The Many Faces of the Tambourine. A Guide to Different Types of Tambourines

The tambourine is a versatile percussion instrument that comes in many different shapes, sizes, and designs. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned musician, there is a tambourine that is perfect for you and your music. In this article, we will explore the different types of tambourines, including headless and with head, natural skin, Faber skinhead, with plastic membrane, tuned and non-tuned, shamanic tambourine, tambourines with mallets, and the Italian Tamburello.

1. Headless and With Head Tambourines The tambourine can either have a head (the skin or plastic membrane that covers the circular frame) or be headless, with the jingles attached directly to the frame. Headless tambourines are often used in traditional folk music and offer a bright, ringing sound, while tambourines with heads produce a deeper, more resonant tone.

2. Natural Skin and Faber Skin Head Tambourines Tambourines can also be made with natural skin (usually goat or sheepskin) or a synthetic Faber skinhead. Natural skin tambourines are favored by traditional musicians for their warm, natural sound, while Faber skinhead tambourines offer a more consistent and durable playing surface.

3. Plastic Membrane Tambourines Tambourines with plastic membranes offer a bright, cutting sound and are often used in rock, pop, and hip-hop music. They are also more durable and weather-resistant than natural skin tambourines, making them a good choice for outdoor performances.

4. Tuned and Non-Tuned Tambourines Tambourines can also be tuned or non-tuned. Tuned tambourines have jingles that are carefully placed to produce specific notes, allowing the player to create melodic lines. Non-tuned tambourines offer a more traditional sound and are often used in folk, rock, and pop music.

5. Shamanic Tambourine The shamanic tambourine is a type of tambourine used in spiritual and ritualistic music. It often has a large frame and is played with soft, fluffy mallets to produce a deep, resonant tone.

6. Tambourines with Mallets Tambourines can also be played with mallets, which offer a softer and more controlled sound. Mallets are often used in orchestral and chamber music to add delicate rhythmic textures.

7. Italian Tamburello The Italian Tamburello is a type of tambourine that is traditionally used in folk music from southern Italy. It has a large frame and is played with a stick to produce a fast, driving rhythm.

Here are some YouTube links to master tambourine performances:

"Amazing Tambourine Solo" by Alex Puddu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q3jqr7gKuU
"Tambourine Solo in Flamenco Music" by Paco Peña: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCyztO9JI_k
"Shamanic Tambourine Performance" by Keshav Batish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhHIzEJNcNw

In conclusion, the tambourine is a versatile and diverse percussion instrument that comes in many different forms. Whether you prefer a headless tambourine, a tambourine with a natural skin head, a tuned tambourine with mallets, or a shamanic tambourine with a deep and resonant sound, the tambourine is an excellent choice for adding rhythm and excitement to your music.

Whether you're an experienced musician or just starting out, this tambourine is easy to play thanks to its shaped grip and curved edges, which are gentle on young hands learning to play. It's a great addition to any party, dance, concert, or other occasion where you want to add some extra fun to the mix.