Adams Revolution Timpani User manual

Manual
Revolution Timpani
Architects and
constructors
of musical
instruments
Experience the Sound of Quality
English
Adams Musical Instruments | Version 1.1

Preface Contents
Thank you for choosing Adams Revolution Timpani. We hope that you will gain pleasure and enjoyment from your
new instrument, and we are confident that it will bring you many years of musical satisfaction. All Adams Musical
Instruments are cleverly designed to the smallest detail, and are constructed with care and the highest levels of
craftsmanship in Thorn, Holland.
Adams Revolution Timpani combine truly professional sound quality with innovative features for effortless portability.
The groundbreaking balanced action pedal system allows the Revolution base to detach from the kettle without any
tools, and retains the tension responsible for the fundamental tone in the base. When the kettle is separated from
the base, the legs fold up for easy portability with the integrated handle. The fine tuner allows the drum not only
precision tuning, but the gives the player the ability to select from over one octave of range. There has never before
been a more practical, portable, and professional quality instrument.
In this manual, each feature is given brief description of how the feature works and a step-by-step adjustment guide.
Understanding the adjustment is as important as making the adjustment.
At the factory, a new Remo Renaissance head is installed on all Adams timpani. During shipping and delivery, this
head will stretch and settle. Before using your timpani for the first time, read and work through pages 4-9 to correct
any mechanical difficulties caused by the change in the head tension. If necessary, general troubleshooting topics
are available on page 21.
Adams Musical Instruments are the choice of world-class soloists, orchestras, educators, and composers because
of the firm’s continued dedication to producing the finest sounding instruments possible through innovation and
superior craftsmanship. Andre Adams, the company’s founder, began repairing brass instruments in 1971, and
gained experience as an instrument maker with many well-known firms in Europe. Music was his hobby, engineering
his passion. The importance of scientific innovation in establishing production quality and continuity, along with im-
portant relationships with top professional and amateur musicians, has led the company to emerge as one of the
world’s largest percussion instrument manufacturers. Adams’ corporate vision is passion for music: creating instru-
ments by musicians, for musicians. Experience Adams—Experience The Sound of Quality.
Nomenclature
Fundamental Tone
Pedal System
Tuning Gauge
Fine Tuner
Range Selector
Baroque Style Timpani
Detachable Kettle
Height Adjustment
Head Replacement
Clearing Heads
Troubleshooting
Use and Care
Specifications
Warranty
Accessories
3
4
6
8
10
12
13
14
16
18
20
21
22
24
25
26
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Nomenclature
Revolution Timpani
2
3
Head Tension Rod
Tuning Gauge Indice
Tension Bracket
Spring Tension Mechanism
Kettle
Tuning Gauge Indicator
Tuning Gauge
Fine Tuner Knob
Height Adjustment Lock
Pedal Rod
Coupling Lock
Height Adjustment Spindle
Leg Lock
Restictor Pin
Wheel Lock
Leg with Wheel
Pedal
Spring Tension Knob
Tension Key/Holder
Counterhoop

