A set of 2 small single-headed mounted stick drums, shallower in shape than single-headed tom-toms, and usually much higher tuned.

Traditionally, a pair of timbales is mounted on a stand and played while standing. They may be played with drumsticks, or more traditionally with timbale sticks which are straight sticks with no shoulder or head.

The head diameters usually range from 12" to 16" with a pair normally differing in size by one inch. One drum of the set is usually tuned to a very high pitch.

They originated in Cuban music and were developed in the late 1800s as a replacement for European timpani and have since been used in rock, reggae,jazz and other music.