while retaining the durability of synthetic materials.
Can this drum be used for outdoor performances?: Yes, its synthetic head makes it highly suitable for outdoor venues where temperature and moisture changes would usually detune a traditional drum.
What is the typical price for this instrument?: The typical price for the Meinl 12" Synthetic Head Bendir in African Brown is approximately GBP 155.
How many strings are used for the buzzing effect?: The instrument utilises four strings stretched across the interior of the head to create the signature Bendir rattle.
What category of instrument does Meinl place this in?: While it is a hand percussion instrument, it is categorised under Meinl's broader range of frame drums and electronic drum kit related percussion lists.