What is the primary material used for the jingles on this Meinl tambourine?

The jingles are made of steel that has been plated with nickel-silver. This specific combination is chosen to produce a bright, projecting sound that stands out in a mix.

How does the African Brown finish affect the instrument?

The African Brown finish is a cosmetic treatment applied to the wooden frame. It provides a professional, traditional aesthetic without altering the fundamental acoustic properties of the steel jingles.

Is this tambourine headed or headless?

This specific Meinl model is a headless wood tambourine. It is designed to be played by hand or against the body to activate the jingles, rather than having a skin for drum-like tones.

What is the typical price for this percussion instrument?

The typical price range for the Meinl Wood Tambourine with Steel Jingles is approximately £25. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current market availability.

Who is the intended user for this tambourine?

This instrument suits percussionists, singers, and studio musicians who need a reliable, bright-sounding tambourine. Its projection makes it suitable for both live performances and recording sessions.

How does this model compare to the Remo 6" Single Row Headless Tambourine?

The Meinl model features a wooden frame and nickel-silver plated steel jingles, whereas the Remo 6" model is typically more compact and made of synthetic materials. The Meinl wood frame often provides a different ergonomic feel and weight.

Can this tambourine be mounted on a drum kit?

This is primarily a hand-held percussion instrument designed for manual play. While some wood tambourines can be adapted, this specific model is marketed for hand use.

What kind of sound should I expect from 'nickel-silver plated' jingles?

Nickel-silver plating on steel usually results in a higher-pitched, shimmering sound. It is designed to be brighter and more assertive than plain steel or brass jingles.

Is the frame made of solid wood or plastic?

The frame of this specific Meinl model is constructed from wood. This material choice offers a traditional look and a distinct feel compared to plastic-framed percussion instruments.

Does Meinl offer other small percussion that complements this tambourine?

Yes, Meinl produces a wide range of complementary items such as Small Plastic Egg Maracas and Spin Spark Shakers. These can be used alongside the tambourine to build a complete percussion setup.

What is the advantage of a wood frame over a plastic one?

Many percussionists prefer wood frames for their classic aesthetic and the slightly different grip and weight they provide. Wood is often favored for traditional musical settings.

How does the volume of this instrument compare to other hand percussion?

Due to the steel jingles, this tambourine is designed to project well. It will generally be louder and more cutting than soft shakers or small maracas, such as the Stagg Plastic Egg Maracas.

Gear article

Meinl Wood Tambourine with Steel Jingles

The Meinl Wood Tambourine with Steel Jingles is a professional-grade hand percussion instrument featuring a traditional wooden frame in an African Brown finish. It is equipped with nickel-silver plated steel jingles designed for high-frequency projection and a bright, assertive sound profile.

See live prices

Overview

The Meinl Wood Tambourine is a staple of the brand's hand percussion catalogue, designed to balance traditional aesthetics with modern manufacturing standards. Constructed with a sturdy wooden frame, this specific model is finished in 'African Brown', providing a classic look suitable for both studio and stage environments. Its primary sonic characteristic is derived from its nickel-silver plated steel jingles, which are selected for their ability to produce a crisp and cutting tone.

Construction and Design

The instrument follows a headless design, focusing entirely on the rhythmic contribution of the jingles rather than the resonant tone of a drum skin. The wooden frame is ergonomically shaped to facilitate comfortable hand-held use for extended performances. The steel jingles are securely mounted in rows within the frame, ensuring consistent movement and response when the instrument is shaken or struck.

Sonic Character

According to manufacturer specifications, the use of nickel-silver plated steel jingles results in a sound that is noticeably bright. This brightness allows the tambourine to project well, cutting through the frequencies of other instruments in a full ensemble. The tone is described as clear and articulate, making it effective for providing rhythmic accents in various musical genres.

Market Context and Comparison

Positioned at a typical price point of £25, this model sits in the mid-range of the percussion market. Compared to smaller or plastic alternatives, such as the Remo 6-inch Single Row Headless Tambourine, the Meinl Wood Tambourine offers a more traditional wooden resonance. While plastic models like Stagg Egg Maracas or the Meinl Spin Spark Shaker provide different textures, the Wood Tambourine remains a fundamental choice for players requiring high-end shimmer and volume.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the jingles on this Meinl tambourine?: The jingles are made of steel that has been plated with nickel-silver. This specific combination is chosen to produce a bright, projecting sound that stands out in a mix.
How does the African Brown finish affect the instrument?: The African Brown finish is a cosmetic treatment applied to the wooden frame. It provides a professional, traditional aesthetic without altering the fundamental acoustic properties of the steel jingles.
Is this tambourine headed or headless?: This specific Meinl model is a headless wood tambourine. It is designed to be played by hand or against the body to activate the jingles, rather than having a skin for drum-like tones.
What is the typical price for this percussion instrument?: The typical price range for the Meinl Wood Tambourine with Steel Jingles is approximately £25. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current market availability.
Who is the intended user for this tambourine?: This instrument suits percussionists, singers, and studio musicians who need a reliable, bright-sounding tambourine. Its projection makes it suitable for both live performances and recording sessions.
How does this model compare to the Remo 6" Single Row Headless Tambourine?: The Meinl model features a wooden frame and nickel-silver plated steel jingles, whereas the Remo 6" model is typically more compact and made of synthetic materials. The Meinl wood frame often provides a different ergonomic feel and weight.
Can this tambourine be mounted on a drum kit?: This is primarily a hand-held percussion instrument designed for manual play. While some wood tambourines can be adapted, this specific model is marketed for hand use.
What kind of sound should I expect from 'nickel-silver plated' jingles?: Nickel-silver plating on steel usually results in a higher-pitched, shimmering sound. It is designed to be brighter and more assertive than plain steel or brass jingles.
Is the frame made of solid wood or plastic?: The frame of this specific Meinl model is constructed from wood. This material choice offers a traditional look and a distinct feel compared to plastic-framed percussion instruments.
Does Meinl offer other small percussion that complements this tambourine?: Yes, Meinl produces a wide range of complementary items such as Small Plastic Egg Maracas and Spin Spark Shakers. These can be used alongside the tambourine to build a complete percussion setup.
What is the advantage of a wood frame over a plastic one?: Many percussionists prefer wood frames for their classic aesthetic and the slightly different grip and weight they provide. Wood is often favored for traditional musical settings.
How does the volume of this instrument compare to other hand percussion?: Due to the steel jingles, this tambourine is designed to project well. It will generally be louder and more cutting than soft shakers or small maracas, such as the Stagg Plastic Egg Maracas.