Abstract: A drum and pitch adjustment device for a drum includes a drum with a sound producing membrane, a device for applying pressure to the sound producing membrane, and a cable configured to the device for applying and releasing pressure to the sound producing membrane, changing the pitch of the drum, but goes back to the drum's original pitch when absent this force. A hand operated lever, located on the side of the drum, operates the cable which makes the pressure device push up against the sound producing membrane and changing it's pitch. Absent this force, the drum goes back to its original pitch, which creates different tonal variety when played in real-time.

Abstract: A weather-resistant drum is presented. The weather-resistant drum comprises a drum head configured to produce a sound when struck. The weather-resistant drum also comprises a drum shell, configured to resonate the sound produced by the drum head. The drum shell also comprises a drain. The weather-resistant drum also comprises shield, coupled to the weather-resistant drum using a fastener. The fastener is configured to couple the shield to the weather-resistant drum, such that the drum head maintains a tuned configuration over an operational lifetime of the weather-resistant drum.

Abstract: An acoustic-drum tuning method, apparatus, and a system are disclosed which are configured to tune different regions of the drumhead membrane separately or the drumhead membrane in its entirety. Various embodiments of the acoustic-drum tuning assembly include a single adjustment feature to vary the drumhead tension uniformly around the drumhead's periphery and include multiple other adjustment features to vary the drumhead tension non-uniformly around the drumhead's periphery In some embodiments the tuning mechanism includes a semi flexible hoop or rim, for example a semi-rigid metal hoop, that restraints the drumhead membrane with respect to the drum. The restraining hoop may be pulled uniformly away from the drumhead to uniformly increase the tension in the drumhead membrane and/or may be pulled non-uniformly away from the drumhead to increase the tension in the drumhead membrane non-uniformly.

Abstract: The percussion-triggered lighting system is adapted to provide steady and/or percussively triggered illumination within one or more drums. The drums have translucent heads to allow the internal lighting to be viewed. An electromechanical switch is installed within the drum(s), for economy and to allow the system to be installed in existing drums. The system may also operate small peripheral lights around the edge of one or more drums, the peripheral lighting being programmable to produce various moving patterns. The system may also include a video projector within one or more drums to project a visual image on the interior of the translucent drum head that is visible to the audience. A separate control panel may be provided to allow the drummer to actuate any of the percussive lights without striking the drum to avoid creating a sound when a drum beat is inappropriate during the performance.

Abstract: A magnetic system supports an acoustic drum vertically and radially with respect to a support structure such as a drum stand.

Abstract: A musical drum support stand which supports a musical drum and suspends it off the ground or floor surface. The support stand includes a base section that defines an opening and a first member typically ring-shaped and a spaced-apart second member also typically ring-shaped situated below the first member. A plurality of spaced-apart brace support members are provided to join the first member to the second member with each of the brace support members being alternatively curved in concave-convex relation and adapted for detachably receiving and securely gripping the drum shell's base section and holding it in suspension off the ground.

Abstract: Provided are a percussion instrument tuning system and method. A position sensor determines at least one first position of a tuning mechanism of a timpano. A control unit generates a calibration result by measuring a first pitch of the timpano corresponding to the at least one first position of the tuning mechanism and estimates a second pitch of the timpano corresponding to at least one second position of the tuning mechanism from the calibration result.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tuning system for tuning a hand percussion instrument having a head and a shell. The tuning system comprises a rim, the rim secured to the head of the instrument, the rim comprising at least one receptacle, the receptacle positioned at outer periphery of the rim such that the receptacle body is below the plane of the rim, a side plate assembly, the side plate assembly secured to the shell of the instrument, a tuning rod, the tuning rod having a first end secured to the receptacle for varying the tension on the head, and the tuning rod having a second end secured to the side plate assembly.

Abstract: A compact electronic timpani configured to provide substantially the same or better performance characteristics as a conventional full-size acoustic timpani while being substantially smaller in size. A compact electronic timpani consistent with the present disclosure provides a musician with a similar playing experience as that of conventional full-size acoustic timpani or set of timpani. The compact electronic timpani may allow a performer to perform conventional timpani playing techniques and experience substantially the same acoustical properties, physical sensations and tone production as the performer would encounter when playing a full-size acoustic timpani without the limitations commonly associated with size and/or cost of a full-size acoustic timpani.

