bnolsen
Well-known member
I got a couple of these recently and thought I would start a thread.
The "big three" I know of are the Latin Percussion, the Meinl classic and (newer) compact foot tambourines.
A couple weeks back I ordered the compact meinl and instead received a "classic". The store shipped out the correct one when I contacted them and let me keep the old one. So I have both Meinls. I've played with the latin percussion version at guitar center.
First things first...construction and durability.
A reason I didn't want the classic meinl was due to poor reviews on construction and durability. Upon inspecting the classic it's easy to see why. The elastic band is very poorly attached to the main body. The ends are either clamped in or stapled, and only a portion of the strap, not the full width strap. There have also been complaints about the halves separating on use.
The meinl compact has 2 exposed fixed posts which accomodates a full loop strap. The strap can't be replaced unless it is cut off (or breaks). Replacing it would require sewing a new loop in place (or using a different type strap).
The latin percussion has two screw in posts which can be removed. That version uses a strap with 2 post loops sewn in.
Sound wise:
The meinl compact and latin percussion are very similar in sound. The design is similar and they ring out.
The meinl classic has an interesting sound. The initial hit is much better defined and percussive. The fully enclosed design quickly dampens the sound.
When I tested both the meinls my kids both immediately preferred the sound of the compact better.
The "big three" I know of are the Latin Percussion, the Meinl classic and (newer) compact foot tambourines.
A couple weeks back I ordered the compact meinl and instead received a "classic". The store shipped out the correct one when I contacted them and let me keep the old one. So I have both Meinls. I've played with the latin percussion version at guitar center.
First things first...construction and durability.
A reason I didn't want the classic meinl was due to poor reviews on construction and durability. Upon inspecting the classic it's easy to see why. The elastic band is very poorly attached to the main body. The ends are either clamped in or stapled, and only a portion of the strap, not the full width strap. There have also been complaints about the halves separating on use.
The meinl compact has 2 exposed fixed posts which accomodates a full loop strap. The strap can't be replaced unless it is cut off (or breaks). Replacing it would require sewing a new loop in place (or using a different type strap).
The latin percussion has two screw in posts which can be removed. That version uses a strap with 2 post loops sewn in.
Sound wise:
The meinl compact and latin percussion are very similar in sound. The design is similar and they ring out.
The meinl classic has an interesting sound. The initial hit is much better defined and percussive. The fully enclosed design quickly dampens the sound.
When I tested both the meinls my kids both immediately preferred the sound of the compact better.
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