What is the primary material used for the drum head?

The drum head is made from authentic goat skin, which is chosen for its traditional feel and rich, warm tonal characteristics.

How is the Meinl Deep Shell Tar tuned?

It features an internal tuning system, allowing the player to adjust the tension of the goat skin head without external hardware visible on the shell.

What is the benefit of the deep shell design?

The deep shell design allows for better sound development, specifically enhancing the resonance and low-end frequencies compared to standard shallow frame drums.

Does this drum include a grip for traditional playing?

Yes, it includes a traditional thumb hole grip, which allows for comfortable and secure holding while using finger-striking techniques.

What is the diameter of this specific Tar model?

This specific model has a diameter of 14 inches, balancing portability with a wide enough surface for varied tonal zones.

What finish is applied to the shell?

The drum features a Brown Burl finish, providing a high-end, aesthetic appeal that stands out from standard wood grains.

Is this instrument suitable for electronic music set-ups?

While categorised by some retailers alongside electronic drum kits, it is a purely acoustic instrument. However, it can be miked up for use in electronic or hybrid music contexts.

How does this compare to a standard snare drum like the Tama Starclassic?

The Tar is a handheld frame drum played with fingers, whereas a snare drum like the Tama Starclassic is a kit-based drum played with sticks and features a metal snare wire.

What is the typical price range for this instrument?

The typical price for this Meinl 14" Deep Shell Tar is approximately GBP 161.

Can the pitch of the drum be adjusted?

Yes, the internal tuning system allows the percussionist to raise or lower the pitch to suit the musical key or personal preference.

Is the goat skin head affected by weather?

As a natural material, goat skin can be sensitive to humidity and temperature. The internal tuning system helps counteract these environmental changes.

How does the sound of this 14-inch model compare to a 10-inch frame drum?

The 14-inch model provides a deeper, fuller bass response and a larger playing surface than a 10-inch drum, making it more resonant.

Gear article

Meinl 14" Goat Skin Deep Shell Tar (Brown Burl)

The Meinl 14" Goat Skin Deep Shell Tar is a professional-grade frame drum featuring a traditional thumb hole grip and an internal tuning system. Designed for comfortable playing in the traditional style, it is distinguished by its deep shell construction and a decorative Brown Burl finish.

Meinl Frame Drums - 14" Goat Skin Deep Shell Tars - Brown Burl

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Overview and Design

The Meinl Deep Shell Tar is a modern iteration of the ancient Middle Eastern frame drum. This specific model features a 14-inch diameter and a deeper-than-standard shell, which is engineered to enhance the resonance and sound development of the instrument. The exterior is finished in a visually striking Brown Burl, providing a premium aesthetic that differentiates it from standard natural wood finishes.

To facilitate traditional playing techniques, Meinl has incorporated a thumb hole grip into the shell. This allows the percussionist to hold the drum securely while using the fingers of the same hand to strike the skin, a method central to North African and Middle Eastern percussion traditions.

Tuning and Construction

Unlike basic frame drums that rely on heat or humidity to maintain tension, the Meinl Deep Shell Tar utilizes an internal tuning system. This allows the player to adjust the pitch and tension of the goat skin head with precision, ensuring the drum remains playable in various environmental conditions. The goat skin head itself is selected for its authentic feel and tonal response, providing a warm and organic texture that synthetic heads often struggle to replicate.

British Drum Company British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare Drum

Sound Character and Performance

The primary sonic characteristic of this drum is its 'excellent sound development,' a result of the deeper shell depth. This design produces a rich, low-end 'doom' stroke while maintaining crisp, articulate 'tak' sounds at the edge of the rim. The internal tuning allows for a range of pitches, making it versatile for both rhythmic accompaniment and melodic soloing. The goat skin provides a traditional dampening effect that yields a complex, earthy harmonic profile.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is suited for percussionists specialising in world music, folk, and meditative soundscapes. While the manufacturer's data categorises this alongside electronic drum kits and varied snare drums like the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Tama Starclassic Performer, the Tar is a purely acoustic, manual instrument.

Compared to smaller or shallower frame drums like the Remo 10" Lollipop Frame Drum, the Meinl 14" Deep Shell Tar offers significantly more volume and low-frequency resonance. It occupies a more specialised professional niche than entry-level kits like the Gear4music Junior 3 Piece, focusing on the nuanced techniques of frame drumming rather than kit-based performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the drum head?: The drum head is made from authentic goat skin, which is chosen for its traditional feel and rich, warm tonal characteristics.
How is the Meinl Deep Shell Tar tuned?: It features an internal tuning system, allowing the player to adjust the tension of the goat skin head without external hardware visible on the shell.
What is the benefit of the deep shell design?: The deep shell design allows for better sound development, specifically enhancing the resonance and low-end frequencies compared to standard shallow frame drums.
Does this drum include a grip for traditional playing?: Yes, it includes a traditional thumb hole grip, which allows for comfortable and secure holding while using finger-striking techniques.
What is the diameter of this specific Tar model?: This specific model has a diameter of 14 inches, balancing portability with a wide enough surface for varied tonal zones.
What finish is applied to the shell?: The drum features a Brown Burl finish, providing a high-end, aesthetic appeal that stands out from standard wood grains.
Is this instrument suitable for electronic music set-ups?: While categorised by some retailers alongside electronic drum kits, it is a purely acoustic instrument. However, it can be miked up for use in electronic or hybrid music contexts.
How does this compare to a standard snare drum like the Tama Starclassic?: The Tar is a handheld frame drum played with fingers, whereas a snare drum like the Tama Starclassic is a kit-based drum played with sticks and features a metal snare wire.
What is the typical price range for this instrument?: The typical price for this Meinl 14" Deep Shell Tar is approximately GBP 161.
Can the pitch of the drum be adjusted?: Yes, the internal tuning system allows the percussionist to raise or lower the pitch to suit the musical key or personal preference.
Is the goat skin head affected by weather?: As a natural material, goat skin can be sensitive to humidity and temperature. The internal tuning system helps counteract these environmental changes.
How does the sound of this 14-inch model compare to a 10-inch frame drum?: The 14-inch model provides a deeper, fuller bass response and a larger playing surface than a 10-inch drum, making it more resonant.