The Best Tambourines for Drummers, Vocalists and More



Are you the tambourine? Be the tambourine.

There are few instruments more instantly joyful than the tambourine. From gospel choirs to rock stages, from Christmas gigs to studio sessions — a good tambourine can lift a whole song.

It’s the percussive glue that makes the music move.

And this Christmas, it’s time to give the unsung heroes of rhythm their moment in the spotlight. Whether you’re a drummer, percussionist, or gift-hunting for one, Musicmaker Dublin has the best tambourines in Ireland — from LP (Latin Percussion) and Meinl, two brands that practically invented the modern jingle.

Let’s jingle into it.



LP can be trusted to make some excellent Percussion Items.

Handheld Tambourines – The Classics That Started It All

When most people think “tambourine,” this is the image: a hand-held circle, or semi-circle, of jingles, perfect for live playing, recording, and spontaneous Christmas jam sessions.

LP Handheld Tambourines – Built for the Groove

  • LP152 Cyclops – One of the most popular tambourines ever made, designed for comfort and volume. Its ergonomic shape and durable frame make it perfect for gigging drummers who don’t want their tambourine flying across the room mid-song.

LP tambourines use nickel-plated steel or brass jingles for that bright, crisp attack that cuts through a full band mix. You’ve heard these on thousands of records — that’s how classic they are.

Meinl Handheld Tambourines – Style Meets Sound

  • Meinl TMT1B-BK - Dual row tambourine with brass jingles for a soft, relaxed jingle
  • Meinl TMT1-WH – Dual-row design with mixed brass and Steel jingles for a more pronounced sound.

They’re lightweight, durable, and deliver that perfect jingle-jangle balance — punchy but never harsh.

Perfect for: live percussionists, singers, or anyone who needs to shake some festive cheer into a song.



Tambourines for the hands! Exactly where they should be. Offerings from LP and Meinl.

Headed Tambourines – Tradition Meets Tone

If you love that warm, organic sound — the thud and jingle combo you hear on classic soul and pop records — a headed tambourine is the way to go. Also offers orchestral players a skinned surface for a variety of playing techniques.

LP Headed Tambourines

  • LP CP378 – Natural skin head with bright steel jingles for a classic, full sound.
  • LP CP379 – Synthetic head for consistent tone and better durability in Ireland’s unpredictable weather.

Headed tambourines are a favourite for recording and acoustic gigs — the head adds depth, and the jingles sit beautifully in the mix.



A favourite among classical players - Headed Tambourines offer a wider variety of playing techniques.

Mounted Tambourines – Hands-Free, Groove-On

For drummers who like to multitask, mounted tambourines are game-changers. They attach to your kit or percussion setup and let you add shimmer to every backbeat.

LP Mounted Tambourines

  • LP193 Click Tambourine – A studio favourite, featuring a strong steel frame and bright jingles that respond perfectly to sticks. Also features the Click-Mute Button: LP’s unique “click” system lets you instantly engage or disengage the jingles — so you can go from jingle to no-jingle mid-song without removing it.

Meinl Hi-Hat Tambourines

These are perfect for drummers who want to jingle on every 2 and 4 without even thinking about it. Pop one on your hi-hat and let it do the festive work.



Mounted tambourines for all of your drumset needs - check them out in Musicmaker!

Meinl Ching Rings – The Modern Classic

The Meinl Ching Ring is pure genius. It turns any cymbal into a shimmering tambourine by sitting right on top of the metal.

  • CRING: The classic model — a thin, crisp layer of jingle.
  • DCRING: Double chime design for louder, thicker accents.
  • SCRING: Stainless-steel version for studio perfection.

They’re subtle but effective, adding air and movement to your groove — perfect for modern drummers who like texture without clutter.

Get one HERE while you can!


Behold! The mighty Rings of Ching! Witness!

Foot Tambourines – The Secret Weapon

If you’re a multitasking musician — or a guitarist who wants some groove — this is your sleeper hit.

  • LP Foot Tambourine LP188 - A small strap-on tambourine that delivers jingle with every tap. Light, easy, and reliable — you’ll see singer-songwriters and percussionists all over the world rocking one of these.

Bonus: add one to your busking setup this Christmas and watch people stop, smile, and tap along.



Because no one said the foot was off limits. Get yourself a Foot Tambourine immediately.

Why Tambourines Make Brilliant Christmas Gifts

They’re small, affordable, portable, and ridiculously fun. A tambourine is the kind of gift that turns every room into a party.

  • Perfect for drummers, percussionists, singers, and kids
  • Works in every genre — from pop to punk to praise
  • Instantly playable — no lessons required
  • Fits in a stocking (well, a big one)

Give someone the gift of jingley madness this Christmas — a tambourine that will last for years and soundtrack every celebration. If that's what you really want.......


Tambourine FAQ – Shake Smart, Play Better

Q. What’s the difference between brass and steel jingles?

A. Brass gives a warmer, darker tone — perfect for acoustic and studio work. Steel is brighter and sharper, great for cutting through live mixes.

Q. Should I get a headed or headless tambourine?

A. Headed tambourines (like the LP CP378) have more depth and can be played like a drum. Headless models (like the Meinl TMT1B) are lighter and more durable — better for stage.

Q. How do I mount a tambourine to my kit?

A. Use a percussion clamp and attach an LP175 or LP193. Or, for simplicity, throw a Meinl Hi-Hat Tambourine on your hats — instant magic.

Q. Can I use a tambourine in any genre?

A. Absolutely! From gospel to indie to metal intros — it’s the spice rack of percussion. A little shimmer goes a long way.



Sweet tambourine exercises for the willing and only moderately insane.

Find Your Perfect Tambourine at Musicmaker Dublin

Whether you’re a drummer chasing the perfect jingle, a singer adding rhythm to your set, or a friend hunting for a musical stocking filler, Musicmaker Dublin has every type of tambourine you can imagine — and plenty you didn’t know you needed.

Browse LP and Meinl tambourines online or come by the shop to try them for yourself — from handhelds to hi-hat rings, foot tambos to mounted monsters.


Because every groove needs a little jingle. And this Christmas, you deserve to make it ring.



Check out all our LP Percussion HERE.

Check out al our Meinl Percussion HERE.