The tambourine is a percussion instrument that adds a metallic jingle sound to music sessions and performances across different genres. It's used in folk, rock, sound tracks, and even seasonal holiday music. When choosing a tambourine, you should consider its size, shape, playing style, and the materials it is made from so that you can find the right sound. In this post, we will explore different tambourine brands in the form of a buying guide to help you find the right one for you.
Tambourine Materials
Tambourine materials shape tone, feel, and performance. Plastic frames are lightweight and durable with a bright sound—great for gigs, though less warm and not good for the environment. Wood frames offer a richer tone and better grip but can be heavier and sensitive to weather, this is our favourite tambourine material.
Synthetic heads are weather-resistant and consistent, ideal for outdoor use, while animal hide gives a warm earthy tone but can stretch or tighten with humidity. Nickel-plated steel jingles are bright and loud but less nuanced; brass or copper sound warmer but are softer and wear faster. Single-row jingles are easier to play; double-row offers more volume but adds weight. Some tambourines also use composite or bamboo frames for eco appeal or tonal balance.
Types of tambourines
Tambourines come in three main types: headless tambourines, the classic design with just a circular frame and jingles—great for shaking and rhythm work; headed tambourines, which include a drumhead for tapping or striking, adding versatility for folk, gospel, or acoustic styles; and jingle sticks, which feature a handle with jingles at the end, offering precise control and fast articulation—ideal for orchestras, pop, or modern percussion setups. Choosing the right type depends on your playing needs, whether you want pure jingle, added tapping tones, or handheld precision.
Tambourine sizes
Tambourines come in many different sizes, typically ranging from 6” to 12. Small tambourines that are around 6 inches are lightweight, great for young musicians or as a light accompaniment to music. Middle sized tambourines that are around 10 inches are versatile and balanced for most players, we would highly recommend this size for beginners but can also be used by professionals. This mid range offers a balance of portability and sound projection, they are easy to handle and control as you develop your playing skills.
The larger tambourines around 12 inhces are typically louder, heavier and produce a full sound. They are not as great for on the go purposes and will require more strenght to be able to play it. Beofre selecting the right size for you, you should consider will you be siting or standing whilst playing? How long will you be playing for? Do you need something loud or will a medium volume suffice? After you have decided on a size we can move on to different brands that are available.
Most Popular Tambourine Brands
The tambourine market is flooded with various brands, each offering unique characteristics and specifications. Some are handmade, and some are mass-produced. Let's explore these brands in more detail—not to discredit them, but to help you choose the instrument that best suits your needs. Meinl Percussion has built an excellent name for itself. Although they produce a mixture of different tambourines, they are typically made from ABS plastic constructions with rows of nickel-plated steel jingles, which results in a bright sound suitable for professional musicians looking for volume and durability on stage.
Remo Percussion is known for its durable Fiberskyn tambourine heads, which provide a warm tone that appeals to both beginners and advanced players because of their sound quality. Their focus on consistency and innovation makes them a solid choice, especially for classroom or studio use. Nino Percussion offers tambourines in a variety of colours, such as yellow, red, and green. This makes them popular with music teachers who want to grab students' attention, but these instruments are also affordable and functional—ideal for educational settings.
Latin Percussion (LP) is recognized for its premium wood shell tambourine offerings, which are favoured by professional percussionists who want a classic, resonant tone for live or studio performances. After exploring all your options, what sets our tambourines apart is their soul and story. We stock mass-produced instruments like Izzo tambourines when they bring something exceptional to the table, but we prefer to source authentic handcrafted tambourines that offer unique character, exceptional tone, and artisan quality. These are pieces you keep for life—not just gear that you replace.
Where to Buy an Authentic Tambourine
Our collection features handmade tambourines from around the world, chosen for their aesthetics, sound quality, feel, and authenticity. Crafted from solid wood or natural animal hide, many use time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. These musical instruments offer a unique sound and story. If you’re after a tambourine that is built to last and perform beautifully, our selection was made for you.