Abstract: An ensemble of acoustic steelpan musical instruments, being an innovation which significantly improves upon traditional acoustic steelpan prior art. Improvements include an extension of note range across the assemblage of G-Pans, a substantial reduction in the number of steelpans required to effectively cover the steelpan musical range, the use of a compound design whereby individual component parts of the instrument, specifically the playing surface, chime, rear attachment, or skirt and the playing stick or mallet, are optimized for their specific function, the application of a variety of techniques for eliminating or reducing non-musical sympathetic vibrations, and the inclusion of a variety of mechanical and acoustic resonator designs to enhance optimally the sound projection of the aforementioned instrument.

Abstract: Timpani with quick and accurate tuning are shown. Each of timpani has a motor to drive the mechanism which gives variable tension to the head. Given tone is transformed to period of vibration and then to target displacement value of head rim against body. Motor is driven so that the head rim reaches the target displacement. Parameters of transform function to transform period to target displacement are stored, and updated, when head sounds and pair data of period of head vibration and the displacement are acquired, so that pair data fit the transform function. Combination of tones can be programmed stepwise in advance. In performance, steps are advanced by foot pedal or touch pad and tone changes of timpani are quickly done without sound. Muffling device is equipped and its actions are programmed with tone change.

Abstract: The invention provides pan musical instruments, or pans, and methods of making same. Particularly, a process for mechanization and mass production of tunable pans with improved consistency, sound quality, and ease of tuning is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for setting skin tension, in particular for use in a musical instrument such as a kettledrum. The device comprises a tensioning star provided with an engaging element for engaging an operating mechanism for adjusting the tensioning star in an axial adjusting direction, substantially parallel to a central axis of the tensioning star. The tensioning star is also provided with a plurality of arms extending substantially in radial directions of which at least a part is provided with a coupling element for coupling to a tensioning rod construction attachable to the skin. In addition, the device comprises an adjusting device for adjusting the distance between a coupling element and the central axis of the tensioning star.

Abstract: An improved drum includes a substantially cylindrical drum shell having a drum head and containing a mechanical voice system including strings, and a mechanical tuning system for adjusting tension of the drum head and the strings, and a spring housing serving as a base of the drum and containing shock absorbers, base extensions for stability, and pedals for mechanical note changes.

Abstract: A turn-on tuning system comprising threaded tuning rims or drumheads with threaded frames in place of lugs used by conventional drums, and a spherical acoustic chamber to provide both acoustic and visual improvements over prior art instruments. The tuning system secures a drumhead to a drum by either sandwiching the drumhead between a threaded drum shell and a threaded rim or by directly attaching the drumhead to the threaded drum shell via a threaded frame integral with the drumhead. The drum is tuned by rotating the rim or drumhead to increase pressure on the drumhead. The spherical acoustic chamber, which may be attached to or in place of a traditional drum shell, provides enhanced audio quality and may also provide housing for electronic equipment or acoustic elements which may be held within the spherical chamber. The spherical acoustic chamber also provides numerous visual improvements.

Abstract: A timpani with a foldable leg assembly has a timpani frame with a bottom, two legs and a bracket assembly. The legs and the bracket assembly are pivotally attached separated from each other to the bottom of the timpani frame. When the timpani needs to be stored or transported, the legs and the bracket assembly can be fold to reduce the overall volume of the timpani and easily transport or store timpani.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a percussion musical instrument such as a tambourine, riq, pandiero and the like having non-rectangular windows within which the jingles are supported. The configuration of the window affords a greater range of pitch motion for the jingles than otherwise afforded in similar conventional instruments. As such, the pitch motion of the jingles may equal or exceed the range of roll motion of the jingles. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an instrument having an ovoid shaped shell to provide distinct rotational moments of inertia along a major axis and a minor axis.

Abstract: The unique sounding drum is a drum assembly having a metal body, a pair of upper rings and a membrane stretched across the top of the metal body and extended between the pair of upper rings. The metal body has a general hourglass configuration with an upper portion decreasing in diameter from a top opening to a midsection, and a lower portion increasing in diameter from the midsection to a bottom opening. A semi-circumferential arcuate relief extends partially, across the widths of the upper rings. The arcuate relief may have a plurality of grooves, dimensioned to have different widths and circumferential lengths. Additionally, the metal body has an interior chamber with a plurality of scratchings on it, which provide the drum assembly with a clearer voice and sound. The drum assembly may include a mallet, a cover made from a soft material, and an elastic cord.

