DIY Timpani Gauges 2.0

For years I’ve been making DIY gauges on different sets of timpani.  I usually do it for drums provided to me at gigs where I need to tune quickly, quietly, and on drums in less-than-ideal condition.  Frequently I make sure the gauges are there so I can quickly eyeball pitches and keep my focus on intonation with the ensemble, which is especially difficult on old heads and Standard Collar drums.

Until just recently my gauges looked like this:  mostly made up of different kinds of tape and fishing line.

These are certainly operational, but not a good long-term solution, and they run the risk of buzzing on the head at a time when you may not have a moment to fix it (like in a concert, bad)

My new version of gauges cost $25 to make with a few things from the hardware store, and are a dramatic improvement.  Obviously, this is for drums I have myself, I wouldn’t do this on a gig.

I used 1×2″ boards, in my case, poplar wood, and bolted them to the struts with a 3/8″ metal cutting drill bit and steel bolts. Getting the top level was easy, I used a block to raise the head level, then a bubble level on the board to get the cut angles.  I had to do it with a hand saw to get it just right.  Good news, when you cut one, the opposite piece is a mirror image, so it’s only one cut per drum.

Top plates were a bit more work.  I used an old set of heads to trace the rim then added a bit and cut the arcs out with a band saw.  That could be done by hand with a coping saw, scroll saw or jig saw if you had to.  I measured a good place for the string to go, put in 3/16″ holes and dropped 5/32″ grommets in them to protect the wood and get smooth motion on the string.  I mounted the top plate with wood glue and a single 1/8″ screw on each side.

I tried a few materials for the string but so far found that 30-40lb fishing line is still the best.  A piece of masking tape on the wood to write pitches and a darker piece on the string to show pedal position completes the plate.  I use 5oz fishing weights to keep tension on the line and tie to the weights and pedal with a double loop through and 4-5 half-hitches.  I ask about putting holes in people’s pedals but almost always do since it’s better than trying to tape or clamp.  1/4″ metal cutting bit goes through like butter.

I’ll be using the new gauges in an upcoming production of Young Frankenstein and I can’t wait to see how they work out!  Please share any ideas you have about how to improve this system or modify other types of drums.  I’d love to link to your pages and posts as well!