Hihat Tambourine for a Dry Vintage Sound - Compact Foot Accent

In this review of the Meinl Hihat Tambourine developed with Benny Greb the bottom line is simple: this compact attachment is for drummers who want a controllable, vintage tambourine ching on every hihat foot stroke without changing their kit setup. The tambourine's sandblasted brass jingles and small 5' frame deliver an extra-dry, mellow tone that sits well mic'd or acoustic, and the universal mount makes it fast to add or remove. For anyone adding subtle foot accents, the Meinl Hihat Tambourine delivers immediate tonal character with very little fuss.

Key Features

• Mini size: The 5' diameter steel frame fits neatly on a hihat pull rod so it does not interfere with playing or kit placement.
• Sandblasted brass jingles: Eight pairs of sandblasted solid brass jingles are voiced for a dry, vintage sound that stays controlled under a microphone.
• Universal mount: The attachment's thumb screw clamp fits any standard hihat stand pull rod for quick setup, adjustment, or removal.
• Foot-activated response: Designed mainly for hihat foot accents it remains quiet to stick hits and comes alive when used with the foot.
• Durable build: Steel frame and solid brass jingles offer a sturdy construction that handles regular playing without obvious wear.

Who It's For

The Meinl Hihat Tambourine is ideal for drummers seeking a subtle yet distinct tambourine chime from their hihat foot; it suits acoustic performers, session drummers and groove-oriented players who want a controlled vintage character without raising stage volume. It also appeals to players who value quick hardware that clamps on securely and can be removed between setups.

Those who should look elsewhere include players after a loud, sustained tambourine wash or multi-row jingles for heavy accents; this model is tuned for dry, old school tone and controllable dynamics rather than maximum shimmer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact 5' frame adds bright foot accents without changing kit geometry.
• Sandblasted solid brass jingles deliver a warm, vintage sound that records well.
• Universal thumb screw mount is fast to fit and holds firmly even during heavy playing.
• Responsive to light foot taps so subtle dynamics are easy to achieve.

Cons

• Designed mainly for foot use so it stays quiet under stick work and is not a substitute for a full tambourine sound.
• The single-row, eight-pair jingle configuration limits washiness for players wanting a very bright, sustained effect.

Specifications

Brand	Meinl Percussion
Diameter	5' steel frame
Jingles	8 pairs sandblasted solid brass
Mount	Universal hihat pull rod clamp with thumb screw
Primary use	Hihat foot accents
Finish	Sand blasted matte appearance

Our Verdict

The Meinl Hihat Tambourine is a practical, well voiced accessory for drummers who want a vintage, controlled tambourine ching from their hihat foot without reconfiguring their kit. Its sandblasted brass jingles and secure universal mount make it good value for players aiming to add tasteful tonal accents in both live and studio situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this attach to any hihat stand?
Yes, the universal clamp is designed to fit standard hihat pull rods and tightens with the included thumb screw.

Is it loud enough for live shows?
It is voiced for a dry, vintage sound that sits in a mix; it offers controllable volume but is not a loud, sustained tambourine wash.

Does it affect stick play on the hihats?
It is primarily responsive to foot use and remains relatively quiet when playing the hihats with sticks.