Timpani, also known as kettledrums, are a large drum that is most often played by drummers, but can also be played by percussionists. The drum was originally made of goat skin stretched over a drum-shaped wooden frame, with the drum being played with drumsticks and mallets. Modern versions have replaced the wooden base with a drum-shaped metal casing, and the drum is most often played with drumsticks, with mallets being used for softer playing and more detailed work.
Timpani can be played in a wide variety of musical contexts, including classical, rock, jazz, and more. They are used in a wide variety of genres, including orchestral, concert band, drum corps, and more. If you’re looking to buy a new set of timpani, here’s what to look for and our favorite models.
Read on to find the best timpani for you.
Our Editor’s Best Timpani Reviews
Vic Firth American Custom Timpani T1 General Mallets
Key Features:
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The T1 timpani is a high-quality instrument that is perfect for the intermediate to advanced player. It features a copper bowl that provides a rich, full sound, and the head is made of durable synthetic material for long-lasting playability. The timpani also comes with a tuning key and a mallet, so you’re ready to play right out of the box!
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This timpani has a length of 14.5″.
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The timpani for sale has a diameter of 1.5 to 26 inches.
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The timpani is a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of genres. It is perfect for all-around playing.
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The timpani produces a rich, full sound, yet is still able to retain rhythmic clarity. This makes it an ideal choice for a shopper who wants a high-quality instrument that can still keep up with the pace of a fast-paced performance.
Performer Series PST1 Soft Maple Timpani Mallet
Key Features:
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The PST collection timpani is the softest option available, making it ideal for pieces with softer timpani parts or rolls.
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This timpani has a maple handle for a forward-balanced mallet. This allows for more control when playing and a more comfortable grip.
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The timpani for sale have heads that are wrapped with professional quality felt. This provides a better sound and makes the instrument easier to play.
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The timpani has a seamless parachute style wrap which offers a consistent playing area around the entire surface of the mallet head. This feature is ideal for shoppers who are looking for a timpani that will provide a consistent playing experience.
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This timpani is a high-quality instrument that is designed and manufactured in the USA.
ROSS RP Timpani Mallets (General Timpani)
Key Features:
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These timpani mallets are designed for general playing on all types of timpani. They have a hard wooden shaft and a soft synthetic head, which produces a clear, resonant sound.
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The timpani for a shopper has a 1 1/2″ wide mallet head.
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This timpani is 14 1/4″ from base to tip of mallet head.
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This timpani is good for people who want a rich sound, but also need the instrument to be clear and easy to understand.
Buytra Marimba Mallets and Timpani Mallets Set with Case – Medium Hard Yarn Head Keyboard Marimba Mallet, Blue – Felt Head Timpani Mallet Stick Percussion
Key Features:
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The YARM marimba mallets have a mushroom-shaped head wrapped with strong nylon yarn in blue color. The medium yarn heads provide a round-yet-articulate tone on the marimba.
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The timpani mallet has a high grade white felt head that is screwed onto the handle. This makes it less likely to fall off and provides amazing sound quality.
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This timpani has a comfortable grip and a sturdy feel.
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This timpani has two sets of mallets, one for the marimba and one for the timpani. The marimba mallets are 16.93 inches long and have a blue head that is 1.42 x 1.85 inches. The timpani mallets are 15.16 inches long and have a felt head that is 1.38 x 0.98 inches.
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This timpani comes with a black storage case and an oxford cloth mallet bag case with 2 interior pockets. The case has floor tom hooks to hang close by on a floor tom.
Vic Firth American Custom Timpani T4 Ultra Staccato
Key Features:
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These timpani mallets are made from high-quality felt, which gives them a great sound and response.
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This timpani has a hard head, which produces a clear, rhythmic projection. It is one of the felt models, which are known for their clear sound.
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The timpani for sale is made with maple shafts that have been hand-selected for their exceptional response and feel. This makes the timpani a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality instrument.
