I can't find the original forum quote now, but a classic Harvey Gerst gem of wisdom is that once you put tambourine on a track it starts sounding like an album. If you listen for it you start realizing how true this is. Example to start the conversation: "Airbag," the first track on Radiohead's "OK Computer."

So what makes a good tambourine? I think the yard-sale one I have is just adequate. I know how to mic it, though--EV 635a (or PL-5) works well where other mics fail.

Bear

i love tambourines: )~
i have a few, i have been using a RE-15 for the most part, but i think i am going to start going with my B&O, it is week on output but it sound nice.

Tamborine is a gourgeous instrument. I also like triangle. These percussion instruments just sort of make nice sounds.

i have been trying to collect some of the older ludwig tambourines ( i love their sound ), i recently got a 10'' with a single row of jingles, and with the head on it, very sweet sounding.
a great ebay score!
got it and a 12'' hand-drum thrown in, for $19.00 i love these rare finds .
now a double row with jingles, and a head is next to get: )~

Tambourines are a lot of fun....I kinda like cheesy old ones with half-rusted jingles on em...and yes, calf skin is much more 'class' sounding than a manmade head...

(a sentance I have never used...that was fun)

Skins? Most people seem to prefer headless. Any more on this?

Bear

Oh yeah...we have 3 tambourines here (2 belong to the wife...long story) 2 of them are hand made multi-ply wood rimmed gizmos just like a drum...calf skin stretched over one side, held in place with what look to be upholstry tacks...very rich "thump" sound from the middle, high and tight when played opn the rim...jingles galore...

I'll see if I can locate a digicam this week...the skinned tambourines are SO much richer, versitile, and more resonant than the open faced models...look here for an example: