Best Timbales of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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If you're a fan of Latin American cuisine or just looking to add some excitement to your kitchen, Timbales are a must-try. These percussion instruments are also the name of a delicious dish consisting of seasoned rice, beans, and meat or vegetables, all served up in a drum-shaped mould. With a variety of flavours and ingredients available, Timbales are a versatile and tasty addition to any meal. Give them a try and impress your taste buds with the vibrant and bold flavours of this Latin American classic.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Meinl Percussion Drummer Series Timbales Set Cover #TOP 1
Meinl Percussion Drummer Series Timbales Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Latin Percussion 60th Anniversary Timbales Cover #TOP 2
Latin Percussion 60th Anniversary Timbales
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Meinl Percussion 10-Inch Snare Timbales Cover #TOP 3
Meinl Percussion 10-Inch Snare Timbales
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Timbales

#TOP 1

Meinl Percussion Drummer Series Timbales Set

MIT810CH
Chrome
8 inch and 10 inch
Meinl Percussion Drummer Series Timbales Set Cover
Meinl Percussion Drummer Series Timbales - 2 Drums with 8 and 10 Inches - With Mount - Steel, Chrome-Plated (MIT810CH)

The Meinl Timbales Set features two drums, an 8-inch Macho and a 10-inch Hembra, allowing you to create a range of authentic sounds. These mini-sized timbales are perfect for delivering a cutting tone, ideal for both practice and performance. With the included tuning key and oil, you can easily maintain your instrument's sound quality. Additionally, the mounting clamp enables you to attach the timbales to almost any standard stand, making them versatile for use at home, in jam sessions, or during studio recordings.

What We Like
Authentic cutting sound
Includes tuning key and oil
Attaches to standard stands
Versatile for various settings
#TOP 2

Latin Percussion 60th Anniversary Timbales

LP1415-60
14 and 15"
Latin Percussion 60th Anniversary Timbales Cover
Latin Percussion Timbales 60th Anniversary Timbales, Antique Bronze Finish, Rustic Bronze Hardware LP1415-60

The LP 60th Anniversary Timbales feature 14" and 15" shells with rolled out bottoms, which provide enhanced sound projection and resonance, perfect for creating dynamic rhythms. The patented top tuning system allows you to easily adjust the pitch, ensuring your timbales are always in tune for any performance. The antique bronze finish not only looks stunning but also adds a touch of elegance to your setup. Additionally, the rustic bronze hardware complements the overall aesthetic while ensuring durability and reliability during use.

What We Like
Stunning antique bronze finish
Easy pitch adjustments
Durable rustic hardware
Limited edition for 2024
#TOP 3

Meinl Percussion 10-Inch Snare Timbales

MDST10BK
Black
Meinl Percussion 10-Inch Snare Timbales Cover
Meinl Percussion Drummer Snare Timbales - Drum with 10-inch Diameter - With Snare and Mount - Steel, Black (MDST10BK)

The Meinl Timbales are versatile instruments that enhance your drumming experience. With switchable snare sounds, you can easily add a crisp touch to your performances. The authentic sound provides the classic timbale tones, perfect for Latin music enthusiasts. A special holder ensures that the snare wires remain quiet when deactivated, allowing for a smooth sound transition. Whether at home or on the go, these timbales are suitable for jam sessions, studio recordings, and live performances, making them an excellent choice for any drummer.

What We Like
Switchable snare sounds
Authentic classic timbale sound
Rattle-free snare wire holder
Versatile for various settings
#TOP 4

Latin Percussion Timbales Prestige Karl Perazzo LP1415-KP

LP1415-KP
black nickel
14" and 15"
Latin Percussion Timbales Prestige Karl Perazzo LP1415-KP Cover
Latin Percussion Timbales Prestige Karl Perazzo LP1415-KP

The Latin Percussion Timbales LP1415-KP features a 14" and 15" diameter with a 6-1/2" depth, providing a rich sound that enhances your musical performance. The patented Top-Tuning system allows you to make quick adjustments while playing, ensuring you can achieve the perfect pitch effortlessly. With black nickel plated steel shells and chrome plated hardware, these timbales not only look striking but are also built for durability. The black drum heads further enhance the aesthetic appeal and contribute to the overall sound quality.

What We Like
Quick tuning adjustments
Sturdy and durable materials
Striking visual appeal
Rich sound quality
#TOP 5

Latin Percussion 12-Inch Drum Set Timbales

LP812-C
Chrome
Latin Percussion 12-Inch Drum Set Timbales Cover
Latin Percussion LP812-C 12 x 5.5-Inch Drum Set Timbales

The Latin Percussion Timbales offer a compact solution for integrating authentic Timbale sounds into your drum set. With a diameter of 12 inches and a shell depth of 5.5 inches, these drums are designed to save space while providing rich sound. The chrome finish adds a sleek look, making them visually appealing. Additionally, the included clamp is compatible with common rod diameters of 9.5mm to 12.5mm, ensuring easy setup and versatility for various drum configurations.