2Pcs Timpani Mallet Timpani Stick Snare Drum Mallet with Felt Head for Marching Band Snare Drum
Key Features:
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The timpani for sale is an elliptical universal boring head that is large and has a lot of contact area. It is capable of hammering out a gentle and even sound.
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The timpani for sale is a strong and durable wool felt head with strong elastic, suitable for timpani and snare drums.
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The timpani is made of wood, is sturdy, and has an anti-deform grip, making it difficult to break.
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The timpani mallets are made of solid wood and high quality felt. They are medium hardness, easy to use, and have a good reputation.
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This timpani is well-crafted, ensuring perfect weight and balance for clear sound quality.
12 Inch Timpani Mallet Timpani Stick Multi-Purpose Felt Mallet Soft Felt Head Wood Handle Pack of 2
Key Features:
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The timpani for sale is a professional-grade instrument with a soft felt head core for a warm, rich tone. It has a wood handle for a comfortable grip, and is tonal with enough up front attack for clarity.
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This timpani is a small drum that is approximately 325mm long and 40mm in diameter. The head of the drum is approximately 30mm high.
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The timpani for sale is a high-quality instrument that is perfectly balanced and produces a clear sound. It is expertly crafted, making it a great choice for any musician.
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The timpani is a great choice for professionals and students who want a high-quality instrument that is compact and full of dynamic sound.
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The mallet head on this timpani is made of good quality felt material that is beige in color. The felt will not yellow over time.
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This timpani is made of maple, which is sturdy and anti-deform. It has a good grip and is anti-slip.
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This timpani has a felt head core that will not fall off, a wood handle, and enough up front attack for clarity.
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This timpani is great for shoppers who want a compact, dynamic instrument with a range of high and low tones.
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The timpani is a percussion instrument that produces a deep, resonant sound. It is typically used in orchestral music and is considered an essential part of the bass drum section.
Playing Timpani – Kettledrum Player Premium T-Shirt
Key Features:
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This timpani is designed for those who play timpani drum percussion. It is made of high quality materials and is built to last. It has a beautiful design and is perfect for those who want to add a touch of class to their percussion playing.
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This is a kettledrum player design for someone who plays timpani. It is a great gift for someone who enjoys playing this instrument.
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This t-shirt is made of a lightweight fabric that is soft to the touch. It is a comfortable shirt to wear and is perfect for casual wear.
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The timpani for a shopper is a small size for men and true to size for women.
Vic Firth American Custom Timpani T3 Staccato
Key Features:
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These timpani mallets are made of high-quality felt material, resulting in a great sound and response.
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This timpani is good for playing rhythms because it is not too hard or too soft.
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The timpani for a shopper is made with hand selected maple shafts for exceptional response and feel. This makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality instrument that will provide a great playing experience.
Musician-Designer Musical Instrument Silicone Keychain, Timpani (Pack of 2)
Key Features:
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This timpani is from a renowed worldwide creator for Musical Gifts. The items are dedicated to music lovers and professionals.
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This timpani is made of soft silicone rubber, which makes it very durable. It is also very easy to clean and is very affordable.
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The timpani are made with high quality materials and craftsmanship, and come with a satisfaction guarantee. Bulk purchases can be made by contacting the seller.
Timpani FAQs
1. What is the timpani’s range?
The timpani’s range is approximately two and a half octaves.
2. How do you tune the timpani?
The timpani are tuned by changing the amount of water in the bowl. This is done by using a foot pedal to open or close a valve.
3. What is the difference between a timpani and a kettle drum?
A timpani is a musical instrument in the percussion family. A kettle drum is a type of drum that is typically used in marching bands and drum corps.
4. How do you play the timpani?
The timpani are a percussion instrument, and are usually played with mallets.
5. What are some common timpani patterns?
Some common timpani patterns are rolls, flams, and paradiddles.
Conclusion
There are many great timpani on the market. Our list of the best timpani will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.
