Can anyone help me understand how the pedals work on a Roger Accu-Sonic timpani? I can push on the pedals from the back end but I'm not sure how to get them to stay (I guess this would generally be the lowest pitch position). Just trying to get a sense of how they work as I am bringing some back to life.
First time writing here so not sure if I have the format right.
Thanks.
JTO
Do I get it right that the pedals move, but don't stay in place?
Most timpani I know, work with an internal spring.
Normally the tension of that spring must equal the head tension, resulting in a pedal that stays where you want it to be, holding the tone you want.
If your pedals moves back / forth, you will likely have unequal spring / head tension, so you need to adjust one of the two.
I'd always first check the head tension, as this is usually the one that deviates the earliest / most.
To determine if your head tension is too low:
Check the tonal range of your timpani:
- If you can't find the highest tone that should be there normally according to the size of the timpani => head tension is too low
- If you can't find the lowest tone that should be there normally according to the size of the timpani => head tension is too high
- If the lower and upper tones are playable => timpani is in tune => head tension is correct => adjust the spring tension
Good luck and have fun!
Thanks very much. I will try that and see what happens.
I appreciate the help.
Yes, the pedals move but don't stay in place. I don't think I had entirely understood the relationship of the spring and head tension.
tymp exploded diagram from the Parts and accessories catalog.