Abstract: A drumhead for use in a percussion instrument is composed of multiple (e.g., two or three) plies of synthetic resin films, which are laminated together and are brought into close contact with each other when stretched across the opening of a hollow cylinder of a drum, for example. At least one air evacuation hole is formed at the center of the backside synthetic resin film or in proximity to the center of the backside synthetic resin film. Therefore, when the drumhead is stretched outwardly along a diameter direction of the opening of the hollow cylinder of the drum, remaining air between the films can be reliably evacuated from the air evacuation hole towards the exterior of the drumhead. Thus, it is possible to reduce unwanted loss in transmission of vibration between the films of the drumhead when beaten; hence, it is possible to realize good sound quality in the drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musician quality hand drum that may be produced in a simplified and economical manner. The hand drum is simplified in that it utilizes a ring interconnected within an open end of a simple tubular shell to allow a musical quality drumhead (e.g., an animal skin drumhead) to be interconnected in tension directly to the outside surface of the drum shell. In this regard, the need for an intricate, expensive drumhead fixation means and/or drumhead tensioners is eliminated, allowing for cost benefits to be realized.

Abstract: In a tunable drum, a connector member in the drum is attached by linkages to a tuning ring, and is threadedly coupled by a tuning linkage to a retaining member fixed to the drum. Rotation of the tuning linkage with respect to the drum moves the connector member longitudinally and, as a result, adjusts the tension of the drumhead. In one embodiment, a motor is coupled to the tuning linkage such that an operator can manually adjust the tuning via a motor. In another embodiment, a transducer and tuning circuit can automatically provide control signals to the motor based on a difference between a desired frequency and a determined frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enabling simultaneous balancing and tuning of an acoustic drum with a single adjustment. A band, such as a cable, extends about adjustment ties which holds the drum skin or head to the housing or hoop of the drum so that, when tightened, the head will be placed under tension. With the present invention, that tension applied to the skin or head is evenly distributed. In this way, one touch tuning is achieved with simultaneous balancing since there will be a constant tension applied to each of the ties holding the drum skin on the body of the drum.

Abstract: A timpani base guard configured to prevent foreign material from entering a timpani base. The timpani base includes a timpani base cavity and a timpani pedal support. The base guard includes a substantially circular member mounted over the timpani base cavity. The circular member is configured to obstruct foreign material from entering the timpani base cavity. A substantially rectangular member is mounted over the timpani pedal support. The rectangular member is configured to obstruct foreign material from entering the timpani pedal support.

Abstract: In a conga stand comprising a holding ring for a conga to be inserted and holding pieces joined on the holding ring and resting laterally on the conga as well as legs equally connected to the holding ring, it is provided that each leg, at its lower end, has a cranked section which is parallel to the ground it stands on and is provided with a non-slip cover, in particular of rubber or the like.

Abstract: A drum includes a rigid, hollow body disposed about an axis and having first and second opposing opened ends of generally circular form. The body has an inner surface and an outer surface with the outer surface being of convoluted form defined by a plurality of channels formed in the body. The channels extend in a direction of the axis. A drum head membrane covers each of the first and second ends. A ring is mounted on each of the first and second ends so as to secure each drum head membrane to the body. Each ring includes a tensioning member receiving structure. A plurality of tensioning members are provided with a tensioning member being received in an associated channel and a first end of each tensioning member being received by the tensioning member receiving structure of each ring. The tensioning members are constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to the body to adjust tension of the drum head membranes.

Abstract: In a tunable drum, a connector member in the drum is attached by cables to a tuning ring, and is threadedly coupled by a tuning linkage to a retaining member fixed to the drum. Rotation of the tuning linkage with respect to the drum moves the connector member longitudinally and, as a result, adjusts the tension of the drumhead. In one embodiment, a handle fixed to the tuning linkage is positioned to engage a complementary coupling in a drum stand when the drum is retained by the drum stand. In another embodiment, the complementary coupling is movable between an operative position in which the drum can be tuned by rotating it with respect to the stand, and inoperative position in which the drum can be placed in the stand without the handle engaging the complementary coupling.

