How to Choose the Right Tambourine for You

Your Guide to buying the best Tambourines

Overview

A tambourine is a simple instrument that makes a great addition to any musician's arsenal. Whether you're a beginner looking to add some extra drum accompaniment to your song, or a professional looking to expand your collection of instruments, there's a tambourine out there that fits your needs. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different types of tambourines available on the market today, as well as tips and advice on how to choose the best one for your needs.

Key features

  1. Size - Different Tambourines come in various sizes. Before purchasing a Tambourine, consider what size you need. Tambourines are generally available in 6, 8, 10, and 12-inch sizes.
  2. Material - Tambourines may be made from plastic, wood, or metal. Plastic Tambourines are lightweight and less expensive, whereas wood and metal ones offer more depth in sound.
  3. Number of Jingles - The number of jingles on a Tambourine can range from 1 to 12. More jingles will create a fuller, louder sound.
  4. Style - Some Tambourines are double-sided, meaning they have jingles on both sides. Others are single-sided, and some even have padded edges for a softer sound.

See the most popular Tambourines on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Tambourines are typically made from durable materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. This makes them highly resilient and able to withstand frequent playing and rough handling.
  • Versatility - Tambourines offer a great variety of sounds, making them versatile instruments for a variety of musical genres and styles.
  • Portability - Tambourines are lightweight and relatively small, making them easy to transport and store.
  • Affordability - Tambourines are generally affordable, making them a great option for beginners or those on a budget.
  • Variety of Design - Tambourines come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them visually appealing instruments.

Cons

  • Size: Depending on the size of the tambourine, it may be too big or small for the intended use.
  • Weight: Tambourines can be heavy, especially if they are made from metal. This can be a disadvantage for people who want something lighter weight.
  • Durability: The materials used to make tambourines are susceptible to wear and tear, so they may not last as long as some other drums.
  • Cost: Tambourines can be expensive, depending on the size, material, and other features.
  • Noise: Tambourines can be very loud, making them unsuitable for certain types of performances or recordings.

Best alternatives

  1. Drums - A percussion instrument consisting of a hollow shell, usually cylindrical, covered on one or both sides with a thin membrane, or head, stretched over a hoop and struck with the hand or a stick.
  2. Maracas - A musical percussion instrument, consisting of a dried gourd, two-headed, and containing small seeds or beads that rattle when shaken.
  3. Bongos - A small, two-headed drum, typically of Latin American origin, played with the hands.
  4. Cajon - A wooden box-shaped percussion instrument, typically played with the hands, originating from Peru and Africa.
  5. Glockenspiel - A musical instrument consisting of a set of metal bars of different length and thickness, arranged in a frame, struck with hammers.
  6. Xylophone - A musical instrument similar to a glockenspiel, but consisting of wooden bars instead of metal.
  7. Triangle - A small percussion instrument consisting of a metal rod bent into a triangle, which is struck with a metal rod to produce a ringing sound.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Cymbals/Jingles - Small metal cymbals or plastic jingles that are placed around the frame of the tambourine.
  • Drumhead - The plastic or mylar surface stretched over the frame of the tambourine.
  • Handle - A handle attached to the tambourine frame, allowing for easier playing.
  • Frame - The circular frame made of wood, metal, or plastic that holds the head and jingles in place.
  • Tuning Wrench - A tool used to adjust the tension of the drumhead.
  • Mallets - Soft-headed mallets used to strike the surface of the tambourine.

Common questions

  1. How much should I expect to pay for a Tambourine? Prices for a tambourine vary depending on the size, material, and manufacturer, but you can typically find a good quality tambourine for between $10 and $50.
  2. Are there different types of Tambourines? Yes, there are several types of tambourines, including traditional frame tambourines, handheld tambourines, and jingle sticks.
  3. What material are Tambourines typically made from? Tambourines are typically made from wood, plastic, or metal, with the jingles (or Zils) made from brass, steel, or nickel.
  4. What size Tambourine should I buy? The size of tambourine you should buy depends on what you're using it for. For example, a larger tambourine is better suited for a live performance, whereas a smaller tambourine may be better for recording in a studio.
  5. Are Tambourines easy to play? Yes, tambourines are relatively easy to play. Most tambourines have two sides that can be played, with one side producing a higher pitched sound and the other producing a lower pitched sound.

Trivia

In the 1960s, a group of women in the UK formed a band called the Tambourine Girls. The band would play and dance to the beat of their tambourines at all of their shows. It is believed that these women were some of the first to use tambourines as instruments for a band. The Tambourine Girls eventually disbanded in the late 1960s, but their legacy lives on in the music of today. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tambourine_Girls

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.