The SoundArt TC1 Tambourine: The Orchestral Standard
- Nathan Coles
- May 18, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 28, 2024
The SoundArt TC1 tambourine is Black Swamp Percussion’s most versatile, popular, and widely trusted model, offering a powerful range of sound for any performer.
Orchestral musicians, educators, and students alike value the SoundArt TC1 for its signature design, which combines premium materials and an innovative structure for a broad and expressive tonal palette. Below, learn more about what makes the TC1 tambourine stand out, from its unique dual-slot jingle design to its choice of quality head materials and expertly crafted jingle types.
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TL;DR
• Durable and Responsive Shell: Solid steam-bent ash shell ensures durability and high responsiveness.
• Innovative Jingle Slots: Dual-size jingle slots create a fuller, denser sound as each jingle strikes the shell at different times.
• Head Options for Different Climates: Choose between a Remo Renaissance or a translucent calf head, each affecting tone and humidity resistance.
• Custom Jingles: Chromium-25 and phosphor bronze jingles provide a balanced, versatile sound for a variety of performance needs.
• Widely Trusted: The TC1 is a global standard in orchestral tambourines, delivering a sound palette that caters to any dynamic level.
Constructed for Durability and Sound Quality
The SoundArt TC1 tambourine begins with a solid steam-bent ash shell. The ash wood’s natural resilience provides a durable base, ensuring that performers can rely on the TC1 for a lifetime of use. The shell’s craftsmanship supports the entirety of the SoundArt tambourine lineup and is of the highest quality for keeping your instrument in round and ready for any performance.
Innovative Dual-Size Jingle Slots for a Richer Sound
One of the defining features of the SoundArt TC1 is its dual-size jingle slots, with larger slots at the top and smaller ones at the bottom. This unique design allows each jingle to strike the shell at staggered intervals, producing a fuller and more dense sound. As the tambourine is played, these staggered jingles create a richly layered resonance that enhances musical clarity, whether performing delicate passages or intense crescendos. The design makes the TC1 tambourine ideal for performers seeking both subtlety and power in one instrument.
Unique Jingle Selection: A Blend of Bright and Dark Tones
The SoundArt TC1’s jingle setup is one of the key aspects of its versatility. Each jingle is hammered to bring out the best tonal qualities of the materials. The TC1 combines Chromium-25 and phosphor bronze jingles, two contrasting jingle types that provide a broad tonal range:
• Chromium-25: Known for its dry, bright, and articulate sound, this jingle type excels in rhythmic clarity and crisp articulation even at lower dynamics.
• Phosphor Bronze: In contrast, the phosphor bronze jingles are dark and wet, offering a lower pitch and longer sustain. When the TC1 is played at higher dynamics, these jingles activate, adding depth and fullness.
This combination makes the SoundArt TC1 a true hybrid instrument, ready to deliver the precise, articulate response of Chromium-25 for quieter passages and the resonant, sustained warmth of phosphor bronze for louder dynamics.
Adaptable Tambourine Head Options: Renaissance and Translucent Calf Head
The SoundArt TC1 offers two head options, each suited to different tonal and environmental needs: the Remo Renaissance head or the traditional translucent calf head. The calf head, with its natural translucent quality, is distinct for it's traditional look, feel, and sound. While all calf heads absorb some moisture, translucent heads generally absorb less than white-tanned heads. This means the TC1’s calf head retains tension better in humid conditions, providing a more stable tone without becoming too loose. The Remo Renaissance head, on the other hand, offers reliable performance across various environments, temperatures, and humidities, making it an excellent option for musicians on the move. The synthetic nature of the heads provides even tension no matter the environment and emulates the tone and feel of a traditional calf head. In the concert hall, you're likely to not hear the fine differences between these heads–but the choice is yours!
Check out a YouTube short detailing some of the differences between these head options.
Trusted Worldwide by Students, Educators, and Professionals
The TC1 has earned its place as the standard orchestral tambourine used globally by students, educators, and professional musicians alike. Its ability to perform well across different styles and venues makes it a reliable and dynamic tool, allowing musicians to confidently approach a wide range of repertoire. With its attention to detail and versatility, the TC1 is designed to be the ideal tambourine for orchestral musicians looking to enhance their sound.
"The TC1 tambourine is hard to beat! It's one I love to play and recommend to educators and performers." - Ben Justis | Black Swamp Educator
" My oldest and first [Black Swamp Instrument] is my TC1 tambourine!" - Alana Wiesing | Black Swamp Educator
"My first BSP instrument was the TC1 tambourine... I cherish it because it was a big deal to finally invest in my first professional instrument and I am glad it was a BSP instrument!" - Sarek Gutierrez | Black Swamp Educator
"I've been using the TC1 Tambourine for 15 years!" - Kramer Milan | Black Swamp Educator
"Tambourine TC1S is my first and oldest instruments which I still have" - Gerardo Capaldo | Black Swamp Artist
Check out the SoundArt TC1 on our website:
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