Pedal Problems of the Counterbalance Spring Style Timpani

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 "counter-balance 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 counterbalance 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 counter-balance 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 knob-operated 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 didn’t 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]