Tambourines are percussion instruments composed of a ring frame with metal jingles located around the edges. They are played by shaking or tapping the frame, causing the jingles to strike against each other and produce a loud clanging sound. They may be handheld or mounted on stands. Some tambourines have drumhead skins stretched over the frame.
Types of Tambourines
Kinds of Tambourines include the following:
Riq tambourines
These tambourines have wooden frames with a drumhead made of fish skin or synthetic material. They are 20 to 25 centimeters in diameter and six centimeters deep. They have ten pairs of jingles measuring about four centimeters each.
Buben tambourines
These tambourines are usually handheld and have wooden or metal frames. The jingles may be simple metal rings, cymbals, or miniature bells. They are commonly used for accompaniment in traditional dance and folk music.
Dayereh tambourines
These tambourines are about 30 centimeters across and three to five centimeters deep. They usually have goatskin drumheads and have metal rings hooked to the inner portion of the frame. They may be used as solo instruments or to accompany traditional Macedonian music.
Daf tambourines
These tambourines are relatively large and played by striking the drumhead. They have about five jingles and thick, resonant drumheads.
Choosing Tambourines (Buying tips)
Drumhead: Choose a tambourine with a synthetic drumhead for a deeper, fuller sound. Make sure they are firmly stretched over the frame, allowing just a little slack to let the sound resonate. Look for a durable plastic-based skin that will not tear easily when struck.
Jingles: Choose a tambourine with thin metal jingles to produce bright, clear sounds. Avoid those with too many jingles because they are hard to control and too heavy for fast rhythms. Make sure the jingles are evenly spaced and distributed throughout the frame.
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