Editing Timpani (section)

=== Basic timpani ===
The basic timpano consists of a drum head stretched across the opening of a bowl typically made of copper<ref name=bridge/> or, in less expensive models, [[fiberglass]] or [[aluminum]]. In the [[Sachs–Hornbostel|Sachs–Hornbostel classification]], this makes timpani [[membranophone]]s. The head is affixed to a [[wikt:hoop|hoop]] (also called a ''flesh hoop''),<ref name=grove/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flesh%20hoop|title=Definition of FLESH HOOP|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en|access-date=13 May 2018}}</ref> which in turn is held onto the bowl by a ''counter hoop''.<ref name=grove/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counter%20hoop|title=Definition of COUNTER HOOP|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en|access-date=13 May 2018}}</ref> The counter hoop is usually held in place with a number of tuning [[screw (simple machine)|screw]]s called ''tension rods'' placed regularly around the circumference. The head's tension can be adjusted by loosening or tightening the rods. Most timpani have six to eight tension rods.<ref name=bridge/>

The shape and material of the bowl's surface help to determine the drum's [[timbre]]. For example, [[Sphere|hemispheric]] bowls produce brighter tones while [[Parabola|parabolic]] bowls produce darker tones.<ref name=power>{{cite journal | last = Power | first = Andrew |date=April 1983 | title = Sound Production of the Timpani, Part 1 | journal = Percussive Notes | volume = 21 | issue = 4 | pages = 62–64 | publisher = [[Percussive Arts Society]] }}</ref> Modern timpani are generally made with copper due to its efficient regulation of internal and external temperatures relative to aluminum and fiberglass.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Richard K. |title=In Search of the Missing Fundamental |url=https://wtt.pauken.org/?page_id=6785 |website=The Well-Tempered Timpani |access-date=23 September 2018 |date=March 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Timpani setup.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Walter Light]] [[#Pedal timpani|pedal]] and [[#Chain timpani|chain]] timpani set up in three different combinations.]]
Timpani come in a variety of sizes from about {{convert|84|cm|in|order=flip}} in diameter down to ''piccoli timpani'' of {{convert|30|cm|in|order=flip}} or less.<ref name=grove/> A 33-inch drum can produce C<sub>2</sub> (the C below the [[bass clef]]), and specialty piccoli timpani can play up into the [[treble clef]]. In [[Darius Milhaud]]'s 1923 [[ballet]] score ''[[La création du monde]]'', the timpanist must play F{{music|sharp}}<sub>4</sub> (at the bottom of the treble clef).

Each drum typically has a range of a [[perfect fifth]], or seven [[semitone]]s.<ref name=grove/>