High notes on a timpano (single drum) are made because the head tension is high and tight. The membrane of the skin doesn’t vibrate as long and so you need to play faster to keep the roll resonating. Conversely, timpani that are tuned to low notes in their registers have loose heads and loose heads will vibrate more.

Timpani playing is deceptively tricky. On the surface the rhythms are generally easy and usually you are asked to play only two notes. But, there is an awful lot of technique involved in playing these amazing drums properly.

four timpani

The orchestral kettledrum has a practical compass of five full tones. The compass of a pair of timpani is normally an octave from F below middle C downward; for an orchestral set of three, the tuning ranges are generally c–g, G–d, and E♭–B♭ (g = the G below middle C; E♭ = the second E♭ below).

Standard set. A standard set of timpani (sometimes called a console) consists of four drums: roughly 32 inches (81 cm), 29 inches (74 cm), 26 inches (66 cm), and 23 inches (58 cm) in diameter. The range of this set is roughly D2 to A3.

Tuning modern orchestral timpani is continuous. You can tune to any frequency. Also, in some compositions, the timpanist is required to re-tune the drums to different pitches while the orchestra is playing around them.

Revueltas requires timpani tuned to G(b) 2, B2, F3, G3, and A(b) 3.

3-4 seconds

Long ago, animal skins were used as drum heads, but now drum heads are primarily made of plastic. Basically, when the tension on the head is higher, the tone is higher, and when the tension is lower, the tone is lower.

So, let’s explore nine of the best drumheads for rock!

• Kick. Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear. Constructed from a single ply of 10-mil clear film and a 10-mil underlay ring, the Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear bass drum batter head is forceful, punchy, and focused.
• Snare. Remo Emperor X.
• Toms. Remo Clear Pinstripe.