Pandeiro buying advice?

[midgard]

I am very interested in picking up the Pandeiro (brazilian tamborine like instrument). Does anyone have any advice for brands, sizes, head choice, etc?

Thanks in advance!

[Ernesto Pediangco]

I am very interested in picking up the Pandeiro (brazilian tamborine like instrument). Does anyone have any advice for brands, sizes, head choice, etc?

Thanks in advance!

Thankfully, Pandieros are becoming standardised w/ American sied replacement heads so both Brasilian & American sizes offer more practical choices. My one opinion is do not choose one w/ the typical tamborine jingles, they are too ringy. Pandieros tend to be dryer & darker in the tone of the jingles. 10" & 12 " are good choices but its too personal a thing. Remo makes a great variety of Pandieros, so does Meinl & LP. But the Brasilian made RMM brand or Golpe brands are well....BRASILIAN ! its best to see & sound test the instrument...and compare, sample those of friends who have played many pandieros & seek direct advice...not just buying a drum sight unseen !? Once u know what brand & model U like...then its a better chance u can buy one w/o seeing it & still like the sound. Tunning hardwares & choice of head ( skin or plastic ) are also considerations, & I suggest plastic first....then after u mastered some tone & technique...experiment w/ a skin !?

[midgard]

Thanks for the advice! After playing with some for a while I have a better idea.