History

• Timpani are typically used in orchestras, but they may also be found as part of concert bands and even rock groups. Timpani are almost always played as a group of four or five drums, arranged in an arc shape from lowest-pitched to highest-pitched drum. Timpani are traditionally made of copper with an animal skin head.
  
  

Identification

• Timpani can be identified by their shape and sound. Timpani are large drums, and a standard set consists of four drums. The head diameter is usually around 32 inches for the largest drum, 29 inches for the next drum, 26 inches for the third drum, and 23 inches for the smallest drum.
  
  

Types

• Timpani can be made of a variety of materials--copper, aluminum, and fiberglass being the most common. Copper bowls may be smooth or may have a rough surface with hammered dents, which can affect the timbre of the instrument. Other than the material used for the bowls, variations of the timpani are found in the shape of the bowl; hemispheric, or round bowls, have a brighter sound than parabolic, or slightly v-shaped bowls.
  
  

Features

• Copper and aluminum timpani have different sounds. Copper typically has a darker sound, and aluminum sounds more tinny or thin. Copper is also more durable than aluminum. The type of drum head also affects the sound and feel of the instrument. Animal skin heads are preferred by professional players for the warmer timbre, but plastic heads are durable and relatively inexpensive.
  
  

Benefits

• Aluminum timpani are less common but also less expensive than copper timpani. Aluminum timpani are also the lightest in weight. The best sounding timpani are perhaps a copper bowl with an animal skin drum head, which is the most expensive option. Copper timpani are the most common, and buying copper timpani with a plastic head will decrease the cost. Copper timpani are also more durable than aluminum drums, which dent easily.
  
  

Considerations

• Budget, timbre, appearance, and durability are things you must consider when purchasing timpani. Aluminum drums may be less expensive, but they also do not last as long or sound as good as copper timpani. Another option is fiberglass timpani, which are becoming more common and relatively inexpensive. You can also save money by purchasing drums with plastic heads, which are also more durable than animal skin.