Abstract: A tambourine includes a frame that has a peripheral wall defining an interior space. The peripheral wall has a first edge and a second edge, each being adapted to be struck by a user. A plurality of apertures extends through the peripheral wall of the frame between an exterior face and an interior face of the peripheral wall. Each of the apertures has at least one sounding disc coupled in the respective aperture for making a sound when the peripheral wall of the frame is struck. The first edge of the peripheral wall of the frame has a plurality of protrusions that upwardly extend from the first edge. The protrusions are adapted for being raked across by the user such that the protrusions are for vibrating the sound disc in each of the apertures whereby the sound disc in each of the apertures produces a distinct sound.

Abstract: A drum set is formed from two drum shells, each having an extension member. One extension has a recess which receives the other extension to maintain the drum shells in spaced and fixed angular orientation. Ceramic, plastic and wood arrangements are described.

Abstract: The present invention is a drumming apparatus or percussion instrument used for drumming comprising a drum and drum sticks. The drum comprises a plastic bucket shaped shell covered with a soft felt material and each drum stick comprises a cylindrically shaped elongated member covered with a soft felt material. The combination of the drum and drum sticks provide a unique tone or sound which is suitable for home, school and other environments where certain drumming noises could be bothersome. Multiple sizes of the drum can be combined to produce many unique sounds and pitches. Further the drum can be fastened together in several configurations, with or without a stand to form a drumming apparatus or a drum set. The preferred method of attaching multiple drums is by use of a fastening system such as, for example, Velcro.TM.. Also, the drum apparatus, which is lightweight and portable, can be easily stacked and stored because of the bucket like shape of the drums.

Abstract: In a tambourine, the combination comprises a frame extending at least in part along an extended path, multiple jingles carried by the frame at selected locations along the path, and auxiliary plates carried at an auxiliary selected location relative to path and characterized as clashing to produce a different sound than the jingles' sounds when the tambourine frame is impacted near the auxiliary plates.

Abstract: A device for setting the tension of a skin, particularly one used in a musical instrument, such as a kettledrum. The device includes a freely-suspended multi-part linkage for vertically displacing a tensioning star, wherein the linkage has two parts connected through a pivot. Each of these link parts has first and second ends, where the first and second ends of the first and second link parts respectively form first and second ends of the entire linkage. The pivot lies inward on the first and second link parts of the second and first ends of the first and second link parts, respectively. Furthermore, the second link part bears, at a first predefined location thereon, such as proximate the second end thereof and via a contact face located thereat, against an adjustment cam. A coupling pin is connected to the second link part at a second predefined location intermediate the point where the pivot is connected to this link part and the first predefined location.

Abstract: In a percussion instrument, for example in the form of a tambourine, of bongos, congas or the like, with a resonance body open in particular on top, a skin being stretched over the upper opening and comprising a plastic film which is fixed at a constant tension by means of a clamping hoop, the skin being stretched directly over the resonance body, and the resonance body having an annular groove in the vicinity of the upper opening, and the clamping hoop being elastically widened and forced over the upper side of the resonance body into the annular groove, thus stretching the skin, it is provided that at least one nonwoven fabric is disposed in parallel to the at least one plastic film, the nonwoven also being stretched by the clamping hoop and not being joined to the plastic film by gluing.

Abstract: A drum and drum gauge have a head supported on a cylindrical shell which is open at its bottom and provided with tensioning bolts for tensioning the head to tune the drum. The drum shell is detachably connected to a stand. The stand can be easily folded to a closed position for ease of transport. The tuning part of the drum comprises a plurality of arms extending substantially horizontally and radially from a tension bolt at one end, through a bushing in the shell, to a central operating rod at the other. Upward movement of the central rod moves the tension bolts downwards, with a lever action, increasing the tension of the drum head. The lower end of the central rod is attached to a foot lever pivotable about a horizontal access and carrying a pedal for applying a brake. A gauge for indicating the drum's pitch has a fixed scale and a movable indicator coupled to the foot lever by a sheathed cable.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for applying tension to musical drum heads. It consists of one or more master cylinders applying pressure to a hydraulic fluid in a sealed circuit. The master cylinders may be hand activated, foot activated, controlled by an external source, or a combination thereof. The hydraulic fluid is then forced through tubing to any number of reacting slave cylinders. The slave cylinders may be either single action (1 moving piston and seal) or dual action (2 moving pistons and seals moving in opposite directions), depending on the size and configuration of the drum. The pistons activate a mechanical lever or combination linkage that in turn pulls on a typical tension screw and rim configuration found on most common musical drums. The system allows for immediate pitch changes through the complete range of the drum while always maintaining uniform tension around the perimeter of each head. It also allows a fixed preset ratio between the tensions of the top and bottom heads on a two headed drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for varying the tension on a drum head to change the pitch of the instrument during a performance. The apparatus may be configured to tension one drum or several drums simultaneously. The tensioning components of the apparatus are installed within the barrel of the drum and the apparatus is actuated by the performer using a control module which may incorporate a system for foot pedals, proximity switches, or photoelectric switches. The control module may be programmed to effect the alteration of drum pitch in variable increments and at variable speeds. The apparatus is electrically powered and is suitable for installation in any type of drum, including those with open-ended barrels.

