I have a 12" E-M-S tabor, and it plays beautifully (I like the
resonance), but its diameter is just a little too large for me to use
comfortably.

I'm wondering what might be a good alternative in a smaller drum. I
want a shallow one and under about US$30. I can get a 9" version of
the same drum off of eBay for around $30. I'm debating between this
and perhaps a native American drum.

Any suggestions or experience to be proffered?

Aaron