Copper Vs. Aluminum Timpani
When choosing timpani for your musical organization, invest in timpani that will benefit your group the most. A professional orchestra will want timpani that enhances its sonority, whereas recreational municipal bands may be more mindful of budgetary constraints.
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Weight
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Copper's density of 8.9 g/cm3 makes it a heavier metal than aluminum, which has a density of 2.7 g/cm3. Aluminum timpani will therefore be easier to move due to its lower unit weight.
Timbre
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According to ndt-ed.org, denser metals vibrate at slower speeds and produce lower frequencies. Overall, copper timpani produce a lower timbre of sound while aluminum timpani have a higher timbre.
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Durability
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Using the Mohs Scale of Hardness, copper has a hardness rating of 3 while aluminum's rating is between 2.5 and 3. Aluminum timpani will dent more readily if you hit them accidentally.
Cost
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Owing to the price of the raw metal, copper timpani are more expensive than their aluminum counterparts. As of December 2009, birdlandmusic.net offers a 20" aluminum timpani for $990. A copper timpani of the same diameter at Woodwind Brasswind sells for $1,839.
Availability
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As cheaper materials become available, aluminum timpani are becoming less common. Music directors are able to purchase copper timpani despite the higher cost.
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