Donated by Gregory W. White. 2002-01-01.

Immediately following World War II, Günter Ringer, father of the timpanist of the Berlin Philharmonic, recognized the need for the manufacture of high-quality, Dresden-style tympani. In addition to the high quality of the instruments, he revolutionized the basic design of the clutch and ratchet pedal tuning mechanism by moving the lever arm to the far side of the player. This resulted in a more efficient weight balance by the performer's foot and eliminated the need for counter balancing weights.

First sold only in Europe, Vic Firth became the U.S. importer for the drums during the early 1960s. In April 1969, Ludwig Industries purchased the patents from Ringer, and began manufacturing the drums in their Damen Ave. (Chicago) plant during the 1980s. Selmer-Ludwig Industries continues to manufacture this Ringer design as their highest quality timpani at their La Grange facility.

This 23-inch timpano is the "standard" size piccolo drum manufactured by Ringer. It was purchased through Vic Firth, Inc., ca. 1963, by Salvatore Rabbio, timpanist for the Detroit Symphony from 1958-1998.

Ringer 23-inch timpano, showing the fine-tuning handle mechanism and the distinctive camber-shaped timpani bowl.

The tuning gauge, indicating possible range of C to A.

The clutch and ratchet tuning pedal, showing the lever arm attached to the side farthest from the player.