What is the primary material of the Yamaha TP-7320R bowl?

The bowl is made of hammered copper. This material choice is preferred in professional orchestral settings for its warmth, resonance, and projection.

What is the diameter of this specific model?

The TP-7320R has a diameter of 20 inches. This size typically serves as the highest-pitched drum in a standard orchestral timpani set.

What are the benefits of a hammered finish over a smooth finish?

The hammering process strengthens the copper, which results in a crisper attack and increased projection. It also adds a specific richness and harmonic depth to the sound compared to smooth copper.

How does the floating mount suspension system work?

The floating mount allows the bowl to be suspended within the frame without direct rigid contact. This design enables the bowl to resonate more freely, producing a clearer and more natural tone.

What is the purpose of the Pedal Adjustment Clutch (PAC)?

The PAC allows the player to adjust the resistance of the tuning pedal. This enables the percussionist to customise the 'feel' of the pedal to their personal playing style.

Does the TP-7320R stay in tune during performance?

Yes, it features a pedal balance spring system. This mechanism is designed to maintain stable pitch by balancing the tension of the drumhead against the pedal's position.

Is the TP-7320R easy to move between rehearsal spaces?

The instrument is equipped with adjustable casters and a secure locking system. These features provide reliable mobility and ensure the drum remains in place once positioned.

What type of player is this timpani designed for?

It is built for advanced and professional players. The features focus on tonal control, precision tuning, and high-end projection required for orchestral work.

How does this model compare to the Yamaha TP-6320R?

The TP-7320R features a hammered copper bowl for a crisper attack, whereas the TP-6320R uses a smooth copper bowl. The hammered version generally offers more projection and a richer harmonic character.

What is the typical price for the Yamaha TP-7320R?

The typical price for this model is approximately £3,867. This reflects its status as a high-end, professional-grade orchestral instrument.

What accessories are compatible with the TP-7320R?

It is commonly used with high-quality mallets such as the Chalklin Sewn Felt Soft or Bamboo Hard series. Proper maintenance involves using professional-grade covers and tuning tools.

How does it differ from the Yamaha TP-8300R series?

The TP-8300R series, such as the TP-8323R, features cambered hammered copper bowls. The cambered shape provides a different resonance profile compared to the standard hammered bowl of the TP-7320R.

Gear article

Yamaha TP-7320R Hammered Copper Timpani 20"

The Yamaha TP-7320R is a 20-inch professional orchestral timpani featuring a hammered copper bowl designed for advanced percussionists. It utilises a floating mount suspension system and a specialized pedal balance spring to deliver a precise, resonant tone suitable for high-level performance and rehearsal environments.

See live prices

Overview

The Yamaha TP-7320R is a high-performance 20-inch timpani within Yamaha's professional percussion lineup. Constructed with a hammered copper bowl, this instrument is engineered to meet the demands of advanced players who require a combination of power, precision, and tonal control. It sits in a price bracket of approximately £3,867, reflecting its status as a professional-grade orchestral tool.

Design and Construction

A defining feature of the TP-7320R is its hammered copper bowl. The hammering process serves two primary functions: it strengthens the metal for improved durability and projection, and it alters the surface texture to influence the harmonic profile of the drum.

The instrument employs a floating mount suspension design. This configuration allows the bowl to resonate freely within the frame without being dampened by rigid attachment points, resulting in a clearer and more natural fundamental tone. For mobility, the unit is equipped with adjustable casters and a secure locking system, ensuring stable positioning during performances.

Pedal and Tuning Systems

Yamaha has integrated two key mechanical systems into the TP-7320R to assist with pitch stability and ergonomics:

Pedal Balance Spring System: This mechanism helps maintain a stable pitch once the desired note is reached, preventing the pedal from slipping under head tension.
Pedal Adjustment Clutch (PAC): This allows the percussionist to fine-tune the pedal resistance. This customisation ensures a personalised feel, catering to the specific physical preferences of the player.

Sonic Character

The TP-7320R is noted for its warm and rich sound profile. While copper is the standard for professional timpani, the specific hammered finish on this model provides a crisper attack and greater projection compared to smooth-copper alternatives. This makes it particularly effective in large orchestral settings where clarity and rhythmic definition are essential.

Market Context and Alternatives

The TP-7320R is often compared to other models within the Yamaha range, such as the TP-6320R, which features a smooth copper bowl for a slightly different tonal response, or the larger TP-8300 series which utilizes cambered hammered copper. Outside of Yamaha, it competes with professional offerings such as the Ludwig Musser Professional and Grand Symphonic series. While the TP-7320R is a 20-inch drum, it is frequently used as part of a set that might include larger 23-inch or 32-inch models.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Yamaha TP-7320R bowl?: The bowl is made of hammered copper. This material choice is preferred in professional orchestral settings for its warmth, resonance, and projection.
What is the diameter of this specific model?: The TP-7320R has a diameter of 20 inches. This size typically serves as the highest-pitched drum in a standard orchestral timpani set.
What are the benefits of a hammered finish over a smooth finish?: The hammering process strengthens the copper, which results in a crisper attack and increased projection. It also adds a specific richness and harmonic depth to the sound compared to smooth copper.
How does the floating mount suspension system work?: The floating mount allows the bowl to be suspended within the frame without direct rigid contact. This design enables the bowl to resonate more freely, producing a clearer and more natural tone.
What is the purpose of the Pedal Adjustment Clutch (PAC)?: The PAC allows the player to adjust the resistance of the tuning pedal. This enables the percussionist to customise the 'feel' of the pedal to their personal playing style.
Does the TP-7320R stay in tune during performance?: Yes, it features a pedal balance spring system. This mechanism is designed to maintain stable pitch by balancing the tension of the drumhead against the pedal's position.
Is the TP-7320R easy to move between rehearsal spaces?: The instrument is equipped with adjustable casters and a secure locking system. These features provide reliable mobility and ensure the drum remains in place once positioned.
What type of player is this timpani designed for?: It is built for advanced and professional players. The features focus on tonal control, precision tuning, and high-end projection required for orchestral work.
How does this model compare to the Yamaha TP-6320R?: The TP-7320R features a hammered copper bowl for a crisper attack, whereas the TP-6320R uses a smooth copper bowl. The hammered version generally offers more projection and a richer harmonic character.
What is the typical price for the Yamaha TP-7320R?: The typical price for this model is approximately £3,867. This reflects its status as a high-end, professional-grade orchestral instrument.
What accessories are compatible with the TP-7320R?: It is commonly used with high-quality mallets such as the Chalklin Sewn Felt Soft or Bamboo Hard series. Proper maintenance involves using professional-grade covers and tuning tools.
How does it differ from the Yamaha TP-8300R series?: The TP-8300R series, such as the TP-8323R, features cambered hammered copper bowls. The cambered shape provides a different resonance profile compared to the standard hammered bowl of the TP-7320R.