Abstract: In construction of a timpani, a brake unit is attached to a tonal pitch adjuster unit for balancing moment by head resumption with moment by spring repulsion so that the tonal pitch adjuster unit, i.e. the foot pedal, should be locked against accidental displacement from the position corresponding to the initial stepped angle of the foot pedal due to head striking during performance.

Abstract: A percussion instrument includes a drum body and a percussion head movable with respect to and stretched over the drum body. A master tensioning member is provided for pulling the drumhead downward to enable a musician to vary the pitch of the sound produced when the drumhead is struck. The master tensioning member is operatively coupled to the drumhead, and is adaptable for use with drumheads of varying size. A lever system is provided for moving the master tensioning member vertically downwardly. A foot pedal is provided for enabling the user to actuate the lever system. The pedal includes an engaging tooth, and is swivelable to engage and disengage the tooth with complementary teeth to lock the pedal selectively in position. The pedal tooth thereby permits the user to adjust and fix the tension on the drumhead. The pedal is connected to the lever system by a movable fulcrum, which permits the user to exert a smooth, even force when depressing the pedal and actuating the lever system.

Abstract: A drum head tensioning device includes an annular fitting supporting a screw for rotation on a radial axis of the drum. A cable is connected to the conventional tension hoop and to a nut threadably received on the screw. Rotating the screw tensions the cable and hence pulls down the hoop to tension the drum head.

Abstract: A percussion instrument includes a body, a percussion head carried by the body, and a variable tension-exerting mechanism to vary the pitch of sound produced when the head is struck. An actuating mechanism for actuating the variable tension-exerting mechanism includes a pedal having a generally planar user-engageable top surface, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a pivot. A lever is pivotably mounted on the pivot and includes a portion extending toward the heel of the pedal and accessible to the user's foot along one side of the heel while the user's foot is positioned on the top surface of the pedal. The lever also includes a portion which extends to the toe of the pedal and provides an engaging mechansim. A positioning mechanism on the percussion instrument is selectively engageable by the engaging mechanisms on the lever for selectively fixing the position of the pedal.

Abstract: A percussion instrument includes a drum body and a percussion head movable with respect to and stretched over the drum body. A master tensioning member is provided for pulling the drumhead downward to enable a musician to vary the pitch of the sound produced when the drumhead is struck. The master tensioning member is operatively coupled to the drumhead, and is adaptable for use with drumheads of varying size. A lever system is provided for moving the master tensioning member vertically downwardly. A foot pedal is provided for enabling the user to actuate the lever system. The pedal includes an engaging tooth, and is swivelable to engage and disengage the tooth with complementary teeth to lock the pedal selectively in position. The pedal tooth thereby permits the user to adjust and fix the tension on the drumhead. The pedal is connected to the lever system by a movable fulcrum, which permits the user to exert a smooth, even force when depressing the pedal and actuating the lever system.

Abstract: A percussion instrument includes a drum body and a percussion head movable with respect to and stretched over the drum body. A master tensioning member is provided for pulling the drumhead downward to enable a musician to vary the pitch of the sound produced when the drumhead is struck. The master tensioning member is operatively coupled to the drumhead, and is adaptable for use with drumheads of varying size. A lever system is provided for moving the master tensioning member vertically downwardly. A foot pedal is provided for enabling the user to actuate the lever system. The pedal includes an engaging tooth, and is swivelable to engage and disengage the tooth with complementary teeth to lock the pedal selectively in position. The pedal tooth thereby permits the user to adjust and fix the tension on the drumhead. The pedal is connected to the lever system by a movable fulcrum, which permits the user to exert a smooth, even force when depressing the pedal and actuating the lever system.

