For the timpani to produce a true pitch that is clear and well defined, the instrument must be adjusted and tuned properly. I am using the term "adjust" or "adjustment". You may hear or use the terms "clear" or "balance" the timpani. When the instrument's heads are well balanced, it makes the timpani easier to tune. The process that I am about to describe should be done once a week and before performances.
1. Set the foot pedal all the way back to the floor with the heel of your foot. This will remove the head tension. You may want to loosen the head itself.
2. Decide the lowest pitch you want the instrument to sound. Example fundamental pitches for various timpani are: 23" drum-"D", 26" drum-"B-flat", 29" drum - "F", 32" drum - "D".
3. Tune the timpani head, without using the pedal, to the desired pitch using the drum key. You may use an electronic tuner for this if you like. However, I suggest using a mallet percussion instrument, because these instrument have constant pitch. Also, the band or orchestra will be tuned to these instruments.
4. Place your hand or soft object like a wallet in the center of the drum head to deaden the sound. Tap the head about one to two inches out from the tension rod, and check the pitch. At this point you will probably notice some difference in the pitch as you go from rod to rod.
5. Find the rod that is closest to the desired pitch and tune it exactly on pitch.
6. Then go across the drum head to the rod exactly on the opposite of the drum head and tune this rod to the same pitch.
7. Move one rod to your right and tune this rod.
8. Then go across the drum head to the rod exactly on the opposite of the drum head and tune this rod to the same pitch.
9. Keep repeating this routine until you have all the rods tuned to the correct pitch. See crude drawing below.
(Note that every time you change a rod the over all tuning is changed. Therefore, you will retune each rod several times before they all in tune).
