How To Tune and Fix Timpani Drums

PEDAL PROBLEMS OF THE COUNTERBALANCE SPRING STYLE
TIMPANI
The problems of the timpani pedal slipping off a high pitch or
creeping up from a low pitch is quite common with the "counterbalance spring" mechanism when it is out of adjustment. The
counter-balance system uses a "hidden spring" to counteract the
tension of the timpani head rather than some other ratchet or
friction mechanism; the most common are the Ludwig timpani with
the "big silver knob" on the base. There is nothing inherently wrong
with using Ludwig timpani in the schools, one only needs to keep
the counter-balance spring and timpani head in adjustment.
The first step is to see if the head is tuned to the proper range. Most
people set the head to the lowest pitch, although I have a friend
who likes to tune the drum to its highest pitch.
With the pedal down, tune the drum to the lowest pitch of its range.
Ranges (lowest to highest):
30" range: D to A
(if its a 32" drum tune it to a C-G)
28" range: F to Bb
25" range: Bb to F
23" range: D to A
(the upper range is usually higher the noted here)
1. Keep in mind the way the system works, i.e., the counter-balance
spring counter balances the action of the "other spring" (the drum
head). It is this balance of the tension between the head and the
spring that keeps the pedal in place at various positions.
2. If the pedal creeps up from the low-note position that means that
the counter-balance spring is too tight. Put your foot on the pedal
and loosen it counterclockwise a bit and check it again. Careful, it is
possible to completely unscrew the knob. It the knob should
completely unscrew the pedal instantly snaps to the floor, that is
why you should keep your foot on the pedal when performing this
procedure. To re-thread the knob push the pedal to the high-note
position and screw it back in. Patience, its tricky to find (feel) the
start of the threads-it might take a while, but you will be able to get
it re-threaded.
3. If the pedal creeps down from a high-note position the counterbalance spring is not tight enough. Push the pedal to the high
position and turn the knob clockwise a bit and check it again.
4. If you cannot find a position which will hold both a high and low
position, the problem is with the "other spring" (the timpani head).
If the timpani head is tuned to the wrong low-pitch the little
balancing act between the two springs (the head and the knoboperated counterbalance spring) cannot take place.
5. If this procedure does not correct the problem there are two other
possibilities:
Tele Lesbines of the Milwaukee Symphony led me to a problem I
was having with my Ludwig Standard Symphony Timpani (see the
diagram below). The low drum could not reach the lowest pitch
because the Pedal Base Assembly (the part under the pedal) had
been ground down by many years of dragging the timpani across
the floor. The reduced pedal clearance meant that the heel of the
pedal hit the floor before it could reach its lowest point. To reach it
lowest note I had to loosen the head below its normal range, which
resulted in the head being too loose to counter the counterbalance
spring. That is why we raise the timpani on its two front wheels to
move the drum.
While trying to diagnose a local high schools timpani that refused
to respond to tuning the head, I discovered that the local drum shop
guy they had hired to adjust the mechanism had tightened the
Brake Arm assembly. Evidently, he didnt know about the balance
between the head tension and counterbalance spring and merely
tightened up the Brake Arm which caused the drum to defy
diagnosis. This problem had me baffled until I turned the drum
upside down and discovered the real problem.
6. If none of these are causing the problem, it possible that the

counterbalance spring is worn out or broken, or the head could have
lost its elasticity. First step would be to replace the head.
TIMPANI TUNING
Putting the timpani head on evenly and getting it in tune is a
difficult task which takes years of experience to master. Timpanists
have invented little devices to measure the distance between the
rim and the counterhoop and have even counted threads on the
tension screw in an effort to mount the head evenly. Getting the
timpani to sing a clear pitch is difficult task because each tension
rod pulls from the center and therefore effects the pitch at all the
other tension rods-tightening one changes all the others. Another
problem is the overtone series: when tuning each tension rod it is
easy to get confused by the array of pitches present and compare

the second partial of one tension rod to the third partial of another.
There is a device called the "DrumDial" (list price is about $90.00,
street price $60) which measures the surface tension of the head at
each tension rod. Once the head tension at each tension rod is
identical it is much easier to use you ear (or an electronic tuner) to
fine tune the pitches at each tension rod.
If you have any percussion needs or questions please do not
hesitate to call or e-mail me.
Dr. G.W. Sandy Schaefer
Assistant Professor
Chadron State College
Chadron, NE 69337
308 432-6378
[email protected]

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What are some common problems with counterbalance spring timpani pedals?

How can you adjust the counterbalance spring if the pedal is creeping up or down?

PEDAL PROBLEMS OF THE COUNTERBALANCE SPRING STYLE

6. If none of these are causing the problem, it possible that the

easy to get confused by the array of pitches present and compare

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