Fundamental Tone
The pedal has a specific range of mechanical motion. Moving the pedal applies tension to the fundamental tone and produces the scalar range of each
individual timpani.
The head tension interacts with the mechanical balance. The correct fundamental tone is the most important factor in determining correct mechanical function. When
the fundamental is correct, the pedal has a full range of mechanical motion, achieves the correct scalar range, and functions correctly. When the fundamental tone
is too low or too high, the head tension will not work with the mechanical system: the pedal will not work correctly and the scalar range will be limited.
Revolution Timpani are available with a fine tuner. For models with a fine tuner, it is important to use the individual tension rods to tune the fundamental tone. Using
the fine tuner to correct the fundamental will decrease the fine tuner function and affect the pedal feel.
Adjustment
Timpani are machines: mechanical parts work together to allow the player to change the tone of the instrument by means of a pedal, a fine tuner, or by both
mechanisms. The pedal and fine tuner apply uniform tension to all of the tension rods at the same time.
Each timpani has a specific scalar range, and the lowest tone of this range is called the fundamental tone. The fundamental tone is set by the individual tension
rods when the pedal is in the position of the lowest tone. The correct fundamental tones for Adams Revolution Timpani are listed below.
Overview
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
Scalar Range: Revolution Timpani
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
Fundamental Tone: Revoltuion Timpani
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5
Process
1
Move the pedal to the position of the
lowest tone.
2
Models with fine tuner: Move the fine tuner to middle of its mechanical range. In
this position, the white indicator will be in the middle of the channel.
3
Confirm that the collar is even on each side of the kettle. Adjust as necessary.
4
Use a tuning fork or other tuning device as a tone source. Play the fundamental
tone and compare to the list on page 4.
See pages 10-11 for detailed
information regarding fine tuner
operation.
6
Maintenance
As a head stretches, the fundamental tone willl become lower. The head will need to be adjusted according to the above process. Eventually, a plastic head can
and will stretch to the point that it cannot provide the resistance necessary to balance the spring tension. The head will then need to be replaced to restore proper
function.
Adams recommends changing heads once every two years to ensure correct mechanical function, or more often if the quality of the tone deteriorates.
1
3
2
4
6
5
5
If the tone is not correct, adjust to the correct fundamental tone.
Make equal adjustments to each tension rod (half or quarter turns) in the
order demonstrated in the picture.
•
•Evaluate the tone after each complete round of adjustment. Continue to
adjust as necessary until the fundamental tone is correct.

Pedal System
The Revolution balanced action pedal system functions by balancing the tension of the head against the tension in a spring mechanism. These two forces push
against each other and hold the pedal and tone in place. This strong yet simple system allows for accurate tuning.
Overview
If the timpani pedal does not hold position, the fundamental tone or spring tension must be adjusted to restore correct pedal function. The usual source of the
problem is that the fundamental tone has changed.
In general, the spring needs very little adjustment: due to the strength of the design, the spring can balance against a slightly incorrect fundamental without
changing the pedal performance.
The balanced action pedal system functions correctly when the head tension and spring tension are in equilibrium. If the fundamental tone is not tensioned
correctly, or the spring tension is too weak or strong compared to the correct fundamental tone, the pedal will not hold in place and the tone will change.
Adjustment
Pedal holds in every position
BALANCEDSPRING TENSION HEAD TENSION
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UNBALANCEDSPRING TENSION HEAD TENSION
Pedal will not hold in every position

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7
Process
2
Correct the spring tension.
3
Check the adjustment: Move the pedal and see if the function has changed.
4
Maintenance
As a head stretches, the fundamental and/or spring tension will need to be
adjusted according to the above process. A plastic head can and will stretch
to the point that it cannot provide the resistance necessary to balance the
spring tension. The head will then need to be replaced to restore proper
function.
Adams recommends changing heads once every two years to ensure correct
mechanical function, or more often if the quality of the tone deteriorates.
1
If the pedal system is not functioning correctly, first confirm the correct
fundamental tone as described on page 5.
Adjust the spring with the pedal in
the position of the highest tone.
Always adjust the spring a half turn
at a time, evaluate the adjustment,
and adjust again if necessary.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
If the pedal now holds position, the system is functioning correctly.
Do not adjustment the spring mechanism.
If the pedal continues to not hold position, proceed to Step 2.
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
If the fundamental tone is correct, proceed to Step 2.
If the tone is not correct, adjust to the correct fundamental tone as
described on page 5.
If the pedal falls forward and raises the tone, turn the knob to the left.
The spring mechanism needs less tension.
If the pedal falls backward and lowers the tone, turn the knob to the
right. The spring mechanism needs more tension.
Never adjust the spring tension without first confirming the correct
fundamental tone.
If the pedal performs as before, make the same adjustment again until
the result is satisfactory.
If the adjustment created the opposite problem (pedal was falling
forward but is now falling backward), lessen the first adjustment until the
result is satisfactory.

Tuning Gauge
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
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A timpani gauge is a display of the pedal’s mechanical position: it is not a measure of the tone that the instrument produces when played.
The pointer position, range of motion, and individual indice letters must all be adjusted for the tuning gauge to function correctly.
Overview
Adjustment
2
Set the distance of the pointer from the gauge.
Process
1
Confirm the correct fundamental tone as described on page 5.
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
•
•
Move the pedal to the position of the lowest tone.
Set the pointer to the desired distance from the gauge and the position
of the lowest tone. Secure in place with the wing screw.

