88 SERIES TIMPANI
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Tuning your Pedal Timpani
Tuning Gauge
Pearl timpani are carefully adjusted with appropriate tuning at the factory, but new heads tend to
stretch during shipment and storage, and would need to be retuned before using. Please follow
the below steps to readjust your instrument.
Tuning is adjusted on the lowest note of the timpani.
Fully depress the pedal as shown right.
By using the provided tuning key, turn the tuning bolts following the sequence shown below.
At this time, do not fully tighten.
With 88LL(32") and 88L(29"),
turn the tuning bolts in the
sequence as shown.
With 88M(26"),88S(23") and
88SS(20") turn the tuning bolts
in the sequence as shown.
Tuning point
Center
Standard Tonal Ranges
Head
Hoop
Support Ring
Kettle
Pedal
Sub Wheel
Master Wheel
Tuning Rod
Post
Master Wheel
Main Wheel
Base
Spring Tension
Adjustment Bolt
Balance Spring Action Pedal System
By keeping the appropriate balance of the
spring tension and the head tension, this
system allows swift and smooth pedal action
as well as achieving accurate tuning.
Center Shaft
Spring
Spring
Do not put your hands or your feet under
the pedal to avoid injury.
Pedal
Action Bar
Action Bar
Pedal Torque Control
CAUTION
1.
2.
3.Lightly strike the head with a mallet approximately 5cm
from the edge at each tuning bolt, and find the tuning
bolt with the highest pitch ("Home Tone").
4.When you have found the bolt with the highest pitch,
tighten the other bolts to match the "Home Tone" pitch
in the sequence shown above. Do not strike the heads
too hard, and make sure that you strike lightly so that
you can distinguish the sound of each tuning bolt.
5.When every bolt has been tuned, the lowest note has
been fixed. Next press and depress the pedal a few
times to have the head fix to the kettle. Tighten the bolt
with care when the head stretches during this procedure.
6.After the lowest note has been fixed, press the pedal and
check the highest note. Make adjustments if neccesary.
Repeat the above process a few times, and you can tune the timpani from the lowest note to the
highest note by pressing and depressing the pedal smoothly.
