What is the diameter of this Meinl Tar?

This specific model has a diameter of 18 inches, which provides a broad surface for various striking techniques.

What type of skin is used for the drum head?

The drum uses a hand-selected goat skin head, chosen for its traditional feel and warm tonal qualities.

How is the drum tuned?

It features an internal tuning system, allowing the player to adjust the tension of the head using a tool without external hardware obstructing the frame.

What is the benefit of the 'Deep Shell' design?

The deep shell design allows for better sound development and resonance, particularly enhancing the bass frequencies of the drum.

Does it have a grip for easier playing?

Yes, it includes a traditional thumb hole grip, which is essential for holding the drum securely in the traditional vertical playing style.

What finish is applied to the frame?

The frame features a Brown Burl finish, providing a high-end, aesthetic wood-grain appearance.

Is this instrument suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade instrument, its ergonomic thumb hole and tunable head make it accessible for beginners serious about learning traditional frame drum techniques.

How does the price compare to other Meinl frame drums?

At roughly £185, this model is positioned as a mid-to-high range professional instrument due to its specialized deep shell and tuning features.

Can the goat skin head be affected by weather?

Yes, natural goat skin is sensitive to humidity and temperature. However, the internal tuning system allows you to adjust the tension to maintain the desired pitch.

What musical styles is the Tar used in?

The Tar is traditionally used in Middle Eastern and North African music, but this 18-inch version is versatile enough for modern folk, world fusion, and therapeutic rhythmic applications.

Is a tuning key included with the drum?

Meinl typically includes the necessary hex key for their internal tuning systems, though users should verify the specific packaging contents at the point of purchase.

How does this differ from a standard frame drum?

The primary differences are the increased depth of the shell for more resonance and the inclusion of a thumb hole for traditional vertical playing, which many basic frame drums lack.

Gear article

Meinl 18" Goat Skin Deep Shell Tar (Brown Burl)

The Meinl 18" Goat Skin Deep Shell Tar is a professional-grade frame drum featuring a deep frame design and a hand-selected goat skin head. It is distinguished by its internal tuning system and a traditional thumb hole grip, finished in a characteristic Brown Burl aesthetic.

See live prices

Overview

The Meinl Deep Shell Tar is a contemporary iteration of the traditional North African and Middle Eastern frame drum. This specific 18-inch model is designed to provide a greater depth of sound than standard shallow-frame tars. It incorporates modern manufacturing precision with traditional materials, specifically utilising a goat skin head for authentic tonal response. The instrument is part of Meinl's broader percussion catalogue, which covers everything from world percussion to electronic drum kits.

Design and Construction

The construction of the Deep Shell Tar centres on its increased shell depth, which allows for enhanced resonance and sound development. The frame is finished in a visually striking Brown Burl. A critical ergonomic feature is the inclusion of a traditional thumb hole grip, which allows players to hold the drum comfortably for extended periods in the traditional upright style.

Unlike fixed-head frame drums, this model features an internal tuning system. This allows the player to adjust the tension of the goat skin head to compensate for changes in temperature and humidity, or to achieve specific pitches required for different musical contexts.

Sound Character

Due to its 18-inch diameter and deep frame, this tar produces a rich, low-end fundamental tone with complex overtones. The hand-selected goat skin provides a warm, organic attack that is sensitive to finger-style techniques. The deep shell design ensures that the 'doum' (low) strokes have significant projection and sustain, while the 'tak' (high) strokes remain crisp and articulate against the wooden frame.

Comparison and Market Context

Within the percussion market, the Meinl Deep Shell Tar sits alongside other specialized rhythm instruments. While products like the Remo 10" Lollipop Frame Drum or the Sela Melody Tongue Drum cater to educational or melodic niches, the Meinl Tar is a dedicated performance instrument for world music practitioners.

When compared to standard snare drums such as the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Tama Starclassic Performer, the Tar offers a completely different acoustic profile, focusing on manual finger percussion rather than stick-based play. At a price point of approximately £185, it represents a professional-level investment for percussionists seeking authentic frame drum sounds.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of this Meinl Tar?: This specific model has a diameter of 18 inches, which provides a broad surface for various striking techniques.
What type of skin is used for the drum head?: The drum uses a hand-selected goat skin head, chosen for its traditional feel and warm tonal qualities.
How is the drum tuned?: It features an internal tuning system, allowing the player to adjust the tension of the head using a tool without external hardware obstructing the frame.
What is the benefit of the 'Deep Shell' design?: The deep shell design allows for better sound development and resonance, particularly enhancing the bass frequencies of the drum.
Does it have a grip for easier playing?: Yes, it includes a traditional thumb hole grip, which is essential for holding the drum securely in the traditional vertical playing style.
What finish is applied to the frame?: The frame features a Brown Burl finish, providing a high-end, aesthetic wood-grain appearance.
Is this instrument suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade instrument, its ergonomic thumb hole and tunable head make it accessible for beginners serious about learning traditional frame drum techniques.
How does the price compare to other Meinl frame drums?: At roughly £185, this model is positioned as a mid-to-high range professional instrument due to its specialized deep shell and tuning features.
Can the goat skin head be affected by weather?: Yes, natural goat skin is sensitive to humidity and temperature. However, the internal tuning system allows you to adjust the tension to maintain the desired pitch.
What musical styles is the Tar used in?: The Tar is traditionally used in Middle Eastern and North African music, but this 18-inch version is versatile enough for modern folk, world fusion, and therapeutic rhythmic applications.
Is a tuning key included with the drum?: Meinl typically includes the necessary hex key for their internal tuning systems, though users should verify the specific packaging contents at the point of purchase.
How does this differ from a standard frame drum?: The primary differences are the increased depth of the shell for more resonance and the inclusion of a thumb hole for traditional vertical playing, which many basic frame drums lack.