Download the pdf article buying and refurbishing timpani

Here are some pictures of the step-by-step process of converting a deep, straight-sided timpani into a more conventional baroque or classical shaped drum.

Timpani arrive in all kinds of condition!  The original lacquer is removed.

Depending on the shape of the bowl, about 3-4" of copper is removed.  The bowl is bathed in acid to get back to the bare copper.

Many bowls arrive needing patches to repair tears in the copper, usually around the old leg holes.

The copper needs to be annealed many times in order to re-shape it.  A wired edge is soldered in to form the new rim of the bowl.

The measurements are taken for the fittings.  Then, hours of patient polishing.....

The end result is an "as new" baroque or classical timpani.  There are many variables to do with the cost of converting timpani.  Click here for my downloadable buying and refurbishing timpani document including costs of doing this.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra have taken delivery of their Henry Potter refurbished timpani.

During the Berlin Philharmonic's London Residency in February 2015 we were delighted to sit-in a rehearsal of Mahler's 2nd Symphony, and back at the Royal College of Music we were treated to masterclasses given by Wieland Welzel and Raphael Haeger.

Wieland Welzel and Jan Schlichte.

Wieland Welzel with RCM percussion students

Raphael Haeger