Meinl SYNTHETIC HEAD HAND DRUM 22

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

The frame drum (often called "frame drum") is one of the oldest and most universal percussion instruments: it appears in various forms in traditional music, folk, Mediterranean repertoires, as well as in more modern contexts (world, acoustic pop, sound design). In this 22-inch format, the instrument is clearly oriented towards sound presence and breadth, with a surface that encourages both full strikes and delicate finger work.

This model focuses on a practical and contemporary approach thanks to its True Feel synthetic head, designed to provide a coherent and reliable playing sensation, particularly appreciated when alternating between rehearsals, performances, and varying conditions (temperature, humidity, transport).

Who This Drum/Tambourine Is For

This 22-inch wooden tambourine is aimed at a wide audience: beginners looking for a comfortable and stable instrument, intermediates wanting to gain dynamics and nuance, and advanced percussionists seeking a large format to develop a more orchestral playing style. It suits styles where the pulse needs to breathe: world music, folk, acoustic pop, cinematic atmospheres, percussive rituals, as well as educational work (listening to timbre, placement, nuances).

Thanks to its generous diameter, it is particularly interesting for those who enjoy exploiting multiple striking zones (center, edge, half-edge) and varying colors. In an ensemble, it provides a broad rhythmic foundation; in solo, it highlights subtle touches and contrasts.

Features and Innovations

The combination of wooden frame + True Feel synthetic head aims for a balance between musicality and ease of use. While some heads can react strongly to environmental changes, a synthetic head generally offers more consistent tension and a uniform response, useful for maintaining stable playing references. The large 22-inch size opens the door to varied techniques: whole-hand strikes for more present lows, fingertip playing for articulation, rolls, and texture effects.

The brown finish enhances the traditional and discreet aspect of the instrument while remaining versatile on stage. This type of tambourine is well suited to close miking (to capture details) as well as more ambient recording (to benefit from body and projection).

Sound Characteristics

The wooden frame directly contributes to the sonic character: it provides a warm foundation with a natural balance between attack and resonance. On a 22-inch diameter, you generally get a broader sensation: center strikes tend to produce more enveloping lows, while strikes near the edge offer greater definition and snap.

The True Feel synthetic head promotes a consistent sound with a clean attack and controlled response. This helps maintain clear articulation, especially in fast passages or patterns alternating accents and ghost notes. The result: an instrument capable of being both deep in support and precise in detail, without requiring constant adjustment of touch.

Technical specifications

Instrument size	Large	Skin type	Synthetic
Category	handheld	Color	Brown
Type	frame drums	Diameter	55.88 cm
Material	Siam oak

Instrument	frame drum (tambourine)	Head	"True Feel" synthetic
Frame	wood