Clearing Heads - Adams Revolution Timpani Manual

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.
13
Correct pedal spring tension as necessary (see page 6).
15
Set the tuning gauge as described on pages 8-9 .

Clearing Heads

Overview
"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.
Adjustment
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.
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.
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32" 29"
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.
16
After the head has stretched, unevenness in the tone may be cleared if
necessary.
26" 23" 20"