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10 Best Tambourines 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Remo TA-5210-70 Fiberskyn Tambourine - Quadura Black, 10"

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,368
Size
Material

Most important from
4088 reviews

Size
Easy to hold and great appearance. It's not too heavy, the size is perfect, and it seems very sturdy.
Material
This tambourine is very sturdy and not easily broken, yet it’s still lightweight and easy to handle.

The Remo TA-5210-70 Fiberskyn Tambourine is a solid choice for both beginners and more experienced musicians seeking a versatile percussion instrument. With its 10-inch diameter, it strikes a good balance between portability and sound quality, making it easy to handle while still delivering a robust sound. The tambourine features eight pairs of jingles arranged in two rows, providing a bright, vibrant sound that can enhance various musical styles, from folk to rock.

One of the standout features is the Fiberskyn 3 drumhead film, which not only contributes to the tambourine's durability but also ensures consistent tone and resonance across different environments. This makes it suitable for various performance settings, whether on stage or in a casual jam session. The lightweight design is another plus, allowing for comfortable playing even during extended use.

The tambourine has a comfortable handle that aids in playability, but players with larger hands might find it a bit snug. The construction quality is commendable, ensuring this instrument can withstand regular use. The Remo TA-5210-70 offers a blend of quality sound and practical features that cater to a range of musical styles, although it may not suit everyone’s aesthetic preferences or needs for adjustability.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,368
Size
Material

Most important from
4088 reviews

Size
Easy to hold and great appearance. It's not too heavy, the size is perfect, and it seems very sturdy.
Material
This tambourine is very sturdy and not easily broken, yet it’s still lightweight and easy to handle.
#2

Meinl Percussion Traditional Handheld Tambourine Musical Instrument for Recording or Live — NOT Made in China — Double Row Jingles, 2-Year Warranty (TMT1B-BK)

Rating
9.8
Jingles
Grip

Most important from
1294 reviews

Jingles
The crisp, clear tone of the nickel plate jingles offers just enough sustain without overt ringing.
Grip
The foam grip is comfortable without being overly puffy, making it a delight to play.

The Meinl Percussion Traditional Handheld Tambourine stands out due to its thoughtful design focused on comfort and durability. With a size of 10 inches, it is compact and easy to handle, making it great for beginners and experts alike. The half-moon shape offers a balanced grip, further enhanced by a soft foam padding that ensures comfort during extended use.

The tambourine features solid brass jingles, known for their bright and warm tone, which deliver a cutting volume suitable for live performances and recording sessions. The jingles are securely mounted on steel pins within the synthetic frame, ensuring they remain intact and reliable throughout use. This durable frame is not only robust but also all-weather, making it ideal for various environments and long tours.

Additionally, the frame is designed with ridges that can produce a guiro sound effect when dragged with a drumstick, adding versatility to the instrument. The Meinl Percussion Traditional Handheld Tambourine is a high-quality, versatile option suitable for live performances, studio work, and worship settings, providing a comfortable and durable playing experience.

Rating
9.8
Jingles
Grip

Most important from
1294 reviews

Jingles
The crisp, clear tone of the nickel plate jingles offers just enough sustain without overt ringing.
Grip
The foam grip is comfortable without being overly puffy, making it a delight to play.
#3

RhythmTech RT1010 Tambourine, Nickel Jingles, Black

Rating
9.6
Jingles
Grip

Most important from
754 reviews

Jingles
Produces great quality sound with bright and cutting jingles that stand out in both live and studio settings.
Grip
The grip is very comfortable, making it easy to handle during long sessions.

The RhythmTech RT1010 Tambourine is a popular choice among musicians, known for its unique elliptical shape and comfortable grip. Its dimensions (14.5 x 8.3 x 2 inches) make it a medium-sized tambourine that is easy to handle and play. The tambourine is made of nickel, which is noted for producing bright and cutting jingle sounds that can cut through other instruments in a band setting.

The black color gives it a sleek, professional look suitable for various performance environments. One of the standout features is the molded 'comfort grip' handle, which is designed to make playing more comfortable, especially during long sessions. This tambourine may lack a head, making it more suitable for players who prefer a headless design for ease of play and a lighter instrument.

The RhythmTech RT1010 Tambourine is a well-regarded, comfortable, and high-quality instrument with bright jingles, ideal for both amateur and professional musicians looking for a reliable tambourine.

Rating
9.6
Jingles
Grip

Most important from
754 reviews

Jingles
Produces great quality sound with bright and cutting jingles that stand out in both live and studio settings.
Grip
The grip is very comfortable, making it easy to handle during long sessions.

Buying Guide for the Best Tambourines

Choosing the right tambourine can greatly enhance your musical experience, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician. Tambourines come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each affecting the sound and playability. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that suits your musical style and needs.
SizeThe size of a tambourine affects both its sound and how easy it is to play. Smaller tambourines (6-8 inches) are lighter and produce a higher pitch, making them suitable for children or for adding a bright, sharp sound to your music. Medium-sized tambourines (8-10 inches) offer a balance between playability and sound, making them versatile for various music styles. Larger tambourines (10-12 inches) produce a deeper, fuller sound but can be heavier and more challenging to handle. Choose a size that feels comfortable in your hands and matches the sound you want to achieve.
MaterialTambourines can be made from different materials, each influencing the instrument's tone and durability. Wooden tambourines offer a warm, natural sound and are often preferred for traditional music. Plastic tambourines are more durable and resistant to weather changes, making them ideal for outdoor performances. Metal tambourines produce a bright, cutting sound and are often used in rock and pop music. Consider where and how you will be using the tambourine to choose the right material for your needs.
JinglesThe jingles, or zills, are the small metal discs that create the tambourine's characteristic sound. The number and arrangement of jingles can vary, affecting the volume and tone. More jingles produce a louder, more sustained sound, while fewer jingles offer a crisper, more defined tone. Jingles can be made from different metals like steel, brass, or aluminum, each contributing to a unique sound. Think about the type of music you play and whether you need a bright, loud sound or a softer, more subtle tone.
Head TypeTambourines can have either a headed or headless design. Headed tambourines have a drum-like surface that can be struck to produce a rhythmic sound, adding versatility to your playing. They are great for genres that require both jingling and drumming. Headless tambourines, on the other hand, are lighter and easier to handle, focusing solely on the jingle sound. Choose a headed tambourine if you want the option to play rhythms, or a headless one if you prefer a simpler, more focused instrument.
GripThe grip of a tambourine affects how comfortable it is to hold and play. Some tambourines have ergonomic grips or padded handles to reduce hand fatigue during long playing sessions. Others may have a traditional, unpadded grip that offers a more authentic feel. If you plan to play for extended periods, look for a tambourine with a comfortable grip that fits well in your hand. This will help you maintain control and enjoy playing without discomfort.

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