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9
4
Adjust the letters: set all similar tones (identical and octaves) before moving to
another tone. Begin with A2.
3
Set the range of motion.
Use a tuning fork or other tuning
device as a tone source.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
•
•
•
•
For more distance, move the fitting towards the axel.
For less distance, move the fitting toward the tip.
Move the pedal to the position of the lowest tone.
Move the pedal through the scalar to view the distance that the pointer
moves. Determine if more or less distance is necessary in the range in
the motion.
Tune A2 on the 29” timpani.
Set the 29" Aindice.
Tune A2 on the 26” timpani and match it to the 29”.
Set the 26” Aindice.
Tune A3 on the 23” timpani, one octave higher than A2. Begin with the
tone source, and tune with the octave A2 on the 29”.
Set the 23” Aindice.
Tune A3 on the 20” timpani, and match it to the 23”.
Set the 20” Aindice.
Repeat steps 4.1-4.5 with B, C, D, E, F, G: match identical tones and
octaves.
5
Maintenance
A head will stretch over time, lowering the fundamental tone. The tuning gauge
will become inaccurate when this happens. Restore correct tuning gauge
function by correcting the fundamental tone of the head as described on page 5.
If moving the letters is required after correcting the fundamental tone, the
letters will usually end up with very little space between the letters as
demonstrated in the incorrect picture. When this happens, the head has
stretched to the point that is needs to be replaced.

Fine Tuner
A timpani pedal applies pressure to all of the tension rods at the same time. The fine tunerdoes the same thing in smaller and more precise increments, giving
the player precise intonation control.
Fine tuner mechanisms are usually only available on timpani with a clutch mechanism. Adams has made the fine tuner available as an option on Revolution Timpani.
The fine tuner can only be included on new instruments from the factory, and it is not available as an accessory for installation on models without a fine tuner.
Like the pedal mechanism, the fine tuner has a mechanical range of motion. For correct function, the fine tuner must be positioned near the middle of its
mechanical range. This position allows the player to either raise or lower the tone. When the fine tuner is in either the highest or lowest mechanical position, the
fine tuner will not have full function: the player will not be able to both raise and lower the tone. The fine tuner system includes an indicator for clear view of the
mechanical position.
Overview
Timpani with fine tuners have two mechanisms that set the fundamental tone: the tension rods and the fine tuner. The relative amount of tension applied by each
of these mechanisms determines the amount of resistance in the pedal motion. If these two factors are out of balance, the resistance in the pedal feeling is
affected and the fine tuner will not have full functionality.
Adjustment
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11
Process
1
If too much tension is applied by the fine tuner compared to the tension rods,
the pedal resistance is high. This occurs when the fine tuner is in the highest
mechanical position. In this position, the player can only use the fine tuner to
lower the tone.
Move the fine tuner to the middle of the range.
The fundamental tone must now be tuned higher. Correct the fundamental
tone with the tension rods as described on page 5.
Move the fine tuner to the middle of the range.
The fundamental tone must now be tuned lower. Correct the fundamental
tone with the tension rods as described on page 5.
2
If too little tension is applied by the fine tuner when compared to the tension
rods, the pedal resistance is low. This occurs when the fine tuner in the lowest
mechanical position. In this position, the player can only use the fine tuner to
raise the tone.
1
3
2
4
6
5
1
3
2
4
6
5
•
•
•
•
3
Check the pedal performance. If necessary, adjust as described on page 7.
4
Maintenance
As the head stretches, it is important to correct the fundamental tone with the tension rods. It is faster to make this adjustment with the fine tuner, but doing this
will eventually move the fine tuner to the end of its mechanical range and negatively affect pedal performance.

