Timpani Notes

These timpani care practices and routines should be followed every day:

 

Keep the heads of the kettle drums covered when not in use. All manufacturers and some third parties make and sell timpani covers.

 

After every use, wipe down the drum head with a clean, soft towel. Dust, dirt, and oil from hands can cause damage to and accelerate the degredation of the head.

 

Wrap the mallets and put them in a safe location after each use. The felt heads of timpani mallets will break down more quickly if they regularly come in contact with surfaces other than the timpani head.

 

Put the pedals all the way down (toe up) when not in use. This will minimize tension on the head.

 

Be sure never to move the timpani by pushing or pulling on the rim, head, or pedal mechanism. Always lift or pull from the heavy vertical struts. Be careful of the pedal mechanism when transporting, especially if the pedal has no wheel under it. Do not drag any part of the timpano when moving it.

 

NEVER place anything on top of the kettle drum. The head is the sound-making part of the instrument and is already under tension. Placing or storing items on top of a kettle drum is analogous to leaving something heavy on top of the strings of a violin or piano.