What material is the frame of the Nino 8" tambourine made from?

The frame is constructed from durable ABS plastic. This ensures the instrument can withstand heavy use and remains resistant to cracking or warping over time.

How many rows of jingles does this model have?

This is a single-row (1 row) tambourine. This configuration provides a lighter, more controlled rhythmic sound compared to double-row versions.

What are the jingles made of?

The jingles are made from stainless steel. This metal is chosen for its bright, cutting tone and its resistance to corrosion.

Is this tambourine suitable for adults?

Yes, while part of the Nino line, the 8-inch diameter and extra-wide grip make it comfortable for both children and adults. It is a full-sized percussion tool suitable for all ages.

What is the specific colour of this model?

This specific model is finished in a vibrant 'Grass Green' colour. This makes it easily identifiable and adds a cheerful visual element to a percussion setup.

Does this tambourine have a drum head?

No, this is a headless tambourine design. It is played by shaking or striking the frame against the hand rather than striking a skin or membrane.

How wide is the instrument?

The tambourine has a diameter of 8 inches. This size is standard for hand-held percussion, balancing portability with sound projection.

What is the typical price for this item?

The typical price range for the Meinl Nino 8" ABS Tambourine is approximately £12.00. This makes it an affordable entry-point for high-quality percussion.

Can it be used for professional recording?

Yes, the bright and cutting sound of the stainless steel jingles is suitable for studio work. Its clear tone helps it sit well in a mix without muddying the mid-frequencies.

How does the grip design help the player?

It features an extra-wide grip which improves ergonomics. This reduces hand fatigue during long performances and makes it easier for smaller hands to hold securely.

Is the ABS plastic frame better than wood?

ABS plastic is generally more durable and weather-resistant than wood. While wood may offer a different aesthetic, ABS is ideal for educational settings and touring where durability is paramount.

What genres of music is this tambourine best for?

Because of its versatile single-row design, it suits almost any genre. It is commonly used in pop, rock, folk, and educational music programs.

Gear article

Meinl Nino 8" ABS Tambourine (Grass Green)

The Meinl Nino 8" ABS Tambourine is a durable hand percussion instrument designed for both educational and performance settings. Featuring a single row of stainless steel jingles and a robust synthetic frame, it provides a bright, cutting rhythmic accent suitable for various musical styles.

Meinl Nino by Meinl 8" ABS Tambourine 1 row Grass Green

See live prices

Overview

The Nino by Meinl 8" ABS Tambourine is a specialized hand percussion instrument that prioritizes durability and ergonomics. Part of Meinl’s percussion line, it is finished in a distinct 'Grass Green' colour, making it visually prominent in classrooms or on stage. While designed with younger players in mind through the Nino brand, its dimensions and sound quality allow for professional use in studio or live environments.

Design and Construction

The instrument is constructed from high-grade ABS plastic, a material chosen for its resistance to impact and environmental changes compared to traditional wood frames. It features a specific 'extra wide grip' designed to accommodate different hand sizes comfortably. The percussion element consists of a single row of stainless steel jingles, which are securely mounted within the frame to ensure a long service life even under frequent use.

Sonic Characteristics

The use of stainless steel for the jingles results in a bright, high-pitched, and cutting sound. This allows the tambourine to penetrate through dense musical arrangements without requiring excessive force. The single-row configuration offers a lighter, more precise rhythmic response than double-row alternatives, making it versatile for genres ranging from pop to folk.

User Profile

Due to its compact size and ergonomic grip, this tambourine is particularly well-suited for:

Children and students in music education environments.
Adult percussionists seeking a lightweight, durable tool for rehearsals.
Performers who require a visually vibrant instrument for stage presence.
Recording artists looking for a clean, single-row jingle tone.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other portable percussion such as the Remo 6" Single Row Headless Tambourine, the Nino model offers a larger 8" diameter and a wider grip for better handling. Unlike wooden tambourines which may warp, the ABS frame provides greater longevity. For players requiring different textures, other hand percussion like the Meinl Small Plastic Egg Maracas or the Spin Spark Shaker offer softer, complementary rhythmic layers.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the frame of the Nino 8" tambourine made from?: The frame is constructed from durable ABS plastic. This ensures the instrument can withstand heavy use and remains resistant to cracking or warping over time.
How many rows of jingles does this model have?: This is a single-row (1 row) tambourine. This configuration provides a lighter, more controlled rhythmic sound compared to double-row versions.
What are the jingles made of?: The jingles are made from stainless steel. This metal is chosen for its bright, cutting tone and its resistance to corrosion.
Is this tambourine suitable for adults?: Yes, while part of the Nino line, the 8-inch diameter and extra-wide grip make it comfortable for both children and adults. It is a full-sized percussion tool suitable for all ages.
What is the specific colour of this model?: This specific model is finished in a vibrant 'Grass Green' colour. This makes it easily identifiable and adds a cheerful visual element to a percussion setup.
Does this tambourine have a drum head?: No, this is a headless tambourine design. It is played by shaking or striking the frame against the hand rather than striking a skin or membrane.
How wide is the instrument?: The tambourine has a diameter of 8 inches. This size is standard for hand-held percussion, balancing portability with sound projection.
What is the typical price for this item?: The typical price range for the Meinl Nino 8" ABS Tambourine is approximately £12.00. This makes it an affordable entry-point for high-quality percussion.
Can it be used for professional recording?: Yes, the bright and cutting sound of the stainless steel jingles is suitable for studio work. Its clear tone helps it sit well in a mix without muddying the mid-frequencies.
How does the grip design help the player?: It features an extra-wide grip which improves ergonomics. This reduces hand fatigue during long performances and makes it easier for smaller hands to hold securely.
Is the ABS plastic frame better than wood?: ABS plastic is generally more durable and weather-resistant than wood. While wood may offer a different aesthetic, ABS is ideal for educational settings and touring where durability is paramount.
What genres of music is this tambourine best for?: Because of its versatile single-row design, it suits almost any genre. It is commonly used in pop, rock, folk, and educational music programs.