12 Best Tamborim Reviews 2022

Best Tamborim

Best Tamborim

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Tamborim is a popularly known musical instrument in the world and is played at various festivals. It is commonly used in Brazil and acts as an addition to the percussion instruments group. Its main use in Brazil is in samba schools where they are used to teach student music. This small drum has its origins traced to Africa and Portuguese.

What are the Best Tamborims to Buy?

2) Latin Percussion LP3006
Wood Tamborim

  • Black Synthetic Head
  • Hardwood Shell with Honey Finish 
  • High & Sharp Timbre
  • 10 Tuning Screws Spaced

1) Meinl Percussion Floatune Tuning Tamborim

  • Tunable Synthetic Head
  • Light & Sturdy ABS Shell
  • Sharp & Bright Slap Tones
  • Floatune Tuning System
  • Pairs with Caixas & Surdos

3) Meinl
Black
ABS
Silent Tamborim

Meinl Black ABS Silent Tamborim
  • Sturdy ABS Black Plastic Shell
  • Silent Mesh Head 
  • Handy Countersunk Bolt Lugs

Apart from being used in samba schools, they are also used in Brazilian music such as pagode, choro and more. The sound created by this instrument is sharper than that of a bass drum. It sounds very much like a high pitched crack and is usually played with other instruments rather than solo. Tamborim is widely played at many carnivals and festivals. The fun sound turns a dull evening, into a bright and happy one!

It is often confused with a tambourine which is a similar looking instrument but with metal jingles attached. The tamborim is a very small instrument that has a circular, drum-like frame. It is to be held with one hand, by placing the thumb on the top of the head and struck with the other. A beater is usually used to play the tamborim but some people also use their fingers. The beater is a thin rod that has a lot of nylon strands attached to it. These nylon strands are used to play the tamborim by striking the head with it.

The tamborim comes in many different styles, designs, and materials. It can be made using different materials such as nylon, plastic or animal skin. The sound produced varies slightly depending on which material is used to make the tamborim. Different brands aim to make their tamborims stand out and introduce features that are not like the others.

12 Best Tamborim Reviews

1. Meinl Percussion Floatune Tuning Tamborim

The Meinl Percussion Tamborim is a unique tamborim featuring a beautiful black colored plastic shell. High-quality ABS plastic is used to make the tamborim deliver quality sound and resonance. This instrument can be played indoors and outdoors settings. The frame along with the head is of a silver color which gives off a metallic finish.

The diameter of the tamborim is 6 inches, which is the standard size available. It is a good fit for playing samba tunes. The selling point of this tamborim is its synthetic head which can be easily replaced because of the bolts used. The bolts attached are called countersunk bolt lugs. It is also equipped with a tuning key which helps to bring out the best sound from the instrument. It also features a floatune tuning system.

2. Latin Percussion LP3006 Wood Tamborim

The Latin Percussion LP3006 is perfect for pagoda and even samba. It is a tuneable tamborim which produces authentic Brazilian sounds with minimal sustain and high timbre. It features a unique look as it has a hardwood shell, chrome hardware, and honey finish. The black synthetic head and the beautiful brown make the tamborim look beautiful. The shell, which is the outer frame of the tamborim, is 1-3/4 inches deep.

The depth of the instrument helps in creating a more pleasing and better sound. The diameter of this tamborim is about 6 inches. 10 tuning screws are placed around the outer layer of the tamborim. These are placed evenly in pairs and spaced in a way to ensure comfortable gripping. This instrument is easy to carry around and play.

3. Meinl Black ABS Silent Tamborim

Meinl Black ABS Silent Tamborim

The Meinl Black ABS Silent Tamborim is a percussion instrument that can be used to play samba. Various other instruments can be paired with it because of the sound it creates. This particular tamborim is made with a durable ABD plastic shell. This plastic shell enables the instrument to deliver clarity and resonance and can be used indoors and outdoors. The plastic material used is lightweight and durable which allows it to be carried easily.

