Meinl ARTIST SERIES HAND-BALE (TAKU HIRANO) (PATENTED) 13

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

This 13-inch timbale is a Taku Hirano signature edition, designed to meet current playing demands: more precision, more control, and an approach that goes beyond sticks. The choice of a specific hoop clearly emphasizes expressiveness in direct playing, favoring finger techniques and timbral variations. It is aimed at percussionists looking for a boldly positioned instrument, designed for both stage and studio, with a refined glossy black aesthetic.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This timbale is suitable for intermediate to advanced musicians who want to expand their rhythmic palette with a compact and expressive timbale. It is particularly comfortable in Latin styles (salsa, mambo, songo), but also fits well in funk, pop, urban music, film scores, or any hybrid setup combining drum kit and percussion. Thanks to its adapted hoop, it will also interest percussionists focused on textures and dynamic playing, who enjoy alternating strikes, ghost notes, scrapes, and accents without relying solely on sticks.

Features and Innovations

The main feature of this model lies in its special hoop allowing finger playing. Practically, this encourages a more "melodic instrument" approach to the timbale: you can work on rounder attacks, more controlled notes, and fast sequences while maintaining good playing comfort. The 13-inch size is an excellent compromise: enough surface for precise striking and dynamics, while remaining compact for integration into an existing setup. Combined with the steel shell, this design aims for a clear response and immediate sonic presence, very useful when cutting through a dense mix on stage.

Sound Characteristics

With a steel shell, you generally get a clear and energetic sonic signature: the attack is quick, the projection strong, and the character brighter than wooden shells. This type of shell highlights accents and rhythmic phrases that need to remain audible, especially in percussion ensembles or amplified groups. Steel also provides a "rebound" sensation that emphasizes fast patterns and typical timbale calls.

Finger playing, favored by the specific hoop, allows exploration of more colors: softer attacks, muffled notes, variations in striking position and pressure, as well as more subtle percussive effects. The result: a timbale capable of shifting from a very cutting role (accents, cuts) to a more textural role (ornaments, responses, doubles), while maintaining the definition and presence characteristic of metal.

Technical specifications

Category	timbales	Color	Black
Type	timbales	Finishing	laque_brillant
Material	steel	Hardware	Chromed
Skin type	Synthetic	Diameter	13 "
Accessories included	With attachment / Stand, Tuning key

Instrument	timbale	Special feature	special hoop allowing finger playing
Series / Edition	Taku Hirano signature	Color / finish	glossy black
Shell material	steel