Tuning \ Care

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TIMPANI TUNING
STEP 1: PREPARATION Change timpani heads when the tone starts to sound dry or dead. Remove the old head and completely clean the entire bowl and support mechanism. Make sure that the bearing edge (lip) is smooth and clean at the point of contact for the head. Remove dirt and old lubricant from the tension rods and apply a lithium grease or Teflon. Line the counterhoop with adhesive felt, rubber, or moleskin to eliminate noises (buzzing) that occur from contact with the counterhoop and the head. Lubricate the bearing edge with teflon tape (specifically designed for timpani) or a thin layer of clarinet cork grease. STEP 2: MOUNTING THE HEAD Place the new head on the bowl and replace the counterhoop (use our Timpani Reference Chart to properly determine head size - click on "view pdf" above). Adjust the placement of the head/counterhoop so that there is equal space between it and the edge of the timpani bowl around the circumference. Hold the timpani pedal in the position that creates the lowest pitch. Replace the tension rods and finger-tighten them until they make contact with the hoop. DO NOT APPLY PRESSURE TO THE HEAD YET! Following the "cross lug sequence" (pictured right), begin tensioning by turning each rod 1 (one) complete revolution. Repeat this procedure, then continue the tensioning sequence using smaller increments (1/2 turns). While maintaining the pedal in the lowest position, tension the head until it reaches the lowest note in the playing range (as suggested by the drums manufacturer). STEP 3: CHECKING Check the depth between bearing edge and the counterhoop, measuring the collar at each tension point. Some timpanists use a measuring block on the head to get the rods uniform in height. A more convenient method may be to use a commercially available tension indicator (Drum Dial) that measures the head pressure at each tension point around the bowl (there are several brands on the market, consult your percussion dealer). This will get the drum ready for fine-tuning and the selection of a beating spot. Use the pedal and tune the drum to a mid-range pitch to find the best beating spot. The plastic film for a drum head is stretched through machinery during the manufacturing process and often has a "sweet spot". This location affords the player a beating spot that produces the most resonance and the clearest pitch with a characteristic quality of sound. Strike the drum with a mallet around the perimeter and listen closely to the tone. If the best beating spot is different than the normal playing area, mark the head, remove it, and place the mark at the normal playing area. Repeat the previous steps to remount the head and apply initial tension. After the best beating spot is selected, set the initial tension to equal the upper notes in each drum's range (as suggested by the drums manufacturer) and let it sit at least 24 hours in a warm room until you fine-tune. It may take several weeks until a new head begins to sound its best. Constant adjustment will be necessary during this break-in period. STEP 4: CLEARING THE HEAD The head is said to be "clear" when all spots at each tension lug are in tune. It may be helpful to use an electronic chromatic tuner in conjunction with the Drum Dial to fine tune. Gently put 1 or 2 fingers or a small pad in the middle of the head to help focus your perception of the fundamental pitch. With the drum tuned to a mid-range pitch, play a few tones loudly at the beating spot to get a sense of the overall pitch of the drum. Following the cross lug sequence, softly tap at each tension lug and listen closely for the pitch at that isolated area to determine if it is flat, sharp, or in tune with the overall drum pitch at the beating spot. First match the pitch at opposite points by changing whichever area is the most out of tune. Make adjustments as necessary and always try to tension up to the new pitch when fine tuning, even if you are lowering the pitch (bring the pitch lower than necessary, then up to the new pitch). Repeat this procedure at opposite lug points around the drum. It is best to go around the drum several times, making many small adjustments rather than making large tuning changes all at once. After you have cleared the heads, check the range of the drum and if necessary, return it to the manufacturers specified range by adjusting all the tension rods equally. The pedal should be checked for smooth operation and to make sure that it holds all the pitches in its range. On most timpani, a spring tension knob is located at the base of the drum. Tighten it to hold high pitches, loosen it to hold low pitches. TIMPANI TUNING RANGE The normal range of a timpano is a perfect 5th. Most drums with a good head will easily play from a half step below their normal range to a step above it. 32" 30" 29" 28" 26" 25" 23" 20" range range range range range range range range D-A E-B F-C F-C Bb - F Bb - F Eb - Bb F-C

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