Couldn't figure out why our 4th timpani would have its pedal fly back whenever we put it up. BD thought it was something with the spring, but after watching this video, I got a timpani key, tuned it down a little, and now the pedal stays exactly where we want it. Thanks for the easy fix!
Thank you! Just started teaching in a new band classroom and the drums were doing this exact thing, the heads are too tight. Glad to know this is an easy fix. Thanks from a trombone player!
Dude, you're awesome! Thanks, you saved me from hating my 29" Ludwig timpani. It wouldn't hold the low note, but your advice has it purring like a kitten. I still need to get new heads on all four timps, but that will have to wait 'till next summer. Thanks for making it simple.
Most issues with the pedal involve the head tension. If the head tension is too low the pitch will rise and if the head tension is too high the pitch will fall. Check that the heads are tuned appropriately for the drum. The 32' drum should be able to reach a low C and as high as an A. The 29" drum should go from an F to a D; 26" should go from Bb to F and the 23" should go from a D to an A. If that doesn't work you might have to adjust the pedal spring tension, but that is always a last resort. If the head is really old and played a new head usually solves any balance issues. Remember that the pedal and head tension have to be in balance for the drum to work properly. That's why they are called "Balanced Action Timpani" Hope that helps.
From what you describe I think you need to tighten the head. The bottom note of the 26" should be an A or Bb. The 29" should be an F. If the peddle still rises when the head is in range try to adjust the Spring tension but that should be the last resort
I need to show my band director this. One of our timpanis went out of tune like CRAZY and I had to keep my foot on it while playing and even while retuning other drums a few times
It sounds like you may not have the head in it's correct range. If the heads are old you probably need new ones. If they are new or relatively new and not played out make sure that you have the top note set at the proper range. ie for the 26" you should have an F and for the 29" the top note is a D. The bottom notes should be Bb and F respectively. Old heads that are played out often have issues so a new head, properly mounted might be your answer. If you are using the drums a lot the heads should be changed at least once a year for professionals or every other year for schools. The spring tension on the pedal should be in the middle. If you can't easily tighten it you should loosen it and if there is no tension on it you can tighten it slightly. Always work in small increments. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much!!
I'm in my second year of teaching and this will be my first year teaching timpani. Your videos are really helpful.
Couldn't figure out why our 4th timpani would have its pedal fly back whenever we put it up. BD thought it was something with the spring, but after watching this video, I got a timpani key, tuned it down a little, and now the pedal stays exactly where we want it. Thanks for the easy fix!
Thank you! Just started teaching in a new band classroom and the drums were doing this exact thing, the heads are too tight. Glad to know this is an easy fix. Thanks from a trombone player!
Dude, you're awesome! Thanks, you saved me from hating my 29" Ludwig timpani. It wouldn't hold the low note, but your advice has it purring like a kitten. I still need to get new heads on all four timps, but that will have to wait 'till next summer. Thanks for making it simple.
Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad this was helpful.
How do you fix a Yamaha timpani gauge?? I know how to fix Ludwig easy, but the Yamaha wire is not working. Please help.
Great video, thank you!
Oh my gosh, finally a video that actually explains this. Thank you!
What about when you push the pedal down to tune the timpani to a higher pitch, but the pedal moves back to a lower pitch position?
Most issues with the pedal involve the head tension. If the head tension is too low the pitch will rise and if the head tension is too high the pitch will fall. Check that the heads are tuned appropriately for the drum. The 32' drum should be able to reach a low C and as high as an A. The 29" drum should go from an F to a D; 26" should go from Bb to F and the 23" should go from a D to an A.
If that doesn't work you might have to adjust the pedal spring tension, but that is always a last resort. If the head is really old and played a new head usually solves any balance issues.
Remember that the pedal and head tension have to be in balance for the drum to work properly. That's why they are called "Balanced Action Timpani"
Hope that helps.
Thank you so much, that was very helpful! My students are elated to have working timpani again!
From what you describe I think you need to tighten the head. The bottom note of the 26" should be an A or Bb. The 29" should be an F.
If the peddle still rises when the head is in range try to adjust the Spring tension but that should be the last resort
I need to show my band director this. One of our timpanis went out of tune like CRAZY and I had to keep my foot on it while playing and even while retuning other drums a few times
It sounds like you may not have the head in it's correct range. If the heads are old you probably need new ones. If they are new or relatively new and not played out make sure that you have the top note set at the proper range. ie for the 26" you should have an F and for the 29" the top note is a D. The bottom notes should be Bb and F respectively.
Old heads that are played out often have issues so a new head, properly mounted might be your answer. If you are using the drums a lot the heads should be changed at least once a year for professionals or every other year for schools.
The spring tension on the pedal should be in the middle. If you can't easily tighten it you should loosen it and if there is no tension on it you can tighten it slightly. Always work in small increments.
Hope this helps.