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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