Range Selector
Revolution Timpani have a mechanical range that produces a scalar range of a musical 6th (see diagram on page 4). Revolution timpani with optional fine tuner
can easily select a fundamental tone that is either lower or higher than normal. Changing the fundamental tone allows the player to select a range of a 6th from
within an octave of tonal range.
In addition to giving each size a larger range to choose from, the range selector can also increases the overlap in ranges between sizes. This larger overlap can
allow a player to not bring a specific size to a gig. For example, if a 23” timpani is only needed for a G3 tone, the 26” range can move from A2-F3 to B2-G3 to
play the G3 if the music allows.
Adjusting the fundamental does change the balance between the spring tension and the head tension. However, the strong design of Adams' spring tension
mechanism will usually accomodate a small change to the fundamental without the head tension affecting the pedal position. Always evaluate the pedal
performance after adjusting the fundamental.
Example:
A 29” with a F2 fundamental tone has a range from F2-D3. F2 Fundamental
Process
1
Move the pedal to the lowest tone.
3
Adjust spring tension if necessary
(see page 7).
2
Use the fine tuner to select the new
fundamental tone.
Adjusting the fundamental tone higher to G2 produces a range from G2-E3 G2 Fundamental
Adjusting the fundamental tone lower to E2 produces a range from E2-C3 E2 Fundamental
The total available range to select from is an octave, E2-E3. Available Range
•
•
•
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4
Changing the fundamental will change the accuracy of the tuning gauge.
•
•
If the adjusted fundamental is necessary for an extended period of time,
reset the letters of the gauge.
If the adjusted fundamental is necessary for a short period of time, make
changes to the gauge letters as necessary.

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Baroque Style Timpani
12
13
The tension responsible for the Revolution Series fundamental tone is held in the mechanism in the kettle. Because of this design, the Revolution kettle can be
removed from the base and placed on a wooden stand for use as Baroque style timpani. The fine tuner knob is then used as the tensioning mechanism.
Process
4
Before returning to the base, return
fine tuner position to position from
step #2.
5
Install kettle on base as described on
page 15.
6
Confirm fundamental tone, as it can be different after using the fine tuner as the
tensioning mechanism. Adjust the fundamental tone as necessary with fine
tuner instead of the tension rods because the fine tuner was used as the
tensioning mechanism during Baroque style use.
1
Note the position of the fine tuner indicator. It is necessary to return the fine
tuner to this position before returning the kettle to the base. The indicator does
not have to be in the middle of the mechanical range, but the middle will give the
player the best functionality.
2
Remove kettle from base as
described on page 14.
3
Place on wooden stand for use as
Baroque timpani.

Features
Adams Revolution Timpani are the ultimate in portability and functionality. The kettle quickly and easily detaches from the folding base for effortless transport.
Detachable Kettle
Process - Removal of kettle from base
4
Hold the pedal down and lift the kettle from the base. After the kettle is removed, use your foot to move the pedal
to the highest position. Never move the pedal with your hand.
5
A plate protects the bottom of the
kettle. The kettle may be safely
placed on the floor before being
secured in a soft gig bag for
transport.
6
Lift the pins on the legs and fold the legs into locked position. Transport the base either by carrying with the integrated
handle or with the wheeled gig bag.
1
Lock all wheels.
2
Unlock the coupling mechanism: Loosen the screw and then turn the handle.
2
1
3
Move the pedal to lowest tone and
then a little more past a slight
resistance. The resistance is the
locking mechanism releasing the
kettle from the base.
2
1Lowest Tone
Unlock
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15
2
Make sure that the coupling mechanism is unlocked: Loosen screw, turn handle.
4
PEDAL on the receiving plate must
align with the pedal.
5
Install the kettle onto the base. Position
logo on the head opposite of the pedal.
6
Move the pedal to the lowest tone, and then a little more past a slight resistance.
The resistance is the locking mecahnism joining the kettle with the base.
3
Make sure that the pedal is in the position of the highest tone.
Never move the pedal with your hand.
1
Unfold the base legs and lock into position. Make sure that all wheels are locked.
7
Lock the coupling mechanism: Turn the handle and then tighten the screw
Process - Installation of kettle onto base
1
2
2
1
2
1Lowest Tone
Lock

Adams Revolution Timpani feature a patented height adjustment system. The kettle is supported on a spindle that provides height adjustment. The spindle is
unlocked and locked with the included timpani tension key. The system includes a restrictor pin that prevents the spindle from rotating out of the base.
Process
5
Position the tuning gauge in the
appropriate playing position.
6
Use tuning key to tighten locking
bolt.
4
The restrictor pin will prevent the spindle from rotating out of the base. It does
not require adjustment. Do not remove the restictor pin from the base.
2
Loosen locking bolt with tuning key.
3
Rotate the kettle to the left to raise
the height, and rotate the kettle to
the right to lower the height.
1
Lock all wheels.
Restrictor Pin
Height Adjustment
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17

