Types of Tambourines
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Tambourines come in round models with a drum head and half-moon models with an open frame, and in single-row and double-row jingle layouts. The frame is wood, plastic, ABS or a synthetic material, and the jingles are metal, stainless steel, brass or plated steel. The shape, the jingle rows and the materials set one type apart from another.
Round tambourines with a drum head
The Musfunny tambourine is a round 10 inch model with metal jingles, a birch shell and a drum head of polyester leather. The drum head gives the hand a surface to strike while the jingles sound with each shake. A shaped grip and gently curved edges sit on the frame.
Half-moon tambourines
The TENINYU, EastRock and Meinl tambourines are half-moon models with a handle grip and jingles set along the curved edge. The TENINYU model has a plastic body and an ergonomic grip, and its jingles number 40 in 10 sets with 4 jingles in each set. The Meinl model has a synthetic frame, a padded foam handle and mixed solid brass and plated steel jingles.
Single-row and double-row jingles
A single row of jingles runs along the frame in one line, while a double row places another line beside it. The TENINYU tambourine carries a double row of metal jingles, and the Meinl tambourine carries a double row of mixed solid brass and plated steel jingles. The EastRock tambourine has stainless steel bells with curled edges.
Frame and jingle materials
The Musfunny tambourine has a birch shell, the TENINYU tambourine has a plastic body, and the EastRock tambourine uses ABS with stainless steel bells. The Meinl tambourine has a synthetic frame with jingles of mixed solid brass and plated steel, mounted on steel pins. Frame and jingle materials differ from one type to the next.
What you need
Musfunny Tambourine for Adults 10 inch Hand Held
A round 10 inch tambourine with metal jingles, a birch shell and a drum head of polyester leather, for church, KTV and party use.
- Drum head
TENINYU Half Moon Musical Tambourine Double Row Metal
A half-moon tambourine with a double row of metal jingles, 40 jingles in 10 sets with 4 jingles in each set, and an ergonomic grip.
- Jingle pairs: 40
- 1-year warranty stated
EastRock Tambourine Black Hand Percussion Instrument Half
A half-moon tambourine of ABS with stainless steel bells and a concave-convex handle, with 2 egg shakers in the box.
- 6-month warranty stated
Meinl Percussion Tambourine for Adults & Church
A half-moon tambourine with a synthetic frame, mixed solid brass and plated steel jingles on steel pins, and a padded foam handle.
- 2-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Tambourine, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a round and a half-moon tambourine?
A round tambourine has a drum head, while a half-moon tambourine has an open frame with a handle grip. The round shape gives the hand a surface to strike, and the half-moon shape leaves one side open for the grip.
How many jingles does a tambourine have?
It varies by model. The TENINYU tambourine has 40 jingles in 10 sets with 4 jingles in each set, and double-row models carry another line of jingles beside the single row.
Do tambourines have a drum head?
It depends on the type. The Musfunny tambourine has a drum head of polyester leather, while the half-moon models have an open frame with jingles along the curved edge.
What materials are tambourine frames made of?
Birch wood, plastic, ABS and synthetic materials are used across the models. The Musfunny tambourine has a birch shell, the TENINYU tambourine has a plastic body, the EastRock tambourine uses ABS, and the Meinl tambourine has a synthetic frame.
Ranked tambourines lists
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.