What material is the frame of the Meinl Tour Tambourine made from?

The frame is constructed from high-quality ABS plastic. This material was chosen for its durability and ability to withstand the stresses of touring and frequent live performance.

What kind of jingles are used on this model?

The instrument features stainless steel jingles. These provide a bright, mesmerising tone and are resistant to rust and wear over time.

Is the handle designed for comfort?

Yes, it features an extra-wide, ergonomically shaped handle. This design ensures a comfortable grip and reduces hand strain during extended periods of playing.

How much does the Meinl Tour Hand Tambourine typically cost?

In the United Kingdom, this tambourine is generally priced at approximately £19. This makes it an affordable professional-grade percussion option.

Is this tambourine suitable for professional touring?

Yes, it is explicitly marketed as the 'Tour' model. Its build quality is intended to last through many performances and the rigours of travel.

Does this model have a drum head?

No, this is a headless hand tambourine. It relies entirely on the sound of the steel jingles for its rhythmic output.

What is the primary sound characteristic of the steel jingles?

The steel jingles produce bright, crisp tones. They are designed to be versatile and cutting, allowing the player to be heard clearly in a live mix.

Is the instrument heavy to hold?

No, the use of ABS plastic ensures that the tambourine is lightweight. This makes it easier to play for long durations without fatigue.

What colour is the Meinl Tour Hand Tambourine?

This specific model is finished in black. The sleek, neutral aesthetic is suitable for a wide variety of stage environments.

How many rows of jingles does this tambourine have?

This model features a single row of stainless steel jingles. This configuration provides a focused sound and keeps the instrument's profile slim.

Who is the target audience for this product?

The target audience is the gigging percussionist. It is also well-suited for vocalists or any musician needing a reliable hand-percussion instrument for live shows.

How does this compare to a wooden tambourine?

Unlike wooden models, the ABS plastic frame is less susceptible to cracking or warping due to weather changes. This makes the Meinl Tour model more consistent for outdoor gigs or humid venues.

Gear article

Meinl Tour Hand Tambourine

The Meinl Tour Hand Tambourine is a durable percussion instrument designed specifically for gigging musicians. Constructed from high-impact ABS plastic and stainless steel, it provides a lightweight solution for adding bright, rhythmic accents to live performances.

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Background and Design

Meinl Percussion developed the Tour Hand Tambourine to address the needs of touring percussionists who require instruments capable of withstanding the rigours of frequent live use. By utilising synthetic materials for the frame rather than traditional wood, the manufacturer ensures better resistance to humidity and physical impact. The instrument features a single row of jingles, focused on providing a streamlined profile that is easy to transport.

Technical Features

The core of the instrument is its ABS plastic frame, which provides structural integrity while remaining lightweight to prevent player fatigue during long sets. A primary design feature is the extra-wide ergonomically shaped handle. This grip is engineered to offer a secure and comfortable hold, allowing for precise control over rhythmic patterns and accents. The jingles are made from stainless steel, chosen for their resilience and consistent tonal response.

Sonic Character

Equipped with stainless steel jingles, the Meinl Tour Tambourine produces a bright, cutting sound. The steel construction offers a crisp articulation that is designed to sit clearly above the mix of a full band. The resulting tones are described as mesmerising and bright, providing the versatility needed to adapt to various musical genres, from pop and rock to acoustic settings.

User Suitability

This instrument is primarily suited for the gigging percussionist or vocalist who requires a reliable, lightweight hand-held option. Because of its ergonomic grip, it is an excellent choice for performers who include long percussion segments in their repertoire. Its durable build also makes it a practical choice for educational environments or rehearsal spaces where gear is frequently handled by multiple users.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to alternatives like the Remo 6-inch Single Row Headless Tambourine, the Meinl Tour model emphasises durability through its ABS construction. While budget options like Stagg maracas or other small percussion items provide different rhythmic textures, the Tour Tambourine is a dedicated mid-tier professional tool. It offers a more ergonomic approach than standard circular tambourines, focusing specifically on the comfort of the handheld player.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the frame of the Meinl Tour Tambourine made from?: The frame is constructed from high-quality ABS plastic. This material was chosen for its durability and ability to withstand the stresses of touring and frequent live performance.
What kind of jingles are used on this model?: The instrument features stainless steel jingles. These provide a bright, mesmerising tone and are resistant to rust and wear over time.
Is the handle designed for comfort?: Yes, it features an extra-wide, ergonomically shaped handle. This design ensures a comfortable grip and reduces hand strain during extended periods of playing.
How much does the Meinl Tour Hand Tambourine typically cost?: In the United Kingdom, this tambourine is generally priced at approximately £19. This makes it an affordable professional-grade percussion option.
Is this tambourine suitable for professional touring?: Yes, it is explicitly marketed as the 'Tour' model. Its build quality is intended to last through many performances and the rigours of travel.
Does this model have a drum head?: No, this is a headless hand tambourine. It relies entirely on the sound of the steel jingles for its rhythmic output.
What is the primary sound characteristic of the steel jingles?: The steel jingles produce bright, crisp tones. They are designed to be versatile and cutting, allowing the player to be heard clearly in a live mix.
Is the instrument heavy to hold?: No, the use of ABS plastic ensures that the tambourine is lightweight. This makes it easier to play for long durations without fatigue.
What colour is the Meinl Tour Hand Tambourine?: This specific model is finished in black. The sleek, neutral aesthetic is suitable for a wide variety of stage environments.
How many rows of jingles does this tambourine have?: This model features a single row of stainless steel jingles. This configuration provides a focused sound and keeps the instrument's profile slim.
Who is the target audience for this product?: The target audience is the gigging percussionist. It is also well-suited for vocalists or any musician needing a reliable hand-percussion instrument for live shows.
How does this compare to a wooden tambourine?: Unlike wooden models, the ABS plastic frame is less susceptible to cracking or warping due to weather changes. This makes the Meinl Tour model more consistent for outdoor gigs or humid venues.