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Manual
Universal Timpani
Architects and
constructors
of musical
instruments
Experience the Sound of Quality
Adams Musical Instruments | Version 1.0
English

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Cindy Taylor
February 25, 2025

Out of the Adams Universal timpani, fiberglass and copper, which is easier to move eg. which is heavier? I'm looking for a primary school so children will be moving them

Summary of Contents for Adams Universal Timpani

  • Page 1 Architects and constructors of musical instruments Experience the Sound of Quality Manual Universal Timpani Adams Musical Instruments | Version 1.0 English...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Preface Contents Thank you for choosing Adams Universal Timpani. We hope that you will gain pleasure and enjoyment from your new Nomenclature instrument, and we are confident that it will bring you many years of musical satisfaction. All Adams Musical Instru-...
  • Page 3: Nomenclature

    Nomenclature Universal Timpani Counterhoop Head Tuning Gauge Indice Tension Rod Tuning Key/Holder Tension Bracket Tuning Gauge Indicator Fine Tuner Handle (Optional) Tuning Gauge Pedal Arm Restrictor Kettle Pedal/Clutch Release Wheel Lock Leg with Wheel Leg without Wheel Clutch Base Pedal Arm...
  • Page 4: Fundamental Tone

    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.
  • Page 5 The head will then need to be replaced to restore proper function. Adams recommends changing heads once every two years to ensure correct mechanical function, or more often if the quality of the tone deteriorates.
  • Page 6: Pedal System

    The tension from the head is strong enough to move the pedal from the range. In this case, the tension from the head is not strong enough to fully highest tone to the lowest tone. move the pedal from the highest tone back to the lowest tone. www.adams-music.com www.adams-music.com...
  • Page 7 If the pedal still does not return to the position of the lowest tone, head will then need to be replaced to restore proper function. proceed to step 3. Adams recommends changing heads once every two years to ensure correct mechanical function, or more often if the quality of the tone deteriorates.
  • Page 8: Tuning Gauge

    Set the distance of the pointer from the gauge. • Move the pedal to the position of the lowest tone. • Set the pointer to the desired distance from the gauge and the position of the lowest tone. Secure in place with the wing screw. www.adams-music.com www.adams-music.com...
  • Page 9 Set the range of motion. • Move the pedal to the position of the lowest tone. • Move the pedal through the scalar to view the distance that the pointer moves. Determine if more or less distance is necessary in the range in the motion.
  • Page 10: Fine Tuner

    Adams has made the fine tuner available as an option on Universal Timpani. The fine tuner can only be included on new instruments from the factory, and it is not available as an accessory for installation on models without a fine tuner.
  • Page 11 Process • If too much tension is applied by the fine tuner compared to the tension rods, Move the fine tuner to the middle of the range. the pedal resistance is high. This occurs when the fine tuner is in the highest •...
  • Page 12: Range Selector

    Range Selector Universal Timpani have a mechanical range that produces a scalar range of a musical 6th (see diagram on page 4). The fine tuner can easily select a fundamental tone that is either lower or higher than normal. Changing the fundamental tone allows the player to select a range of a 6th from within an octave of tonal range.
  • Page 13 Height Adjustment and Transport Adams Universal Timpani have integrated, retractable legs that allow for height adjustment and easy transport. For either function, simply unlock the leg with the key bolt and either position the leg for height adjustment or retract it into the kettle for transport.
  • Page 14: Head Replacement

    Overview Adams recommends changing heads once every two years to ensure correct mechanical function, or more often if the quality of the tone deteriorates. Timpani head sizes are not the same as the size of the kettle. Head sizes are equal to the size of the kettle added to the total size of the collar. Refer to the chart below for the correct head sizes for Adams Universal Timpani.
  • Page 15 Place a new head on the kettle with the logo opposite the pedal. Start each Center head on kettle. Confirm even collar on each side of the kettle. tension rod with only 1-2 turns. Check the centering of each pair of tension rods. The position of each pair can be felt and controlled underneath the tension rod bracket. Apply initial tension to the head.
  • Page 16: Clearing Heads

    Process Tune the head to a tone in the middle of the range. Place an Adams timpani mute in the center of the head. 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.
  • Page 17: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting During normal use, all timpani require need minor adjustments to maintain correct working order. As discussed in previous sections, the correct fundamental tone is the most important factor in maintaining excellent working order. Beacuse a head natually stretches, regularly checking the fundamental tone and correcting as necessary is highly recommended. Almost all troubleshooting begins with correcting the fundamental tone.
  • Page 18: Use And Care

    Moving and Transport Adams Universal Timpani feature integrated wheels for effortless moving. Always lock all wheels when the timpani are in use. The locks secure the timpani in place while the pedals are used. Always unlock all wheels before moving the instrument. Moving the instrument with the locks engaged will damage the wheel.
  • Page 19 Tension rods Remove old grease with mild Remove cleaning agent with a Replace tension rod washer if Apply small amount of multi- cleaning agent on a soft cloth or #00 slightly wet soft cloth. necessary. (Washer part number purpose lithium grease to tip of steel wool.
  • Page 20: Specifications

    Specifications Adams Universal Timpani PEDAL STYLE: Block Style CONFIGURATIONS: American and German TUNING GAUGE: Standard FINE TUNER: Optional KETTLE TYPES: Parabolic Parabolic Parabolic Copper hammered Copper Fiberglass 32" 29" 26" 23" 20" HEIGHT 83 cm 83 cm 83 cm 83 cm...
  • Page 21: Warranty

    Warranty Adams Musical Instruments is pleased to guarantee all Percussion Instrument for a period of one year from the original purchase date from your authorized Adams dealer. This warranty specifically excludes: • Wear from normal use • Damage from neglect, abuse, accident, or improper maintenance •...
  • Page 22: Accessories

    Accessories Timpani Birch Maple Tonkin Classic Signature www.adams-music.com...
  • Page 23 Design Scan this QR code for a full selection of Adams Mallets, or visit www.adams.nl/mallets/ 4MTST 4MLTASLBB Table for Mallets and Accessories Mallet Bag - Bogdan Bacanu 4STM1 4STM4A Gig Bag Timpani Size/Model Timpani Stool Timpani Chair "Deluxe" 4TRTNPARV20 20" Universal 4TRTNPARV23 23"...
  • Page 24 Adams Musical Instruments Aziëstraat 17-19 P.O. Box 3514 NL-6014 DA Ittervoort NL-6017 ZG Thorn The Netherlands The Netherlands Phone +31 (0)475 56 0710 export@adams.nl Fax +31 (0)475 56 3328 www.adams-music.com www.facebook.com /AdamsPercussion www.twitter.com www.adams-music.com /AdamsPercussion...

This manual is also suitable for:

Symphonic generation ii timpani

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