10 Best Tambourines 2025 in the United States

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.

The Pearl Orchestral Tambourine (PETM1018GC) is designed with quality and playability in mind. It features an 18-pair set of hand-hammered jingles made from a mix of German Silver and Beryllium Copper, giving it a bright, rich sound that stands out well in orchestral or studio settings. The tambourine’s 10-inch mahogany shell is sturdy and offers a natural wood finish, which not only looks good but also helps produce a warm tone. The head is made from goatskin, a traditional material known for its natural feel and responsive sound.

This tambourine includes a stacked jingle setup with both wide and narrow windows, allowing for a versatile range of jingle sounds and added texture. The contoured hand hold is designed to fit comfortably in the player’s hand, making it easier to grip during extended playing. At just under 2 pounds, it is reasonably lightweight but may feel a bit heavier compared to plastic or thinner wood models, which could be a factor for some users.

Excelling in craftsmanship and sound quality, its size and price point suggest it is best suited for serious musicians or orchestral players rather than casual or beginner use. If you value rich sound and durable materials in a tambourine, this Pearl model could be an excellent choice.

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.