Timpani are typically struck with a special type of drum stick called a timpani stick or timpani mallet.
Timpani sticks are used in pairs.
They have two components: a shaft and a head.
The shaft is typically made from hardwood or bamboo but may also be made from aluminum or carbon fiber.
The head can be constructed from a number of different materials, though felt wrapped around a wooden core is the most common.
Other core materials include compressed felt, cork, and leather.
Unwrapped sticks with heads of wood, felt, flannel, and leather are also common.
Wooden sticks are used as a special effect—specifically requested by composers as early as the Romantic era—and in authentic performances of Baroque music.
Wooden timpani sticks are also occasionally used to play the suspended cymbal.

Although not usually stated in the score (excepting the occasional request to use wooden sticks), timpanists will change sticks to suit the nature of the music.
However, the choice during a performance is subjective and depends on the timpanist's preference and occasionally the wishes of the conductor.
Thus, most timpanists own a great number of sticks.
The weight of the stick, size and latent surface area of the head, materials used for the shaft, core, and wrap, and method used to wrap the head all contribute to the timbre the stick produces.

In the early 20th century and before, sticks were often made with whalebone shafts, wooden cores, and sponge wraps.
Composers of that era often specified sponge-headed sticks.
Modern timpanists execute such passages with felt sticks.
Timpani are typically struck with a special type of drum stick called a timpani stick or timpani mallet. Timpani sticks are used in pairs. They have two components: a shaft and a head. The shaft is typically made from hardwood or bamboo but may also be made from aluminum or carbon fiber. The head can be constructed from a number of different materials, though felt wrapped around a wooden core is the most common. Other core materials include compressed felt, cork, and leather. Unwrapped sticks with heads of wood, felt, flannel, and leather are also common. Wooden sticks are used as a special effect—specifically requested by composers as early as the Romantic era—and in authentic performances of Baroque music. Wooden timpani sticks are also occasionally used to play the suspended cymbal.
Although not usually stated in the score (excepting the occasional request to use wooden sticks), timpanists will change sticks to suit the nature of the music. However, the choice during a performance is subjective and depends on the timpanist's preference and occasionally the wishes of the conductor. Thus, most timpanists own a great number of sticks. The weight of the stick, size and latent surface area of the head, materials used for the shaft, core, and wrap, and method used to wrap the head all contribute to the timbre the stick produces.
In the early 20th century and before, sticks were often made with whalebone shafts, wooden cores, and sponge wraps. Composers of that era often specified sponge-headed sticks. Modern timpanists execute such passages with felt sticks.
Timpani