Percussion instruments like a Tambourine are not all created equally. They all make that certain sound you won’t hear from any other musical instrument, but some brands do it better than others.
Caution and research is recommended to make sure you purchase the one you want, the one you need to get in there and make that joyous noise.
Whether you are a professional musician in a band, a musical member of your Church, or you just like the way a Tambourine sounds, this is the page to be reading if you want to get one worth your time.
You could spend a lot of time on the internet, or browsing through music stores to find what you need, or take advantage of the list provided here, and save the bother. This list already has ten of the best Tambourines included on it, all you have to do with it is look, and then decide.
Buying a Tambourine should be a fairly simple matter, and it is, but there are a few things to consider before you make up your mind.
For one, if you are going to be using it regularly, you’ll want to make sure it can take the pace of your music. For another, if you have joint pain in your hands or wrists, you may want to consider one made from lighter materials.
In either case, one of the top 10 best Tambourines in 2017 here are bound to be exactly what you need.
Table of Contents
10. Remo Economy Tambourine
This Tambourine, the Remo Economy model, is a favorite of professionals and drum enthusiasts everywhere. Available in different sizes, each one is pitched for maximum performance. Featured is a smooth drumhead 8″ in diameter, and 2 rows of jingles with 8 pairs of disks each.
Don’t worry about the word “economy” in the name of this instrument, what it stands for is quality with a decent price. For simple play, or serious music, this Tambourine is ready to go when you are.
Pros
- Professional Quality
- Economical Price
- Pleasant Sound
Cons
- Sound Lacks Depth
- Drum Head Is Made of Plastic
9. CP378 Wood Tambourine
This wood Tambourine is able to stay a step ahead of its competition due to its basic design. The shaped grip, and mildly curved edges make it easier on young ones trying to learn the art of making music, and adult hands appreciate the “hand friendliness” of this instrument as well. With a well mounted calfskin drum head, solid wood shells, and bright, shiny jingles, this Tambourine has much to offer the serious percussionist.
Pros
- Drum Head Too Thin
- Materials Could Be Better
Cons
- Shaped Grip
- Sturdy Wood Frame
- Calfskin Drum Head
8. Remo Radiant Tambourine
The “Remo Radiant” Tambourine is well named, and will certainly make its user sound as good as it looks. Yes, it is flashy but there is nothing wrong with standing out because your Tambourine looks as good as it sounds. An 8″ diameter, 8 pairs of jingles in one row, and a radiant head all come together here in a percussion instrument anyone would be proud to own.
Pros
- Cheerful Appearance
- 8 Pairs Of Jingles
- Sounds As Good As It Looks
Cons
- Resonance Could Be Better
- Tone Sensitivity In Head Needs Improvement
7. Remo TA410648
The Remo TA410648 is a fine example of what a Tambourine should be when put together by a company that knows its business. Remo is a big name in the percussion instrument world, and when you buy from them you are getting something worth owning.
Appearances may not be everything, but they don’t hurt either. When you have this Tambourine in your hand, its going to be noticed on looks alone, then, when you begin to play it that’s when the magic happens.
Pros
- Pleasing Appearance
- Good Fit For Small Hands
- Remo Quality
Cons
- Too Much Money For The Size
- Not Suitable For Church Or Bands
6. Zebra Sounds Tambourine
This Tambourine from Zebra Sounds was designed specifically for Church, and has found its way into many a band as well. The 10″ circumference carries a double row of metal jingles, every one of them just waiting for a hand to pick them up and put them to use. Wood frame construction is a plus, and so is the quality of sound. When you get those jingles dancing, this is the kind of Tambourine that makes people want to move their feet to the music.
Pros
- Wood Frame Construction
- Comfortable 10″ Circumference
- Double Row of Jingles
Cons
- Too Lightweight, Feels Delicate
- May Come Apart With Prolonged, Vigorous Use
5. D&D MT-1 Pro Half Moon Tambourine Double Cutaway
The D&D MT-1, sold by Unique Choices is a double cutaway Tambourine with two rows of 20 jingles. Featuring an ergonomic grip, this bright red instrument is a pleasure to hold, and to play. Made from wear resistant, heavy duty plastic makes it the perfect model for those that intend to use it regularly. Above all else, this Tambourine has the kind of sound that makes people tend to listen closely for the next time they hear it.
Pros
- Wear Resistant
- 20 Jingles Make a Merry Sound
- Cheerful Red Color
Cons
- Some Say The Sound Is Too Metallic
- Pins May Work Loose After Time
4. LMI Transparent Tambourine
The LMI Transparent Tambourine has 5 clear-toned jingle pairs with clear plastic heads. When you get this one moving, people are going to hear it and smile. Without a percussion instrument like this Tambourine somewhere in the background, music can tend to sound a little stale. That will never happen with this marvelous instrument around to liven things up with its jingly sound.
Pros
- Clear, Beautiful Tone
- 5 Sets of Jingles
- Unique Transparency
Cons
- Seems Too Delicate To Stand Up To Vigorous Use
- Transparency Highlights Any Smudges, Needs Frequent Cleaning
3. Remo Fiberskyn Tambourine
The Remo model has a Fiberskyn head and is a popular choice for many reasons other than the fine, drum like sound it produces. With a 10″ diameter, and 8 double rows of jingles, this is an instrument that knows how to work the music. Made from hardwood and wrapped in mylar it is durable, and the hole has a golden color of metal wrapped around it which users say is comfortable on the middle finger.
Pros
- Durable Hardwood Construction
- Wrapped In Mylar For Extra Protection
- Hole For Middle Finger Is Wrapped For Comfort
Cons
- No Handgrip
- Head Is Glued On
2. YMC TAM20-BLACK
Introducing YMC TAM20, the recently released “Half Moon Tambourine.” Featuring 20 double metal jingles, this hand held percussion instrument is in the classic shape of the moon, and its the shape itself that has an awesome effect on the sound it produces. Made of durable plastic, this instrument can keep up with any pace of music.
Pros
- Unique Shape for a Unique Sound
- 40 Jingles in All
- Durable, Heavy Plastic Construction
Cons
- Some Say That Pitch & Resonance Could Be Better
- Heaviness of Plastic May Aggravate Wrist Pain
1. Cannon UPTAMB6S04H
Cannon has a Tambourine to fit any economical and percussion need. The Cannon Tamb 6″ is certainly sold for a reasonable price, and its size is perfect for little hands trying to learn how to make those jingles make sense. Learning a percussion instrument, and learning it well is so much easier when you start out on a good one like this.
Pros
- Good Size for Learning
- Easy For Small Hands to Hold
- Economical
Cons
- Some Say Materials Used in Construction Could Be Better
- Not Likely To Stand Up To Continued, Vigorous Use
Which Tambourine Should You Buy?
Comfort definitely counts when it comes to hand-held percussion instruments like a Tambourine. Repetitive motions could bring on joint pain and to avoid that, I would choose the D&D MT-1 by Unique Choices.
With its featured hand and wrist friendly grip, it would be a good pick even if I didn’t choose it for the fine quality of sound it has. There are so many different brands to choose from the problem is information over-load. Before you try Google, check out the instruments on this list and chances are you will find exactly what you need.