Rotary-tuned Timpani
Donated by Allen and Lucas Gentry

Manufactured circa 1821 in Baden, Germany, this instrument operates on a mechanical system developed by the Amsterdam musician and inventor Johann Stumpff (1770-1841). The bowl is held in place by eight struts attached to a spoked iron wheel. The eight lug rim and calfskin head are held in place by long tension rods attached to the lower spoked wheel. As the drum is rotated clockwise, the lower wheel turns on a large screw thread, pulling the head tighter over the drum shell and raising the pitch of the drum.

Piccolo Timpani
(1994-10-02)

Donated by the Celeste and Emil Richards Estate.

This pair of small drums was used at Universal Studios in Hollywood. They measure 42 cm and 44 cm in diameter and 23 cm deep. Manufactured circa 1931, they bear no identification of the maker.

Hand-Tuned Timpani
Loaned by James A. Strain

These drums are characteristic of instruments from the late 19th century. The copper bowls measure 61 and 67 cm in diameter. The heads are tuned by turning the six large T-handle screws set into the rim and the bowl. The instruments rest on wooden legs and were used for many years by Marshall's Band of Topeka, Kansas.

Harry A. Bower Timpani
Donated by David Davenport

Manufactured circa 1920, this large copper kettledrum measures 69 cm across and 47 cm deep. The brass name plate reads, 'Harry Bower - Maker - Boston, Mass. Pat. Apl'd For.' Bower was an author, educator, and inventor who also manufactured an early bass drum pedal. His instruction method for drums, mallet instruments, and timpani was available as a published book and as a mail order course.