Adams Universal Timpani User manual

Manual
Universal Timpani
Architects and
constructors
of musical
instruments
Experience the Sound of Quality
English
Adams Musical Instruments | Version 1.0

Preface Contents
Thank you for choosing Adams Universal 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 Instru-
ments are cleverly designed to the smallest detail, and are constructed with care and the highest levels of crafts-
manship in Thorn, Holland.
Adams Universal Timpani offer excellent portability and sound. Often imitated but never duplicated, the Universal
series features the excellent combination of an Adams timpani kettle with retractable legs and block style pedal. The
quick and easy portability of the Universal timpani does not compromise the excellent sound quality and pinpoint
accuracy in selecting tones that are available to the player.
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 pages 17.
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
Head Replacement
Clearing Heads
Troubleshooting
Use and Care
Specifications
Warranty
Accessories
3
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
17
18
20
21
22
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Nomenclature
Universal Timpani
2
3
HeadCounterhoop
Tuning Gauge
Kettle
Tension Rod
Clutch Base
Leg without Wheel
Pedal Arm Restrictor
Tuning Key/Holder
Pedal Rod
Pedal Arm
Fine Tuner Handle (Optional)
Wheel Lock
Leg with Wheel
Pedal/Clutch Release
Tension Bracket
Tuning Gauge Indice
Tuning Gauge Indicator

Fundamental Tone
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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.
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 Universal Timpani are listed below.
Overview
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
Scalar Range: Universal Timpani
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
Fundamental Tone: Universal 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.
Universal 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.

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4
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.
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.
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.
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 return the pedal to the lowest tone. 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

Pedal System
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The Universal block pedal system securely locks pedal adjustments into place. The pedal system has two key factors: the clutch that locks adjustments in place,
and the mechanical resistance provided by the head tension.
The clutch does not have to be released to raise the tone. Simply apply
pressure to the pedal to raise the tone.
Press the toe of the pedal to release the clutch and lower the tone. The pedal
will automatically move from higher tones to lower tones.
Tension rods and the fine tuner determine the head tension. The head tension interacts with the pedal system, providing the mechanical resistance that moves
the pedal from the higher tone to the lower tone.
When the fundamental is correct, the pedal achieves the correct scalar range.
The tension from the head is strong enough to move the pedal from the
highest tone to the lowest tone.
When the fundamental is tuned too low, the pedal will not return to the lower
range. In this case, the tension from the head is not strong enough to fully
move the pedal from the highest tone back to the lowest tone.
Overview
Raising the tone Lowering the tone
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6
7
2
Check the adjustment: Move the pedal and see if the function has changed.
3
Change the head
As a head stretches, the fundamental 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 return the pedal to the lowest tone. 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.
•
•
If the pedal returns to the position of the lowest tone, the system is
functioning correctly.
If the pedal still does not return to the position of the lowest tone,
proceed to step 3.
Process
1
If the pedal system is not functioning correctly, first confirm the correct
fundamental tone as described on page 5.
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
The pedal system functions correctly when the fundamental tone correct. If the fundamental tone is not correct, the pedal will not return to the position of the
lowest tone.
Adjustment

Tuning Gauge
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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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8
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
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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.
Universal Timpani do not have a visual indicator of the fine tuner's mechanical position. However, the spindle has a range of 8 half turns. It is possible to determine
the location in the range by first moving the pedal to the lowest tone and then turning the fine tuner knob completely to the left. Next, turn the knob 4 half turns
to the right, and the fine tuner mechanism will then be in the middle of its range.
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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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.
Adams has made the fine tuner available as an option on Universal 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.

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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.
10
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

Range Selector
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Universal Timpani have a mechanical range that produces a scalar range of a musical 6th (see diagram on page 4). The 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, using the fine tuner as a range selector also increases the overlap in ranges between sizes. This 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.
Example:
A 29” with a F2 fundamental tone has a range from F2-D3. F2 Fundamental
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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Process
1
Move the pedal to the lowest tone.
3
Changing the fundamental will change the accuracy of the tuning gauge.
2
Use the fine tuner to select the new
fundamental tone.
•
•
If the adjusted fundamental is necessary for an extended period of time,
adjust the indicator position and letters.
If the adjusted fundamental is necessary for a short period of time, make
changes only as necessary.

