> > > BeatIt Test: Meinl Backbeat Pro 13″ Tambourine

Very recently, we have received yet another parcel from Germany, Gutenstetten, to be exact. All drum maniacs around the world know that that is where the Meinl company is based. Inside the parcel, there was a number of interesting instruments and drum accessories, which we are going to thoroughly test for you. We will share the results of our tests with you as we go along. Today, we would like to present our review of the Meinl Backbeat Pro tambourine.

1. The product

The Meinl Backbeat Pro tambourine sized 13″ is a very nice-looking and well-made instrument. It comes in the form of a ring made from blackened MEINL cymbal alloy brass. The jingles are also made from brass and there are eight pairs of them. The jingles are fitted firmly (although not in a stiff way), which means they won’t fall out after a few weeks of playing and won’t get choked at the same time. The tambourine designed in such a way that it should be placed on a snare drum and the ring comes into contact with the snare head along the entire circumference. It also features a raised edge.

2. Basic specification of the instrument:

  • Manufacturer: Meinl Percussion
  • Model: Backbeat Pro
  • Diameter: 13″
  • Double jingles
  • Jingles: 8 pairs
  • Material: brass (jingles), blackened brass (ring)
  • Hi hat rod mount: No
  • Drumhead: No

3. The test

We tested the Meinl Backbeat Pro 13″ tambourine at our own recording facility. The instrument records very well, the jingles are loud enough not to disappear in the mix. The sound characteristic is mellow and soft, in the mid range frequencies, and very pleasant-sounding. The raised edge on the ring allows a player to use rimshots and increase attack.

4. Summary

The Meinl Backbeat Pro 13″ tambourine is a sturdy and nice-sounding instrument, which can easily be used in studio and on stage, both hand held and added on a snare drum (although it was made with the latter purpose in mind). The price (below USD 60) doesn’t seem very high considering the quality.

Producer: https://meinlpercussion.com/

Distributor in Poland: http://www.meinldistribution.pl/

OUR VERDICT: 5/5

Advantages:

  • Well crafted
  • Soft, pleasant sound
  • Nice look

Disadvantages:

  • None

Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the Backbeat Pro 13″ tambourine to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test!

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