By User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1277310832)
For a moment, imagine playing Elliot Carter's ''Four Pieces for Eight Timpani'' with a damaged or poorly fitted drum head. If you're a timpani player, you probably can't. Timpani playing with a damaged head is virtually impossible for most players because it is those pieces that make the timpani's beautiful sound and rich tonal quality. Replacing the lid of your drum can be a stressful experience: different types provide tonal variety which may alter the sound of your beloved instrument. When it comes time to purchase your next one though, make sure you have a the correct sizing and a make suitable for your music style, level and taste and you'll undoubtedly be satisfied.
Finding The Right Size
In most cases, the top of the drum should match the diameter of the drum itself but with a timpani drum, this is simply not the case. Timpani drum heads actually need to extend a few inches beyond the edge of the bowland thus the head needs to be slightly bigger in diameter than the drum itself. Once you've figured out the right diameter for you, the next sizing step is to figure out what type of collar secures the head on your timpani, this will impact the type of head you should buy as well as its size. Most timpanis either have a '''regular collar''' or an '''extended collar'''. If there is little to no space between the lip of the drum bowl and the rim of the drum, then you have a '''regular collar.''' With this type, add 1" to the drum size to figure out the size of the top you'll need. If you do notice space, you have an '''extended collar''' and will need to add 2" inches to the drum size to find the right size.
Finding the right sized top for your next timpani is the best way to guarantee the rich quality of sound you're looking for in your drum, but choosing a high quality brand will also positively impact your tonal quality.
Popular Timpani Drum Head Brands
The two most popular brands of timpani drums are Adams.
