Timpani Pedal Problems
The problems of the timpani pedal slipping off a high pitch or creeping up from a low pitch is quite common with the "counter-balance spring" mechanism when it is out of adjustment. The counter-balance system uses a "hidden spring" to counteract the tension of the timpani head rather than some other ratchet or friction mechanism; the most common are the Ludwig timpani with the "big silver knob" on the base. There is nothing inherently wrong with using Ludwig timpani in the schools, one only needs to keep the counter-balance spring and timpani head in adjustment.
The first step is to see if the head is tuned to the proper range. Most people set the head to the lowest pitch, although I have a friend who likes to tune the drum to its highest pitch. If the timpani head (the spring) is set to the wrong pitch (spring tension is wrong) the hidden counterbalance spring will not be able to function for both low and high notes. In practice, I have found that most problem drums have the head tension too low.
With the pedal down, tune the drum to the lowest pitch of its range. Ranges (lowest to highest):
30" timpani range: D to A (if its a 32" drum tune it to a C-G)
28" timpani range: F to Bb
25" timpani range: Bb to F
23" timpani range: D to A
(the upper range is usually higher the noted here)
1. Keep in mind the way the system works, i.e., the counter-balance spring counter balances the action of the "primary spring" (the timpani head). It is this balance of the tension between the head and the spring that keeps the pedal in place at various positions.
2. If the pedal creeps up from the low-note position that means that the counter-balance spring is too tight. Put your foot on the pedal and loosen it counterclockwise a bit and check it again. Careful, it is possible to completely unscrew the knob. It the knob should completely unscrew the pedal instantly snaps to the floor, that is why you should keep your foot on the pedal when performing this procedure. To re-thread the knob push the pedal to the high-note position and screw it back in. Patience, its tricky to find (feel) the start of the threads-it might take a while, but you will be able to get it re-threaded.
3. If the pedal creeps down from a high-note position the counter-balance spring is not tight enough. Push the pedal to the high position and turn the knob clockwise a bit and check it again.
4. If you cannot find a position which will hold both a high and low position, the problem is with the "other spring" (the timpani head) or it is possible to have a broken spring.
Of course it is great to have a diagram, so here is a link to Ludwig Timpani Parts Catalog.
Unintended problems. While trouble shooting a set of timpani from a school that had that local drum shop guy fix. The drum shop guy tightened up the Brake Arm Assembly, which made the pedals almost impossible to move, BUT they did hold the few pitches they could reach. Once I loosened up the brake arm, I could adjust the drums as described above.
Contact: dr_rock94@yahoo.com