Marc Damoulakis Series Tambourines

** August 2026: I have been awaiting a shipment of Kalfo clear calf for almost 3 months at this time. They seem to prioritize timpani heads as orchestras are starting seasons soon. So, that’s where I’m at. No clear calf until September. Feel free to order, but please know I will not ship until I have them back in stock. If you cannot wait don’t order! or please purchase goat skin versions which will ship the same day of next day.

Marc Damoulakis has been a member of The Cleveland Orchestra since 2006 and principal percussionist since 2013 where he holds the Margaret Allen Ireland Chair. Marc and I worked on and designed these instruments back in 2020 when we had time to experiment and take our time. It was a great experience and he was so helpful in guiding me towards making these beautiful instruments. I even had help from John Stoessel who made instruments for many great orchestras and percussionists over the years. He was able to demystify a few things and help shorten my learning curve with the copper alloys.

**May 2026 - first price increase since 2020 when I started making these. Everything is costing so much more. Copper, skins, badges, lacquer, wood, import fees, higher shipping rates, etc... I have also become more selective in which shells make the cut. Roughly 35% do not. So, instead of not making tambourines and focusing solely on timpani mallets the prices have finally gone up $15. The price will most likely continue to rise since these factors are not in my control.

Below are the basic descriptions for each of the initial four models. All of the instruments have great response at all dynamics. There is no special “soft” model. They are all meant to used at all dynamics. The color is what changes the most from model to model.

36 jingles per instrument
Stacked layout
Steam bent solid ash shells.
Clear calf heads from Parchment & Vellum Works in Ireland (Kalfo)

GS/Bronze mix - 18 German Silver, 18 bronze. The workhorse of the line. It can cover a lot of repertoire in many different settings. Most popular model and for good reason.

Brass - shortest sustain of the line. Very quick response. Middle of the pack for color. Not super bright and not dark.

German silver - very bright and crisp. Does not sound like other German silver tambourines. It is still very clear and crisp but with more spread as it’s played louder compared to the mix.

Bronze - dark and chunky. Old school sound but with better response and clarity.