The durability of the tamborim is further enhanced by the countersunk bolt lugs. These bolts make it easy for users to replace and tune their tamborim. The Meinl Silent Tamborim’s main feature is its silent mesh head. This specially made mesh head allows you to play your tamborim with disturbing anyone. It can be played all day long and there won’t be any complaints about the noise because of the silent mesh!

4. JL Sport Samba 6" Chrome Tamborim

The JL Sport Samba 6" Chrome Tamborim features a high-quality chrome case and an aluminum rim that holds the head. It is 6-inches in diameter and has a 2-inches depth which helps in creating a louder sound. This tamborim creates a loud sharp sound because of its synthetic head. The head is attached using 6 bolts which are evenly placed on the rim of the tamborim. The even placement of these bolts allows the player to hold the instrument with comfort.

This tamborim comes with a beater, made using nylon strands, which is used to play the instrument. The outer layer of the tamborim has a tuning key which can be used to adjust the sound and tension. This allows players to create sounds according to their preferences. This tamborim is portable and easy to play.

5. Tycoon Percussion TPTB-6 ALU Tamborim

The Tycoon Percussion TPTB-6 ALU Tamborim is a high-quality tamborim which can be used for drum circles. It is not only restricted to be played in samba but other genres too, such as bossa and nova. It is constructed with high-strength ABS to achieve maximum impact resistance and durability. It has a 6-inch synthetic head that is connected to the shell using brushed nickel hardware.

Six bolts are placed evenly around the parameter of the frame with enough space in between to be held comfortably. The bolts are made using good quality metal to ensure that the frame stays in place. This tamborim also comes with a beater that is used to play the instrument. The ABS plastic head makes a high and sharp sound once in contact with the beater.

6. Meinl Percussion TBR06ALU Tamborim

The Meinl Percussion TBR06ALU Tamborim is perfect for Brazilian street samba as it pairs well with caixas and surdos. The shell of the tamborim is made using aluminum which produces a bright and cutting sound. The volume of this instrument is louder than others because of its aluminum element. Aluminum made tamborims tend to make a louder sound than plastic ones. It is equipped with a tunable synthetic head which further improves the sound of the tamborim.

This tamborim features a floatune system in which the mounting hardware is isolated from the shell to avoid any loss in shell resonance. Countersunk bolt lugs are placed to make the head replacement and tuning simple for its users. 8 bolts are placed all around the parameter of the tamborim to hold it in its place. These bolts are spaced so that players can easily hold the instrument.

7. Meinl Percussion TBR06ABS-R Tamborim

The Meinl Percussion TBR06ABS-R Tamborim sounds as bold as it looks. The unique design of the instrument is visually pleasing. The head of the tamborim is made using high-quality ABS plastic. This ensures that the sound made is loud. The color combination of this tamborim is exquisite. The head is of a baby pink color, whereas the outer layer is of the color red.

To adjust the sound, it includes a German “Pfenning” as a tuning key which is located on the outer layer. The bolts can be tuned using the key. 8 countersunk bolt lugs are placed on the outer layer of the tamborim. The specialty of the bolts is that they allow the replacement of the head with ease. The outer frame of the tamborim also features two metallic rims that hold the bolts in place.

8. Izzo 6553 ABS Tamborim

The Izzo 6553 ABS Tamborim is an authentic Brazilian instrument that is manufactured in the famous Sao Paolo factory. The diameter of this tamborim is 6 inches. It is made using high-quality materials that ensure the production of clear and bright musical tones. The frame is made using good quality metal and has a silver synthetic head. To keep the frame and head of the tamborim intact, a galvanized hardware is fitted with 6 fixed nickel tuners.

These are placed evenly around the parameter to keep them in place. The instrument comes with a tuning key which helps the player in adjusting the tuners according to their preferences. It features a lightweight which makes it easier to carry and play. The tamborim is available in black, green, and red colors featuring a silver base.