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12
13
Adams Universal Timpani have integrated, retractable legs that allow for height adjustment and easy transport.
For either function, simply unlock the leg with the key bolt and either position the leg for height adjustment or retract it into the kettle for transport.
Never remove the legs for transport—always retract them into the base.
Height Adjustment and Transport
The leg with integrated wheel can be used to position and move the timpani
and should be locked for stability when using the pedal. Always unlock the
wheel when moving. Moving the wheel with the lock engaged will cause the
wheel to become deformed.
For transport, first move the pedal position to the lowest tone to protect the
clutch and pedal arm during transport. Use the tension key to unlock each leg,
retract the leg into the base, and secure the legs in position with the tension
key. Secure the timpani in soft gig bags for protection during transport.

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 Universal Timpani.
Overview
Process
1
Lock all wheels.
2
Models with fine tuner: Move fine
tuner to middle of its mechanical
range. (see p.10)
3
Move the pedal to the lowest tone.
4
Remove tension rods.
5
Remove the 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 18-19 for recommended
maintenance during head installation.
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
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7
Tension rods are connected to the central tension mechanism. For correct
function, the tension arm brackets must be perpendicular to the mechanism.
Uneven position will prohibit smooth pedal operation.

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14
15
12
Tune fundamental tone as described on page 5.
8
Place a new head on the kettle with the logo opposite the pedal. Start each
tension rod with only 1-2 turns.
9
Center head on kettle. Confirm even collar on each side of the kettle.
32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
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.
1
3
2
4
6
5
1
3
2
4
6
5

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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.
Clearing Heads
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13
Place the 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.
14
Set the tuning gauge as described on pages 8-9 .
15
After the head has stretched, unevenness in the tone may be cleared if
necessary.

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During normal use, all timpani require need minor adjustments to maintain correct working order.
As discussed in previous sections, the correct fundamental tone is the most important factor in maintaining excellent working order. Beacuse a head natually
stretches, regularly checking the fundamental tone and correcting as necessary is highly recommended. Almost all troubleshooting begins with correcting the
fundamental tone.
16
17
Troubleshooting
HEAD/PEDAL Refer to Pages
Symptom: The fundamental note gradually becomes lower over time.
Diagnosis: All heads stretch, slowly lowering the fundamental tone.
Action: First set the fundamental tone, then adjust the spring tension if necessary.
4-5
6-7
Symptom: The pedal does return to the lowest position when the clutch is released.
Diagnosis: Either the fundamental incorrect or the head needs to be changed.
Action: Check the fundamental tone, and then reevaluate the pedal performance. If this does not correct the problem, change the
head.
4-5
6-7
10-11
14-16
Symptom: The timpani does not achieve the correct scalar range.
Diagnosis: The fundamental must be corrected or the head needs to be replaced.
Action: Check the fundamental tone, and then reevaluate the pedal performance. If this does not correct the problem, change the
head.
4-5
Symptom: The quality of the tone produced has decreased.
Diagnosis: The head is played out: denting in the head is probably visible when the timpani is tuned to the lowest tone.
Action: Change the head.
14-16
Symptom:The head is not centered.
Diagnosis: The collar is uneven.
Action: Loosen tension in head, move collar, check tension mechanism in strut, and retune fundamental tone.
4-5
14-15
Symptom: There is noise coming from the head when the pedal is moved.
Diagnosis: The kettle bearing edge is not correctly lubricated.
Action: Remove the head, remove old lubrication, and apply new lubrication.
18
TUNING GAUGE Refer to Pages
Symptom: The tuning gauge indicator only moves a small distance.
Diagnosis: The tuning gauge connection rod position on the axel is incorrect.
Action: Adjust the position of the connection.
8-9
Symptom: The tuning gauge letters are not accurate.
Diagnosis: Either the tuning gauge letters need to be set or the fundamental tone has lowered.
Action: First correct the fundamental tone, then move the letters if necessary.
8-9
Symptom: The tuning gauge indicator does not move when the pedal moves.
Diagnosis: Either the indicator or the connection rod is loose.
Action: Find the loose connection and tighten as necessary.
8-9
FINE TUNER Refer to Pages
Symptom: The pedal resistance is either very high or very low.
Diagnosis: The fine tuner is at an extreme in its mechanical range.
Action: Move fine tuner to middle of mechanical range and retune fundamental with tension rods.
10-11
Symptom: The fine tuner is not responsive.
Diagnosis: The fine tuner is at an extreme of its mechanical range.
Action: Move fine tuner to middle of mechanical range and retune fundamental with tension rods.
10-11

