How to Change Timpani Heads

Jul 12, 2024

How to Change Timpani Heads

Equipment Needed

  • New drum head
  • Timpani tuning keys (match drum model)
    • Yamaha and Ludwig: Oversized square design
    • Adams: Large hexagonal key
  • Blocks of wood
  • Masking tape
  • White lithium grease
  • Rags
  • Timpani mallets
  • Permanent marker
  • (Optional) Teflon tape
  • (Optional) Drum dial

When to Change a Timpani Head

  • Frequent clearing needed
  • Difficulty holding pitch
  • Lack of articulation or projection
  • Excessive wear or damage

Preparation

  1. Block the pedal:
    • Prevents snapping when tension is relieved
    • Use wood blocks under the pedal
  2. Mark the Rim: Masking Tape
    • Mark the playing zone (near the pedal)
    • Helps position new head correctly
  3. Inventory Pitch:
    • Note the pitch with pedal still blocked (use pitch pipe if needed)

Removing the Old Head

  1. Use two tuning keys on opposite sides of the drum
  2. Turn each pair clockwise one full turn until the head is loose
  3. Remove the old head and rim
  4. Keep the old head if it’s in decent shape

Cleaning

  1. Clean underside of the rim (remove dirt, debris)
  2. Clean the interior of the bowl with a dry rag
  3. Apply Teflon tape to the bearing edge if no smooth coating is present

Installing the New Head

  1. Center the new head on the bowl
  2. Place the rim around the new head (align masking tape marks)
  3. Apply white lithium grease to tension rod threads
  4. Finger tighten all tension rods
  5. Ensure rods are vertically aligned and head is centered

Tensioning the New Head

  1. Use tuning keys to give opposite tension rods a full 180-degree turn (repeat until pitch is reached)
  2. Check pitch with a mallet (aim for initial pitch noted earlier)
  3. If too low, repeat tensioning process
  4. Remove wood blocks once target pitch is achieved
  5. Test pedal

Clearing the Head

  1. Check for correct range of lowest and highest notes
  2. Gently press center of head (timpani CPR)
  3. Tap around tension rods to check for low/high pitch spots
  4. Adjust tension rods as needed
  5. Optional: Use a drum dial for a baseline clearing
  6. Repeat process with drum dial until all rods read the same number

Final Adjustments

  1. Perform another round of clearing by ear
  2. Mark the new head with the change date (month/year)

Storing the Drum

  1. Store drum with cover on at medium tension for a few days
  2. Do a final round of clearing after storage

Additional Tips

  • Select heads larger than the drum's diameter (e.g., 23-inch drum → 25-inch head)
  • Consult with a percussion vendor for specific drum models
  • Recommended heads: Remo Renaissance Clear (good articulation and projection, easy to clear)