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Timpani pedal systems

The timpani made their appearance in Europe at the end of the 13th century. This skin percussion instrument, first reserved for military or official ceremonies, was not integrated into the orchestra until the 17th century.
If Beethoven gave timpani their letters of nobility by making them sound with authority in the finale of the Emperor concerto or in the 9th Symphony, it was Berlioz who was the first to refine the writing and playing of the timpani.

The XIXth century was that of experiments in the construction of instruments: he saw the appearance of the timpani with mechanical pedal or timpani "Dresden", promised to a rich future and of which Bartok set out to explore all the possibilities.

Standard timpanies

1.Timbales Adams symphonic et Universel / Timbales Premier

Il représente une évolution des premiers systèmes "Dresden" à blocage à crémaillère.
L'accord de la timbale s'obtient par le déplacement vertical de la pédale, qu'il est possible de bloquer dans la position désirée.

2.Timbales Adams professionnel et Révolution

Ce systèle a été inventé dans les années 1925.
L'accord de la timbale s'obtient par rotation de la pédale, qui est maintenue par un système de compensation mécanique.