One of the first and most important steps when learning to how to play timbales is learning to tune them properly. Tuning the timbal, like tuning any drum, is an oft-overlooked art form however. With proper tuning, the drums have an open, resonant quality that allows the timbale player to articulate the various stroke types and convey a clear musical message. You’ve put in all the time on technique, vocabulary, and groove, so why not make sure your drums are the perfect vehicle for you to express yourself. If you’re interested in learning more about getting started playing timbales, make sure to click here and check out a free preview of our Timbales 101 Course.
SHELLS & HEADS MATTER
Today’s market is filled with plenty of different brands and models of timbales, each using different types of metals and alloys in their shells. Brass, bronze, copper, and steel will create subtle sonic differences in the way the drums resonate. Now although most of us don’t have the luxury of owning multiple sets of timbales, rest assured, with the right head, and proper tuning, virtually any set of timbales can sound professional.
Unlike congas and bongos which continue to use rawhide animal skin, timbaleros almost exclusively use synthetic heads for their drums. Single ply heads, such as Remo Clear Ambassadors work fantastically on both the Macho and Hembra timbal, and have become an industry staple. Although some folks prefer slightly thicker and darker sounding heads, such as a Remo Emperors or Renaissance heads, which can give a beefier tone to lower pitched drums. As with congas, the market is full of great drum head companies with comparable weight classes, so it’s easy, and generally very affordable to find a quality set of heads.
TWO DRUMS, TUNED TOGETHER
In our article on conga tuning we noted that many congueros like to tune to specific pitches, which at times can even relate to a given song being played or recorded. This is not often the case when tuning the timbales, though depending on the musical situation it’s helpful to have pitch in mind for reference. Generally speaking, you can aim to tune the Hembra (low timbale) between the B an octave below middle C and the B just below middle C and the Macho (high timbale) between the F below middle C and the C an octave above middle C. The most important thing being that the interval between the drums is accurate, even if they aren’t tuned exactly to a specific note.
Normally, the timbale drums will be tuned in intervals of a perfect 4th, perfect 5th, 6th, or octaves in some cases. This choice will depend heavily on the genre and style of music, as well as the role of the timbales in each particular setting. For example, if you are playing timbales in common salsa format, you want to make sure that your tuning compliments the tuning of the congas and bongos. If you’re playing something in the pop/rock idiom, depending on the music, you may want to tune a bit higher to stand out above the tuning of the drum-set. In these settings, as the timbal is often used to play fills or compliment the drum-set and doesn’t always necessarily have the responsibility of playing a constant groove throughout a song or arrangement, you have a bit more freedom as far as the tuning is concerned.
Tito Puente
Above all else, tuning depends on your personal preference, your musical taste, and of course the genre and style of music you are playing. For example, check out the tuning on Tito Puente’s “Dancemania” record. In the 1950’s the majority or heads where still made of natural hides, so there were certain limitations as far as the range of the tuning including the temperature and/or humidity in the recording studio on that particular day.
Meanwhile Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito,” during his tenure with Los Van Van, would often use Thunder Timbs, which are larger drums and would allow for a bit lower than average tuning. The same goes for Manny Oquendo on many of the Conjunto Libre recordings.
On the other side of the spectrum, percussionists like Marc Quiñones and Bobby Allende, among others, started to use a higher than average tuning beginning at the end of the 1980s. This was due in part to them being influenced by the music of their time, as well as the musical settings they were working in.
So whatever the musical context you find yourself in, getting your two timbale drums to sound resonant, clear, and harmonious, will always help bring your sound to the next level.
ESSENTIAL TUNING GEAR FOR EVERY TIMBALE PLAYER
Now that we understand a bit about different heads, and some basic concepts for tuning the timbales, let’s get to work. First off, we’ll need to start with the right tools to get the job done. Most timbales come with a wrench, which is tailored to fit the nuts and bolts that are responsible for tuning the drums. Whether on your way to a timbale lesson or to play timbales at a concert, always do your best have a wrench with you. If you don’t have the factory provided wrench, you can of course use any adequately sized wrench in your home to tighten or loosen the tension rods, but be mindful to stay away from teethed wrenches or pliers, as both tools can damage your timbal or cause injury to your hands due to improper grip on the lug nuts. So grab your wrench, and your ears, and let’s get to work!
HOW TO TUNE THE TIMBALES IN 5 BASIC STEPS
Step 1: When tuning your timbales for the first time, be sure to lower the tension on each rod to the point where the drum head is completely loosened and non-resonant. Then, check to see that each rod is applying a similar amount of tension. You can tell this by tightening each lug as much as possible by hand, or of course by counting the number of thread lines visible above or below each lug.
Step 2: Next, turn each rod clockwise, which pulls the rim down onto the head creating pressure and raising the pitch. Tuning lugs that are opposite each other helps keep the tension on the head balanced, so tune across the head, going from lug to opposite lug. Make sure to tune the same amount of turns at each rod, using a whole, half, or quarter turn for reach lug, as you get closer to your desired pitch.
Step 3: Once you are close to the pitch you’d like, you can begin making micro-adjustments. To do this, tap lightly with a stick, wrench or your finger, on the area of the head close to the tension rod to listen to the harmonics. Remember, both the tension rod close to that area as well as the tension rod on the opposite side will determine the pitch of that area of the drum. At this point, the goal is to get each of the rods to have the same amount of tension and create the same harmonic pitch when tapped on.
Step 4: When checking your tuning, be sure to test the drums using different stroke types. On the Macho, try different types of rimshots to see if the drum is producing the type of “brightness” or ” attack” you want. On the Hembra, which is less commonly played using a rimshot, be sure to check that the drum resonates with a full, round fundamental tone, free of too many harmonics.
Step 5: Remember, the drums will take a moment to settle as you play them, so to avoid the pitch drastically changing, give a hefty strike in the middle of the drum with the palm of your hand, to force the drum head settle a bit, to make it easier to maintain the pitch. Continue to play the using different stroke types, listen closely to evaluate the pitch, make any micro adjustments you need to, and you’re good to go!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON TIMBALE TUNING
As with congas and bongos, tuning timbales is a life long discipline. t’s definitely worth taking the time to learn to tune properly as it makes a world of difference on the bandstand and in the studio. Even taking the time to get tuned before a timbale lesson will help your drums sound better and help you better convey your musical intention to your teacher or fellow students.
These are just some loose guidelines to keep in mind when learning how to play timbales. Ideally what you want to do, is listen to recordings of different genres, eras and players; and find tunings that you like, that compliment the musical situation that you're in.
If you’re interested in learning more about this incredible instrument, come check out our Membership options at CongaChops.com. We’ve got an incredible library of Timbale Lessons and Courses, over 10+ hours of exclusive Practice Loops, and an amazing Community Forum where you can meet and discuss with other timbaleros players, as well as get 1-on-1 feedback on everything you’re working on.