Duff-Tucking Calfskin Timpani Heads (DVD)

The Art of Timpani - Tucking Calfskin Timpani Heads NOW ON DVD - presents a step-by-step procedure for tucking calfskin timpani heads. The legendary Cloyd Duff demonstrates techniques that are essential for producing the most resonant and beautiful tone quality a fine calfskin has to offer, when mounted and tuned properly.

This instructional video is intended to help preserve the art of calfskin head tucking and to assist those timpanists who wish to explore the wonderful sound of calfskin. Assisted by Mark Yancich, Cloyd Duff guides the viewer through the following topics:

Tools & Equipment

Sizing the Heads

German & American Tucks

Head Thickness & Backbone

How to Select Calfskin

Pre-Tucking Preparations

Soaking the Head

The Tucking Table

The "Scratch" Test

Marking & Trimming

Tucking the Head

The Drying Process

Interview

As principal timpanist of the famed Cleveland Orchestra from 1942 to 1981, Cloyd Duff refined a style of timpani performance which still sets standards for musical excellence. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Cloyd Duff enjoyed a 45 year orchestral career under the direction of the greatest conductors of the era including Leopold Stokowski, Eric Leinsdorf, George Szell and Lorin Maazel. In 1977, Cloyd Duff was elected to the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.