10 Best Tambourines 2026 in the United States

The Remo TA-5210-52 Fiberskyn Tambourine is a 10-inch, rectangular percussion instrument featuring a Fiberskyn drumhead known for its warm, natural sound. Its deep red color gives it a classic look, and weighing just under a pound, it is lightweight and easy to handle, which suits players who want comfort during extended play.

The tambourine’s durable construction suggests it can withstand regular use, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced musicians seeking reliability.

This Remo tambourine offers a quality drumhead and manageable size, making it ideal for casual players or those looking for a dependable, lightweight instrument.

The Meinl Traditional Handheld Tambourine is a 10-inch instrument designed for both beginners and professionals who want a reliable and comfortable percussion tool. Its synthetic frame is durable and weather-resistant, making it a solid choice for frequent use whether at live shows or in the studio. The aluminum jingles provide a medium-dry tone with controlled volume, which means it blends well without overpowering other instruments.

One of its standout features is the padded foam grip, which feels comfortable in your hand and helps keep a steady hold, even during long playing sessions. Additionally, the tambourine’s half-moon shape offers good balance, making it easy to play and control without any special skill. A fun extra is the ridged frame that allows you to create guiro-like sounds by running a drumstick across it.

Although it doesn’t have a traditional drumhead, which might limit some types of sound variety, this design contributes to its durability and low maintenance. This makes the tambourine a versatile instrument suitable for various music styles, ideal for musicians looking for a sturdy, easy-to-play instrument with clear, precise jingles.

The Meinl Artisan Edition Maple Tambourine is a well-crafted instrument designed with professional players in mind. It features a 10-inch frame made from 100% maple wood, which offers a warm, natural tone and a durable feel. The tambourine comes with 16 pairs of solid cymbal bronze jingles arranged in two rows. These jingles are 44mm thick and produce a bright, clear, and rich sound that stands out well whether you're playing live or in a studio setting.

Instead of a drumhead, this model relies solely on its jingles for sound, which suits musicians focused on crisp, jangly rhythms rather than drum-like textures. The inside of the frame has an ergonomic wood hand grip, making it comfortable to hold and easy to control during performances. Weighing just over a pound, it’s light enough for extended playing without causing fatigue.

This tambourine’s natural finish and elegant branding add a touch of style, making it a great fit for acoustic, orchestral, worship, or choral music. It may not suit players looking for a traditional tambourine sound that includes drum hits, but for those wanting a high-quality, durable tambourine with clear, bright jingles and a comfortable grip, this Meinl Artisan model is an excellent choice.