What We Like
Compact design saves space
Authentic Timbale sounds
Sleek chrome finish
Easy setup with versatile clamp
#TOP 6

Latin Percussion M257 Matador Timbales Set

M257
Chrome
Latin Percussion M257 Matador Timbales Set Cover
Latin Percussion M257 14 Plus Matador Timbales, Chrome, 15 x 8-Inch

The Latin Percussion Matador Timbales are designed for both beginners and seasoned musicians. With a 14" and 15" shell diameter and an 8" depth, these timbales offer a rich sound that enhances your performance. The traditional tuning system allows you to easily adjust the pitch to suit your style, providing versatility. Made from durable steel with a chrome finish, they not only look great but are built to last. The included Matador cowbell, stand, tuning wrench, and sticks ensure you have everything you need to get started right away.

What We Like
High-quality steel construction
Includes essential accessories
Traditional tuning system
Attractive chrome finish
Versatile for different music styles
#TOP 7

Meinl Percussion Amadito Valdes Timbales with Stand

MDT13CH
silver
Meinl Percussion Amadito Valdes Timbales with Stand Cover
Meinl Percussion Artist Series Timbales - Amadito Valdes - 1 Drum with 13 Inches - With Tilting Stand - Steel, Bronze (AV1ABR)

The Meinl Amadito Valdes Timbales offer an authentic and crisp timbale sound, perfect for enhancing your Latin music performances. Developed in collaboration with renowned percussionist Amadito Valdés, this 13-inch drum ensures quality and precision. The included height-adjustable and tiltable stand provides convenience, allowing you to find the ideal playing position. Additionally, the package comes with a cowbell holder, accessory bag, oil, and tuning key, ensuring you have everything needed to maintain and enjoy your instrument.

What We Like
Authentic crisp sound
Height-adjustable tilting stand
Includes essential accessories
Collaboration with Amadito Valdés
High-quality construction
#TOP 8

LP Latin Percussion Tito Puente Timbales

LP258S
bronze
-inch
LP Latin Percussion Tito Puente Timbales Cover
LP Latin Percussion Timbales Tito Puente Thunder Timbs Stainless Steel 15"/16" LP258-S

The LP Tito Puente Timbales are crafted from durable stainless steel, providing a bright and cutting sound that is perfect for various musical styles. With a shell diameter of 15" and 16", these timbales offer versatility in performance. The traditional tuning system allows you to easily adjust the pitch, ensuring your timbales always sound their best. Additionally, the double strut stand includes a cowbell holder, making it convenient for you to incorporate different percussion elements into your music.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Versatile shell sizes
Traditional tuning system
Includes cowbell holder
Complete with tuning key and sticks
#TOP 9

LP Latin Percussion Brass Timbales 14"/15"

LP1415-B
brass
-inch
LP Latin Percussion Brass Timbales 14"/15" Cover
LP Latin Percussion Timbales Prestige Solid Brass 14"/15" LP1415-B

The LP Prestige Timbales are crafted from solid brass, providing a rich and resonant sound that enhances your music. With a shell diameter of 14"/15", these timbales are perfect for various musical styles. The 6.5” cup depth allows for deep and powerful tones, while the top tuning system ensures easy adjustments for optimal sound quality. The included double strut stand, which comes with a cowbell holder, offers stability and convenience during performances, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned musicians.

What We Like
Solid brass construction
Easy top tuning system
Includes cowbell holder
Stable double strut stand
Suitable for various music styles
#TOP 10

Meinl Percussion 8-inch Snare Timbales

MDST8BK
Black
Meinl Percussion 8-inch Snare Timbales Cover
Meinl Percussion Drummer Snare Timbales - Drum with 8-inch Diameter - With Snare and Mount - Steel, Black (MDST8BK)

The Meinl Snare Timbales is a versatile instrument that enhances your drumming experience with its switchable snare sounds, allowing you to create crisp rhythms effortlessly. These timbales produce an authentic Latin sound, perfect for adding flair to your music. Additionally, the innovative holder design ensures that the snare wires remain quiet when not in use, eliminating any unwanted rattling. With its compact 8-inch diameter, this drum is ideal for use at home or on the go, making it suitable for jam sessions, studio recordings, and live performances.

What We Like
Switchable snare sounds
Authentic Latin percussion sound
Rattle-free design
Compact and portable
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are timbales used for?

The timbales, of Afro-Cuban descent, have become a ubiquitous instrument in percussion set-ups used in nearly every kind of popular western music, from Salsa to Pop, Funk, and Rock'n'Roll.

2. What are timbales in English?

Definition of timbale 1a : a creamy mixture (as of meat or vegetables) baked in a mold also : the mold in which it is baked. b : a small pastry shell filled with a cooked timbale mixture.

3. What sound do timbales make?

Traditional timbale drums come in a few different variations. Typically, they are made of steel or bronze with diameters of 30–40 cm and a plastic coated drum head. The combination of metals and plastics give the timbale its very loud, distinct popping sound. The two drums typically have a difference in size of 3–5 cm.

Editor's Notes

During our timbale research, we found 45 timbale products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,356 customer reviews through our big data system to write the timbales list. We found that most customers choose timbales with an average price of £795.93.

The timbales are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of timbales, including Meinl Percussion, Latin Percussion.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.