Head Replacement
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Adams recommends changing heads once every two years to ensure correct mechanical function, or more often if the quality of the tone deteriorates.
Timpani head sizes are not the same as the size of the kettle. Head sizes are equal to the size of the kettle added to the total size of the collar. Refer to the chart
below for the correct head sizes for Adams Revolution Timpani.
1
Lock all wheels.
2
Models with fine tuner: Move fine
tuner to middle of its mechanical
range. The white indicator will be in
the middle of the channel.
4
Remove tension rods.
5
Remove counter hoop and head.
Clear any dust or debris that may have
accumulated under the counter hoop.
6
Head installation is an excellent time
for routine maintenance. Please see
the "Cleaning and Lubrication"
sections of “Use and Care” on
pages 22-23 for recommended
maintenance during head installation.
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3
Move the pedal to the lowest tone.
Block the pedal with a piece of wood.
Process
TIMPANI SIZE 32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
HEAD SIZE 34"
Remo Size: 3400
31"
Remo Size: 3100
28"
Remo Size: 2800
25"
Remo Size: 2500
22"
Remo Size: 2200
Overview

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19
8
Place a new head on the kettle with the logo opposite the pedal. Start each
tension rod with only 1-2 turns.
7
Tension rods are connected in pairs to the central tension mechanism. For correct function, the tension arm brackets must be perpendicular to the mechanism.
Confirm that each is correct before installing the head. Uneven position will prohibit smooth pedal operation.
10
Check the centering of each pair of tension rods. The position of each pair can be felt and controlled underneath the tension rod bracket.
11
Apply initial tension to the head. Engage each tension rod to the point where it just begins to apply pressure to the head. Use the tension pattern in the picture when
adjusting the tension rods.
9
Center head on kettle. Confirm even collar on each side of the kettle.
1
3
2
4
6
5
1
3
2
4
6
5

12
Use the tension rods to tune the fundamental tone as described on page 5.
When fundamental is correct, remove block from pedal. Do not place fingers
underneath pedal.
14
Place pedal in the position of the highest tone. Keep the pedal in this position for
48 hours. The head will stretch during this time. Afterwards, correct the
fundamental tone with the tension rods and adjust the spring tension as
necessary.
13
Correct pedal spring tension as necessary (see page 6).
15
Set the tuning gauge as described on pages 8-9 .
16
After the head has stretched, unevenness in the tone may be cleared if
necessary.
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
Clearing Heads
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"Clearing heads" refers to the process of accurately tensioning each tension rod to achieve a perfectly clear tone.
Do not use an electronic tuner to attempt to get each tension rod in tune.An electronic tuner will pick up all the tones occurring in the head, and it is not able to
isolate the sound coming from each individual tension rod.Using a tuner on each individual tension rod is like trying to tune one harp string while strumming all
the strings at once. The only way to isolate the sound coming from each individual tension rod is by using the human ear.
Overview
Head clearing must be done in a quiet environment and only for ten minutes at a time. The ear fatigues quickly: attempts to work for long periods of time will
produce incorrect results. Make one or two small adjustments that are absolutely correct and continue again at a later time. There are many ways to clear timpani
heads. Below is the most basic process.
Adjustment
Process
1
Tune the head to a tone in the middle of the range. Place an Adams timpani mute in the center of the head.
2
Put your ear against the counter hoop and play the head two inchesin front of a tension rod with a very hard stick and soft stroke. Play three quick strokes and
listen to the tone at a tension rod. Move to the two adjacent rods and repeat. Focus only on the lowest fundamental tone you can hear: do not listen to any high
harmonics.
3
Make note of the tension rod that sounds extremely flat or sharp and focus onit first. Raise or lower the tone of that tension rod by one quarter turn accordingly
until the tone more closely matches the tone of the tension rod to the immediate right and left. Focusing on one tension rod and its two adjacent tension rods at
a low volume is best.
4
Repeat step #3 and work around the head in a clockwise motion.
With effort, the heads can be cleared from inconsistencies.