Use and Care
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1. Move the pedal to the lowest tone position after each use. If the fundamental is tuned correctly, the collar will not shift during normal transport.
2. Use a drop cover to protect from dust and use a head cover to protect the head from damage.
3. Avoid running the timpani into objects—walls, other instruments, etc. In addition to potential damage to the instrument, the collar may become uneven.
4. Clean frame with a soft cloth and general purpose cleaner.
5. Clean kettle only as necessary: Only use a slightly wet, soft cotton cloth to remove debris. Using any type of glass cleaner or abrasive cleaner will remove
the lacquer and cause discoloration to the kettle.
6. Polish chrome: Use a soft polishing cloth and polishing cream to clean and polish chrome parts.
General Care
Cleaning and Lubrication
1
Kettle bearing edge
Remove old lubrication with either
#0000 steel wool or fine emery
cloth (minimum P320).
Remove any debris with a clean, lint
free cloth.
Apply new Teflon lubrication according to manufacturer’s directions. Apply
multiple layers of spray, allowing each layer to dry in between applications.
Never use grease on the lip of the kettle. Grease on the head is bad for the
sound of the instrument.
Overview
Timpani require routine care and maintenace. The small amount of necessary maintenance does not require a technician and care be a do-it-yourself project for
any percussionist or band director.
1. Adams Universal Timpani feature integrated wheels for effortless moving. Always lock all wheels when the timpani are in use. The locks secure the timpani
in place while the pedals are used. Always unlock all wheels before moving the instrument. Moving the instrument with the locks engaged will damage the
wheel.
2. When lifting the timpani is necessary, including on stairs, sloped, or uneven surfaces, always lift the timpani by the struts with two people.
3. Never lift or push the instrument by the counter hoop, as this can cause the collar to become uneven and deform the head and counter hoop. Always push
or lift by the struts.
4. When moving the timpani by vehicle, either contain the instrument in a gig bag/flight case or secure in place with strapping material. Do not lay the instrument
on its side, as this can damage the struts, support ring, counter hoop, head, and kettle. Horizontal transport can cause the kettle to become out of round
and will definitely cause the collar to become uneven.
Moving and Transport
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18
19
3
Tensioning mechanism: Use aerosolized lithium grease (not oil, WD40, or similar products) to direct lubrication into the following places as necessary. Always use a
cloth to protect the instrument from overspray.
2
Tension rods
Remove old grease with mild
cleaning agent on a soft cloth or #00
steel wool.
Central Pull Rod Nut
Fine tuner spindle Fine tuner connection joints Tuning Gauge Connection Rod
Replace tension rod washer if
necessary. (Washer part number
PB418, quantity 1 each)
Pedal axel
Remove cleaning agent with a
slightly wet soft cloth.
Spider
Apply small amount of multi-
purpose lithium grease to tip of
tension rod.
Pedal connection armClutch Axel
4
Tuning gauge mechanism: Use aerosolized lithium grease (not oil, WD40, or
similar products) to direct lubrication into the following places as necessary.
Always use a cloth to protect the instrument from overspray.
Linkage Joint Indicator Axel
5
Replace head centering insulation as necessary. The foam insulation pieces
center the head in the counterhoop, making it easier to have an even collar.
Insulation for 20/23/26: PT012 (Each part number is 1 piece of foam)
Insulation for 29/32: PT013

Specifications
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32" 29" 26" 23" 20"
HEIGHT 83 cm 83 cm 83 cm 83 cm 83 cm
LENGTH 89 cm 83 cm 74 cm 72 cm 72 cm
WIDTH 97 cm 92 cm 82 cm 76 cm 66 cm
RANGE D2-B2 F2-D3 A2-F3 C3-A3 E3-C4
HEAD TYPE
Remo Renaissance -- Hazy Film with Aluminum Insert Ring
HEAD SIZE 34"
Remo Size: 3400
31"
Remo Size: 3100
28"
Remo Size: 2800
25"
Remo Size: 2500
22"
Remo Size: 2200
Adams Universal Timpani
PEDAL STYLE: Block Style
CONFIGURATIONS: American and German
TUNING GAUGE: Standard
FINE TUNER: Optional
KETTLE TYPES: Parabolic
Copper
C
P
E
C
P
E
Parabolic
Copper hammered
C
P
E
C
P
E
Parabolic
Fiberglass
C
P
E
C
P
E
Specifications subject to change without notice