Adams Philharmonic Light Cloyd Duff Series Timpani

Adams Philharmonic Light Timpani represent the ultimate expression of quality in timpani sound and design. The Cloyd Duff Model Timpani features a Dresden style pedal and the quality, engineering and state of the art precision that have become synonymous with all Adams instruments.

Adams Philharmonic Light Timpani are in the classic European style with the most technologically advanced features and bowl designs ever developed. Every Philharmonic Light bowl is made of the highest quality select copper, individually formed into the traditional European style tapered semi-flat bowl shape, from one single piece without seams or soldering. The bowls are meticulously formed to ensure an even and matched tone from drum to drum, and to eliminate the interference of unwanted overtones. Every detail of these superior bowls, from the shape of the lip to the taper and depth, has been developed through years of research in conjunction with top professional timpanists from all over the world. The result is a drum that has the most beautiful, long-ringing, fundamental pitch-core you will ever hear. From whisper soft to the loudest end of the dynamic spectrum, these bowls project beautifully and are virtually impossible to overplay. The shape of the bowl, together with the construction and design of the Philharmonic Light Frame, produces a drum that will not distort or go sharp as the player increases volume and power.

The Cloyd Duff Model Dresden Style Philharmonic Light models feature the exclusive Adams "ratchet free" adjustable pedal system. Often imitated, this unique system is state of the art, offering without a doubt the best positive locking mechanism available. There are absolutely no intermeshing metal teeth, which can slip, grind and restrict the pinpointing of each note. With the Adams pedal mechanism, the player can lock in any note securely and silently, precisely where you hear it, not where the tooth of a ratchet dictates. Our patented split rocker arm system redistributes the leverage employed by the pedal cam and the fine tuner rod, thus eliminating the increased resistance in the pedal and fine tuner mechanism in the high register of each drum. This amazing design decreases the pressure on the frame of the timpani, preventing any flex or changes in the frame or bowl shape. The result is an increase in projection and sustain, throughout the entire range, especially the upper register. Additionally, with the elimination of flex on the frame, the spider, hoop and head now pull down straight and on center, never to one side. This revolutionary Adams exclusive produces a pedal and fine tuner with incredibly smooth action. Pedal resistance can now be adjusted using the spring balance mechanism located on the back of each drum. This adjustment gives you a feeling of equal pedal pressure throughout the entire pitch range, even in the lowest registers. The fine tuner is located on the player's side and its handle can be positioned to the right or left, totally eliminating any possible interference with the knee, if desired.

Our Cloyd Duff model Dresden style pedal offers the player preferring an ankle action pedal to a leg action pedal, a truly superior Dresden style system. If you prefer a Dresden style pedal, we are confident that Adam's system will surpass any Dresden pedal timpani you have ever played.

Former Principal Timpanist with the famed Cleveland Orchestra for over 39 years and world renowned Timpani and percussion instructor, the late Cloyd Duff amassed a prestigious career that took him the world over performing with most of the world's leading conductors. The late Mr. Duff is considered by many to have been one of the leading Timpani authorities of all time.