FAQ's

TIMP-TUNER^TM

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

How does the Timp-Tuner™ help for ear training?
Is it easy for students to use?
How does the pickup work?
What about interference from other instruments?
What if the head is not balanced ("in tune with itself")?
How does the Timp-Tuner™ mount to the drum?
Are any tools required to mount the Timp-Tuner™?
Why can't I hold the Timp-Tuner™ by hand?
What kind of batteries does the Timp-Tuner™ use?
How long does it run on a set of batteries?
Why do I need Timp-Tuner™ if I have Tuning Gages on the drum?
Do I need one Timp-Tuner™ for each drum or one for a complete set?
Can I use Timp-Tuner™ for other types of tuneable drums?

How does the Timp-Tuner™ help for ear training?
Timp-Tuner™ provides an accurate way for you or the student to judge accuracy of tuning by ear. With Timp-Tuner™, students can work on ear training exercises by themselves, The general exercise methodology is as follows. First, the students use the Timp-Tuner™ to set accurate tones and intervals that they listen to. Then they attempt to reproduce the same result by ear. The Timp-Tuner™ is then used to show them how well they did. Students can put in hours of productive pitch and interval setting practice by ear without requiring an instructor (one-on-one) to judge their results.

Is it easy for students to use?
Yes, the Timp-Tuner™ display is really easy to read and understand, and it responds quickly to their pitch changes. Teaching youngsters to use it is a snap! We have often demonstrated this at music educators' conferences with students who have never before played the timps. After only a couple of minutes with Timp-Tuner™ they are able to set accurate pitches and intervals.

How does the pickup work?
The revolutionary patented pickup is designed specifically for timpani. The pickup senses head vibration by ultrasonic reflection from the drumhead. The pickup does not touch the head, and it does not " hear" any surrounding sound - It only responds to the drumhead vibrations.

What about interference from other instruments?
There is no interference from other instruments by direct sound transmission, since Timp-Tuner™ does not use a microphone (it does not "hear" any sound). With Timp-Tuner™, the drums can generally be tuned quietly relative to the surrounding sound. The drumhead will vibrate sympathetically with other sounds, but when tapped for the purpose of tuning, it rings mainly with its own harmonics. In a loud environment, with other instruments playing, it is necessary to tap the head a bit harder than required in a quiet room.

What if the head is not balanced ("in tune with itself")?
Timp-Tuner™ will work even if the head is not balanced, and, in fact, it can be used as a tool to help you get the head balanced. With the Timp-Tuner™, students can learn to do this. Your drums will sound better!

How does the Timp-Tuner™ mount to the drum?
It clips to the counterhoop (the outer tensioning ring). The mount is adjustable and fits most drums. An alternate mount is available for special situations, such as for drums that have chain adjusters that go around the top from lug to lug.

Are any tools required to mount the Timp-Tuner™?
No.

Why can't I hold the Timp-Tuner™ by hand?
The pickup must be stationary relative to the drumhead in order to sense the drumhead's vibrations. It cannot be hand held, since the motion of even the steadiest hand is more than the amplitude of the head vibrations that are being sensed. (Remember, the Timp-Tuner™ pickup is not a microphone.)

What kind of batteries does the Timp-Tuner™ use?
Three common AA size batteries are required. These may be standard ("heavy duty" or alkaline cells) or rechargeable (NiCAD or NiMH type). Three type AA alkaline (or rechargeable) batteries. User supplies batteries (and charger). The AA size is one of the least expensive and universally available battery type.

How long does it run on a set of batteries?
A new set of alkaline batteries will operate the Timp-Tuner™ for about 60 hours or more. For maximum use of a set of batteries the units should be turned off when not in use. If that is done, a set of batteries will last for many weeks of actual use in setup, rehearsal and performance.

Why do I need Timp-Tuner™ if I have Tuning Gages on the drum?
Timp-Tuner™ shows you the actual note that the drum is sounding, and whether it is on pitch, while a mechanical gage only reflects the pedal position. Timp-Tuner™ provides tuning accuracy and helps to balance heads and ear-train students. These are things that a mechanical gage does not do. (In fact, you will find that the Timp-Tuner™ is a valuable tool for setting the mechanical gage's note markers.)

Do I need one Timp-Tuner™ for each drum or one for a complete set?
Use one on each drum for fast and accurate changes during rehearsal and performance, and for most effective ear training practice. A single Timp-Tuner™ is useful for setting up the drums -- balancing the heads and setting the note markers of pedal gages.

Can I use Timp-Tuner™ for other types of tuneable drums?
Maybe. Timp-Tuner™ is specifically deisgned for tuning Timpani. Because of mounting differences and the fact that most other drums do not ring with a sufficiently strong and sustained fundamental (or first overtone), we do not recommend Timp-Tuner™ for use on other types of drums. Some of our customers have reported useful results, but we cannot promise that you will have any success on drums other than timpani. Feel free to experiment, however.

TIMP-TUNER™ SAVES REHEARSAL TIME, SAVES DIRECTOR'S TIME

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