29/09/2026
🥁 Rogers Timpani Restoration Update
A couple of interesting early-1970s Rogers timpani have been in the Rebound Percussion workshop for a clean-up and assessment.
Both bowls have cleaned up really well and are in sound condition, the wheels are good and the heads are still usable. I would recommend replacing the heads within the next 18 months, but they can continue to be used in the meantime.
The biggest issue is the pedal mechanisms.
The 29” is missing a bolt and spacer, and the brake pads are worn and need replacing.
The 26” is missing both the brake pads and the brake-pad plates.
Both drums have also had Premier tuning gauges added at some point in their lives. These weren’t factory-standard Rogers equipment, and both gauges need adjustment. Several of the letter indicators are also missing and will need to be replaced.
At the moment, both pedals are stuck in the high position, but I’m confident they should free up with some careful lubrication and servicing.
I’ve already sourced the missing bolts and will source suitable material for the brake pads. I’ll also be fabricating the missing metal spacer and brake-pad plates, along with replacement letters for the tuning gauges.
These are all small components, but they’re important — the pedals won’t operate correctly until the missing parts are made and fitted.
Once everything is fabricated, fitted, lubricated and adjusted, the aim is to have these Rogers back in proper playing condition and ready for many more years of service.
This is a good example of the sort of work involved in bringing older percussion instruments back to life. Sometimes it’s not simply a matter of cleaning an instrument — it’s about understanding how it was designed, working out what’s missing, and making the parts that are no longer available.
Rebound Percussion — Reskin. Repair. Resound. 🥁
Need your percussion instruments assessed or serviced? Get in touch with Rebound Percussion for a free percussion health check.
