What is the diameter of this tambourine?

The Nino by Meinl Wood Tambourine has a diameter of 15cm, which is equivalent to approximately 6 inches. This size makes it compact and easy to handle for various musical arrangements.

What materials are used in the construction?

The frame is constructed from high-quality wood, providing a durable and natural feel. The jingles are made from chrome-plated steel to ensure a bright, vibrant sound.

How many rows of jingles does it have?

This specific model features a single row of jingles. This configuration provides a lighter, more focused sound compared to double-row tambourines.

Is this tambourine suitable for professional use?

Yes, while the Nino line is often used for education, the high-quality wood and steel construction make it a reliable choice for professional performances and studio recordings. It is built to withstand energetic playing.

What is the typical price for this instrument?

The instrument typically retails for approximately £14.00. This makes it an affordable addition to a percussionist's toolkit or a classroom setting.

Does this model have a drum head?

No, this is a headless tambourine. It consists of a wooden rim and jingles, focusing entirely on the percussive sound of the steel discs.

What kind of sound do the steel jingles produce?

The chrome-plated steel jingles offer a dazzling and vibrant tone. They are designed to be crisp and distinctive, helping to uplift the overall sound of a performance.

Is the frame durable?

Yes, the frame is made of high-quality wood designed to be built to last. It is specifically manufactured to withstand energetic playing styles.

Who is the manufacturer of this tambourine?

The tambourine is manufactured by Meinl under their 'Nino' brand. Nino by Meinl focuses on creating high-quality percussion instruments suitable for all ages.

How does it compare to the Remo 6" Headless Tambourine?

While the Remo version is made of black plastic, the Nino model uses wood. The wood frame typically offers a warmer impact sound and a more traditional aesthetic.

Can this be used in large musical ensembles?

Yes, its vibrant and crisp sound allows it to be heard clearly even in large ensemble settings. It is designed to work well in everything from solo acts to full bands.

Is the size appropriate for children?

Yes, the 15cm diameter is an ideal size for younger players or those with smaller hands. However, its quality is high enough for adult musicians as well.

Gear article

Nino by Meinl 6" Wood Tambourine

The Nino by Meinl 6" Wood Tambourine is a professional-grade hand percussion instrument designed for both educational and performance settings. Constructed from high-quality wood with chrome-plated steel jingles, it provides a crisp, vibrant tone within a compact 15cm frame.

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Overview

The Nino by Meinl 6" Wood Tambourine is a compact hand percussion instrument developed by Meinl's specialised Nino percussion line. Primarily focused on ergonomics and durability, the instrument features a sturdy wooden frame paired with a single row of chrome-plated steel jingles. It is designed to be accessible for musicians of all ages while maintaining the build quality expected of professional orchestral or studio equipment.

Construction and Key Features

The instrument is built around a high-quality wooden rim with a 15cm (6-inch) diameter. This choice of material ensures a lightweight feel without sacrificing structural integrity. The hardware consists of a single row of jingles made from chrome-plated steel, which are mounted to provide maximum resonance and sustain. The headless design allows for direct control over the jingle response, making it highly responsive to subtle hand movements and rhythmic accents.

Sound Profile

The sound of the Nino 6" Wood Tambourine is characterised as distinctive and crisp. The steel jingles produce a bright, dazzling high-end frequency that cuts through musical arrangements without being overly abrasive. Because the frame is made of wood rather than plastic, the 'clack' or impact sound of the frame against the hand is warm and natural, providing a balanced sonic foundation for the vibrant metallic jingles.

Applications and Target Audience

Given its size and price point of approximately £14, this tambourine is suited for a wide variety of users:

Educational Settings: The 15cm diameter is ideal for students and younger players.
Solo Performance: Its crisp tone is sufficient to accompany acoustic guitar or piano.
Ensembles: The high-frequency response allows it to sit clearly above other percussion instruments.
Studio Recording: The clean, focused sound is useful for adding texture to tracks without the bulk of a full-sized orchestral tambourine.

Market Comparisons

Within the hand percussion market, the Nino Wood Tambourine competes with synthetic alternatives like the Remo 6" Single Row Headless Tambourine. While plastic models offer weather resistance, the wooden Nino model is often preferred for its traditional aesthetic and warmer frame impact sound. It sits in a similar tier of essential percussion accessories alongside items like Meinl Plastic Egg Maracas or Stagg Rock Cowbells, offering a higher quality build than entry-level plastic toys.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of this tambourine?: The Nino by Meinl Wood Tambourine has a diameter of 15cm, which is equivalent to approximately 6 inches. This size makes it compact and easy to handle for various musical arrangements.
What materials are used in the construction?: The frame is constructed from high-quality wood, providing a durable and natural feel. The jingles are made from chrome-plated steel to ensure a bright, vibrant sound.
How many rows of jingles does it have?: This specific model features a single row of jingles. This configuration provides a lighter, more focused sound compared to double-row tambourines.
Is this tambourine suitable for professional use?: Yes, while the Nino line is often used for education, the high-quality wood and steel construction make it a reliable choice for professional performances and studio recordings. It is built to withstand energetic playing.
What is the typical price for this instrument?: The instrument typically retails for approximately £14.00. This makes it an affordable addition to a percussionist's toolkit or a classroom setting.
Does this model have a drum head?: No, this is a headless tambourine. It consists of a wooden rim and jingles, focusing entirely on the percussive sound of the steel discs.
What kind of sound do the steel jingles produce?: The chrome-plated steel jingles offer a dazzling and vibrant tone. They are designed to be crisp and distinctive, helping to uplift the overall sound of a performance.
Is the frame durable?: Yes, the frame is made of high-quality wood designed to be built to last. It is specifically manufactured to withstand energetic playing styles.
Who is the manufacturer of this tambourine?: The tambourine is manufactured by Meinl under their 'Nino' brand. Nino by Meinl focuses on creating high-quality percussion instruments suitable for all ages.
How does it compare to the Remo 6" Headless Tambourine?: While the Remo version is made of black plastic, the Nino model uses wood. The wood frame typically offers a warmer impact sound and a more traditional aesthetic.
Can this be used in large musical ensembles?: Yes, its vibrant and crisp sound allows it to be heard clearly even in large ensemble settings. It is designed to work well in everything from solo acts to full bands.
Is the size appropriate for children?: Yes, the 15cm diameter is an ideal size for younger players or those with smaller hands. However, its quality is high enough for adult musicians as well.