Can I mount this on a standard hi-hat stand?

Yes, it is designed to fit standard hi-hat stands. The bottom piece sits on the felt seat, and the top piece attaches to the pull rod using a standard clutch.

What material are the jingles made of?

The jingles are made from stainless steel. This material provides a bright, crisp, and shimmering tone that is highly durable.

Is this intended for use with drumsticks?

Yes, the frame is made of durable steel. It is designed to withstand direct hits from drumsticks as well as foot-operated play.

How many jingles are included in the set?

There are 16 pairs of jingles in total. They are arranged in 8 pairs on the top section and 8 pairs on the bottom section.

Does it sound like a regular hi-hat?

No, it produces a tambourine 'jingle' sound rather than a metallic 'clang' or 'chick'. It is much softer and more textured than traditional bronze cymbals.

Is this suitable for a cajon setup?

It is ideal for cajon setups. It provides a foot-controlled high-frequency sound that complements the low-end thump of a cajon without being too loud.

How does the alignment system work?

The unit features four central posts. These keep the top and bottom pieces perfectly aligned during play for a consistent response every time the pedal is pressed.

Can this be used as an auxiliary hi-hat?

Absolutely. Many drummers mount it on a second hi-hat stand to provide a contrasting percussive texture alongside their main cymbals.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical retail price is approximately £50.00. This makes it an affordable addition for percussionists looking to expand their sound palette.

Is the frame plastic or metal?

The frame is constructed from durable steel. This ensures it remains rigid and survives the rigours of regular touring and practice.

How does this compare to 'low volume' cymbals?

Low volume cymbals are still traditionally shaped cymbals with holes to reduce volume. This is a tambourine-based instrument, offering a different timbre entirely.

Do I need a special clutch for the top piece?

No special clutch is required. It works with the standard clutch that comes with your hi-hat stand.

Gear article

Meinl Percussion Tambourine Hi-hat

The Meinl Percussion Tambourine Hi-hat is a specialized hybrid percussion instrument designed to function as a traditional hi-hat pair using jingles instead of standard cymbal alloys. It consists of a two-piece steel frame housing sixteen pairs of stainless steel jingles, providing a controlled, shimmering alternative for low-volume acoustic performances and percussion rigs.

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Overview and Design

The Meinl Percussion Tambourine Hi-hat is engineered to integrate the ergonomics of a drum kit with the timbre of handheld percussion. Unlike standard cymbals, this instrument utilizes two matching steel frames that house stainless steel jingles. The design mimics the physical operation of traditional hi-hats: the bottom piece rests on the hi-hat stand seat, while the top piece attaches to the pull rod via a standard clutch.

To ensure consistent performance, the unit features four central alignment posts. These posts prevent the two halves from shifting during play, maintaining a vertical trajectory that ensures the jingles strike one another evenly for a crisp response.

Sound Character and Low-Volume Utility

The primary sonic characteristic of this instrument is a bright, shimmering tone produced by the stainless steel jingles. It is specifically voiced to be less aggressive than traditional bronze hi-hats, such as the UFIP Class Series or Paiste Giant Beat models.

This makes it an ideal choice for: * Acoustic Sets: Blending with unamplified instruments without overpowering them. * Cajon Rigs: Providing a foot-operated rhythmic element that matches the volume of wooden percussion. * Auxiliary Percussion: Adding a unique textures to a standard drum kit setup.

Durability and Construction

Despite its delicate sound, the instrument is built for professional use. The frame is constructed from durable steel, allowing it to be played with drumsticks as well as by foot pedal. This dual-purpose durability ensures that percussionists can transition between delicate stick patterns and driving foot ostinatos without risking damage to the frame or the jingles.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to traditional hi-hats like the Meinl HCS 13" or the UFIP Bionic Series, the Tambourine Hi-hat offers a much shorter decay and a higher frequency focus. While 'Low Volume' cymbal packs, such as those by Gear4music, use perforated bronze to reduce decibels, the Meinl Tambourine Hi-hat achieves its volume control through the inherent nature of jingles. It serves as a more specialized texture than a standard crash-ride or hi-hat, offering a percussive 'chick' that is distinct from the metallic 'wash' of traditional cymbals.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I mount this on a standard hi-hat stand?: Yes, it is designed to fit standard hi-hat stands. The bottom piece sits on the felt seat, and the top piece attaches to the pull rod using a standard clutch.
What material are the jingles made of?: The jingles are made from stainless steel. This material provides a bright, crisp, and shimmering tone that is highly durable.
Is this intended for use with drumsticks?: Yes, the frame is made of durable steel. It is designed to withstand direct hits from drumsticks as well as foot-operated play.
How many jingles are included in the set?: There are 16 pairs of jingles in total. They are arranged in 8 pairs on the top section and 8 pairs on the bottom section.
Does it sound like a regular hi-hat?: No, it produces a tambourine 'jingle' sound rather than a metallic 'clang' or 'chick'. It is much softer and more textured than traditional bronze cymbals.
Is this suitable for a cajon setup?: It is ideal for cajon setups. It provides a foot-controlled high-frequency sound that complements the low-end thump of a cajon without being too loud.
How does the alignment system work?: The unit features four central posts. These keep the top and bottom pieces perfectly aligned during play for a consistent response every time the pedal is pressed.
Can this be used as an auxiliary hi-hat?: Absolutely. Many drummers mount it on a second hi-hat stand to provide a contrasting percussive texture alongside their main cymbals.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical retail price is approximately £50.00. This makes it an affordable addition for percussionists looking to expand their sound palette.
Is the frame plastic or metal?: The frame is constructed from durable steel. This ensures it remains rigid and survives the rigours of regular touring and practice.
How does this compare to 'low volume' cymbals?: Low volume cymbals are still traditionally shaped cymbals with holes to reduce volume. This is a tambourine-based instrument, offering a different timbre entirely.
Do I need a special clutch for the top piece?: No special clutch is required. It works with the standard clutch that comes with your hi-hat stand.