9. MADERA TI8671 Tamborim

The Madera TI8671 Tamborim as a very different look to it; Brazil's flag is painted on top of the head. The head has a forest green color which makes it unique. The synthetic head is attached to the shell using an aluminum frame. This frame is made using high-quality aluminum and has 12 tuners placed on the sides.

The tuners are placed in pairs to have enough space for users to hold the tamborim with ease. It comes with a tuning key which can be used to adjust the tension of the tamborim. Tuning this tamborim is very simple so players are free to adjust the tuners however they may like. The outer shell of the tamborim is made or dark-colored hardwood which adds to the aesthetic of the design.

10. JL Sport ABS Frame 6" Tamborim

The JL Sport ABS Frame 6" Tamborim can be played professionally. It has a hard plastic shell in a deep blue color. The synthetic head is attached to the plastic shell using a good quality aluminum rim. This rim consists of 6 tuners which can be adjusted according to the likes of the user. These tuners are placed in a way so that the tamborim can be held easily.

Adjustment of the tuners can be done by simply using the tuning key, which it comes with. The diameter of the synthetic head is 6 inches, which is the standard size of a tamborim. It also comes with a beater, which is used to play the tamborim. The beater is made of nylon strands which help in making the loud and sharp sound.

11. Tunable Tamborim by Remo

The Tuneable Tamborim by Remo is a classic tamborim featuring an acoustic R shell. The diameter of the tamborim is 6 inches and it has a depth of 2 inches. The base has a smooth finish and is made using clear fiberskyn. The frame of the tamborim is made of high-quality metal and is covered with synthetic nylon. There are no visible bolts or tuners on the parameter of the tamborim which gives it a smooth finish.

The outer layer of the tamborim is soft which makes it comfortable to hold. The red, black and clear colors of the instrument make it look edgy and different. The tuning key of this tamborim has a pandeiro style. This also makes it easy to adjust its tune according to the player’s preference.

12. Izzo Percusion Brasil Tamborim

The tamborim 6” ABS is one of the more classic and simple tamborims. Its percussion drum is made using a metal frame. This frame has 6 bolts that are placed evenly around it to hold the head of the tamborim. The base of the tamborim through which the sound is created is made using a synthetic material. This instrument is available in a beautiful shade of green which makes it visually pleasing. The silver and green color contrast of the instrument is pretty to look at.

Apart from its visual attributes, the instrument plays well as it is made using high-quality materials. Sturdy bolts are used to keep the frame and the base in place. The durability of the instrument is promising and the sound quality created by it is pleasant to hear.

Choosing the Best Tamborims

Tamborims are a major part of the Brazilian culture. Their similarity to tambourines leaves them at a disadvantage as people find it difficult to differentiate the two. Tamborims are simpler percussion instruments that can be played alongside a wide number of other instruments. Tambourines have metal jingles attached to them whereas tamborims do not. Tamborims are played by using beaters or fingers, whichever is preferred by the player.

2) Latin Percussion LP3006
Wood Tamborim

  • Black Synthetic Head
  • Hardwood Shell with Honey Finish 
  • High & Sharp Timbre
  • 10 Tuning Screws Spaced

1) Meinl Percussion Floatune Tuning Tamborim

  • Tunable Synthetic Head
  • Light & Sturdy ABS Shell
  • Sharp & Bright Slap Tones
  • Floatune Tuning System
  • Pairs with Caixas & Surdos

3) Meinl
Black
ABS
Silent Tamborim

Meinl Black ABS Silent Tamborim
  • Sturdy ABS Black Plastic Shell
  • Silent Mesh Head 
  • Handy Countersunk Bolt Lugs

These days, it is very easy to find any instrument online! There is a wide variety of tamborims available from which to choose from. A multitude of manufacturers are producing tamborims in different designs, materials, and styles. The main outcome, producing loud and sharp sounds, remains the same in every design of the tamborims. What varies is the reason for which you require a tamborim, it can be for personal or professional use. All sorts of tamborims are available to you!