The basic timpano consists of a drum head stretched across the opening of a bowl typically made of copper or, in less expensive models, fiberglass or aluminum.
In the Sachs–Hornbostel classification, this makes timpani membranophones.
The head is affixed to a hoop (also called a flesh hoop), which in turn is held onto the bowl by a counter hoop.
The counter hoop is usually held in place with a number of tuning screws called tension rods placed regularly around the circumference.
The head's tension can be adjusted by loosening or tightening the rods.
Most timpani have six to eight tension rods.

The shape and material of the bowl's surface help to determine the drum's timbre.
For example, hemispheric bowls produce brighter tones while parabolic bowls produce darker tones.
Modern timpani are generally made with copper due to its efficient regulation of internal and external temperatures relative to aluminum and fiberglass.

Timpani come in a variety of sizes from about 33 inches (84 cm) in diameter down to piccoli timpani of 12 inches (30 cm) or less.
A 33-inch drum can produce C₂ (the C below the bass clef), and specialty piccoli timpani can play up into the treble clef.
In Darius Milhaud's 1923 ballet score La création du monde, the timpanist must play F♯₄ (at the bottom of the treble clef).

Each drum typically has a range of a perfect fifth, or seven semitones.
The basic timpano consists of a drum head stretched across the opening of a bowl typically made of copper or, in less expensive models, fiberglass or aluminum. In the Sachs–Hornbostel classification, this makes timpani membranophones. The head is affixed to a hoop (also called a flesh hoop), which in turn is held onto the bowl by a counter hoop. The counter hoop is usually held in place with a number of tuning screws called tension rods placed regularly around the circumference. The head's tension can be adjusted by loosening or tightening the rods. Most timpani have six to eight tension rods.
The shape and material of the bowl's surface help to determine the drum's timbre. For example, hemispheric bowls produce brighter tones while parabolic bowls produce darker tones. Modern timpani are generally made with copper due to its efficient regulation of internal and external temperatures relative to aluminum and fiberglass.
Timpani come in a variety of sizes from about 33 inches (84 cm) in diameter down to piccoli timpani of 12 inches (30 cm) or less. A 33-inch drum can produce C₂ (the C below the bass clef), and specialty piccoli timpani can play up into the treble clef. In Darius Milhaud's 1923 ballet score La création du monde, the timpanist must play F♯₄ (at the bottom of the treble clef).
Each drum typically has a range of a perfect fifth, or seven semitones.
Timpani