How to Buy the Perfect Tambourine

Your Guide to buying the best Tambourine

Overview

A tambourine is a percussion instrument consisting of a small frame with pairs of jingles or small metal discs. Traditionally, it was used as an accompanying instrument in folk music and spirituals, but today it is a versatile instrument used in multiple genres including rock, jazz, and hip-hop. This guide provides an in-depth look at purchasing a tambourine, covering the different types of materials and sizes, the various playing techniques, and the best brands and prices available. Whether you’re an experienced musician or a beginner, by the end of this guide you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to make an informed purchase decision.

Key features

  1. Size: The size of the tambourine will affect the sound it produces. Consider the size of the tambourine, and the size of the jingles when selecting a tambourine.
  2. Jingles: Tambourines can come with metal, plastic, or fiberglass jingles. Metal jingles produce a higher and louder sound, while plastic and fiberglass jingles tend to have a softer and lower sound.
  3. Construction: Consider the construction and material of the tambourine. Cheaper tambourines can be made of plastic, while more expensive tambourines are usually made of wood or fiberglass.
  4. Grip: The grip of the tambourine should be comfortable and easy to hold. Consider the shape and type of grip when selecting a tambourine.
  5. Sound: Listen to the sound of the tambourine before purchasing it to ensure that it is the right sound for your needs.

See the most popular Tambourine on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatility - Tambourines are a versatile instrument, which can be used in a variety of musical styles. They can also be used to add texture and variety to any ensemble.
  • Portability - Tambourines are lightweight and can be easily transported, making them great for practice and performance.
  • Cost - Tambourines are relatively inexpensive, making them an accessible choice for someone just starting out with percussion.
  • Durability - Tambourines are designed to last, making them a great investment for someone looking for a long-term percussion instrument.
  • Sound - Tambourines offer a unique and beautiful sound, with a range of tones and textures that can be explored depending on the playing technique.

Cons

  • Cost - Tambourines can be expensive, depending on the materials, quality, and design of the instrument.
  • Noise - Tambourines can be quite loud, which may be a problem in certain settings.
  • Durability - Tambourines are made from a variety of materials, some of which may not be very durable and may need to be replaced or maintained more frequently.
  • Maintenance - Tambourines may require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good working order.
  • Playing Difficulty - Playing the tambourine can take some practice to master, and may be difficult for beginning musicians.

Best alternatives

    Maracas - a type of percussion instrument with an egg-shaped body, often made of wood or gourd and filled with small beads or seeds. Bongos - a type of drum consisting of two drums of different sizes, typically mounted together and played by hand. Congas - a type of drum found in many Latin American and Caribbean countries; usually made of hollowed-out wood or fiberglass and played with the hands. Chimes - a set of tuned metal bars, rods, or tubes, usually suspended from a frame, that are struck with a mallet to produce musical notes. Cabasa - a percussion instrument consisting of a steel cylinder covered with a network of steel wires that is rotated with one hand while the other hand is used to rub the wires with a wooden or plastic stick. Guiro - a percussion instrument used in Latin American music; typically a hard-shelled gourd with ridges cut into it, which is scraped with a stick to produce a “scratching” sound.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tambourine - A hand drum with jingles/metal discs attached to the rim.
  • Drumsticks - Two sticks used to strike the tambourine.
  • Mallets - Padded sticks used for a softer sound when hitting the tambourine.
  • Tambourine Stand - A tripod-like stand used to hold the tambourine in a stationary position.
  • Bag/Case - A protective container for transporting the tambourine.
  • Carrying Strap - A strap used to attach to the tambourine for easier carrying.
  • Extra Jingles/Metal Discs - Replacement pieces for the jingles/metal discs on the rim of the tambourine.

Common questions

  1. What sizes are available? Tambourines come in a variety of sizes, from small handheld tambourines to larger, traditional-sized tambourines.
  2. Are some tambourines better for specific genres or styles of music? Yes, certain tambourines may be better suited for specific styles or genres of music. This includes certain sizes, models, and materials.
  3. What materials are tambourines usually made of? Tambourines are typically made of wood, metal, or plastic.
  4. Are there any differences between traditional tambourines and handheld tambourines? Traditional tambourines have pairs of jingles around the edge and a handle or crossbar, whereas handheld tambourines are smaller, have a single row of jingles, and have no handle or crossbar.
  5. What other accessories may be needed when buying a tambourine? Depending on the model and size of tambourine purchased, additional accessories such as a carrying bag, extra jingles, or a shoulder strap may be necessary.

Trivia

Tambourine, a music instrument made up of metal jingles, has a unique place in the music world. It has been featured in many popular songs, including the iconic Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry, as well as in the legendary music video for Michael Jackson's Thriller. The instrument is also known to have been used by legendary musicians such as Led Zeppelin's John Bonham and Ringo Starr of The Beatles. In addition, the tambourine can also be seen in several music videos from the music genre of K-Pop, making it a true global phenomenon. One funny fact about the tambourine is that it is sometimes mistaken for a cowbell, which is a completely different instrument. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.