Abstract: A tuning device for tympani that displays the pitch of each instrument's tympanum. The pitch is determined by measuring the strain in an adjustable tensioning mechanism employed in all tympani to keep proper tension on the tympanum. The pitch or tone of the tympani is determined by the vibration frequency of the tympanum when the tympani is played and the frequency is determined by the tension in the tympanum. A transducer measures the strain in the tensioning mechanism to give an accurate indication of what the tympanum tension, and therefore the pitch, of the tympani would be when played. The transducer includes a resistance-type strain gage mounted on the tympanum tensioning mechanism. The length of the conductor in the strain gage and therefore its resistance, changes with stress changes in the tensioning mechanism used to tune the tympani.

Abstract: A drum with adjustable tension on the drum head in which the adjustment mechanism includes a pedal operating a device adapted to pull a spider within the drum. The legs of the spider are pivoted on the drum body and extend to the exterior. A ring pressing up beneath the head in the interior of the body of the drum is operably attached to the spider legs interior of the pivot point between the leg and the drum body, and members attached to the drum head exterior of the body are pivoted to the legs exterior of the pivot point so that a double acting tension is applied by use of the pedal.

Abstract: A drum is adjustable in pitch by a pedal assembly connected by a wire cable or similar means to an actuating lever. The lever causes pressure to be exerted against a tension-adjusting ring over which the drumhead is stretched. A drum which is adjustable in pitch by rotation of the drum shell can thus be made adjustable by use of a pedal as well, leaving both hands of the drummer free during retuning.

Abstract: A drum is adjustable in pitch by a pedal assembly connected by a wire cable to an actuating lever. The lever causes pressure to be exerted against a tension-adjusting ring over which the drumhead is stretched. The pedal may be locked in any selected position to maintain the desired pitch, and the height of the drum is adjustable without adjustment of the cable linkage. A drum which is adjustable in pitch by rotation of the drum shell can thus be made adjustable by use of a pedal as well. The assembly for exerting pressure against the tension-adjusting ring is designed to be retro-fitted to certain types of existing drums to permit use therewith without the need for extensive modifications.

Abstract: Drums have downward and integrally continuously joined truncated conical walls of 3.degree. and then 30.degree. angles. A drum skin is stretched across a large open end and a brace is connected to a smaller open end. A slide moves downward on the brace as controlled by a screw jack, and cables stretched by the slide across idler pulleys on the body pull down a rim to tighten the drum head and tune the drum.

Abstract: One or more deadening elements are in contact with the underside of the drum head and are connected to a foot operated mechanism which moves the deadener or deadeners across the drum head thus varying the effective resonating area of the head so that the drum can be tuned while playing. As an example, the drum tuning can be changed from a bass drum to a concert tom. The preferred embodiment includes a pair of opposed, curved deadeners which are moved towards and away from one another in concentric relationship with the drum head.

Abstract: A tuning system has been devised for timpani and similar percussion instruments of the type having a removable head or skin positioned across the upper end of a sound chamber and terminating in an outer edge surrounding the upper circular edge of the chamber with a hoop or other suitable bead affixed around its outer edge. In order to facilitate ease of replacement of the head, a hoop retainer is provided with open-throated connectors at spaced circumferential intervals each adapted to receive the upper enlarged end of a tuning post assembly which forms a part of each of a series of tuning units comprising the tuning system. Each tuning post assembly is so constructed and arranged as to permit simultaneous adjustment through a common chain drive to loosen or tighten the head in order to change its pitch; and further to permit individual vertical adjustment of each tuning post assembly to effect localized changes in pitch by loosening or tightening the head in the area adjacent to that tuning unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drum shell for a musical drum, the drum shell comprising at least one portion molded or cast as one piece in natural or synthetic material, so enabling internal and external surfaces of the drum shell to be made in any desired shape.

Abstract: A machine-tuning marching timpani having an adjusting apparatus arranged in a thin, generally planar configuration permitting the elimination of the conventional deep shell portion of such timpani.