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Orchestral Percussion Hire Checklist

A practical checklist for orchestras, brass bands and touring productions — covering timpani, mallet instruments, cymbals & traps, stands, mallets, stage layout and transport.

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What to confirm first (saves the most time)

  • Repertoire / programme: instrument list varies wildly between works
  • Venue + access: stairs/lift, push distance, loading times
  • Stage layout: available space, risers, sightlines, noise control
  • What’s already provided: house kit vs hired kit (avoid duplicates)
  • Who provides mallets? some players prefer their own — confirm early

Timpani checklist

  • How many drums, and sizes required (typical set: 32/29/26/23 but varies)
  • Pedal style / preferred brand (or “equivalent OK”)
  • Player preference: German/French grip? (helps with mallet selection)
  • Tuning gauge requirement / lights
  • Hard cases / covers needed for touring

Mallet instruments checklist

  • Marimba size (4.3 / 5.0 octave), frame height preference
  • Vibraphone with motor? (and power location)
  • Xylophone / Glockenspiel (with stand height)
  • Chimes (tubular bells) + beater type
  • Transport: flightcases and lifting plan

Cymbals & traps checklist

  • Suspended cymbal size + stand type
  • Crash cymbals, hi-hats, sizzle requirements
  • Tam-tam size + stand
  • Triangle(s) + clip + beater(s)
  • Bass drum size + stand + mallet(s)
  • Snare drum(s) (concert vs marching) + stands
  • Aux percussion: tambourine, claves, woodblocks, shakers, etc.

Stands, mallets & accessories

  • Music stands (Manhasset type or touring stands)
  • Trap tables, stick trays, drum rug
  • Mallet packs (general purpose + soft/hard pairs)
  • Spare heads, drum keys, small spares

Copy/paste quote template

Copy this into an email and fill it in — it’s the fastest way to get an accurate quote.

Subject: Orchestral percussion hire – Quote request (DATE + VENUE) Hi EV-ENTZ, We need orchestral percussion hire for: Event date(s): Venue + postcode: Get-in time / access window(s): Programme / repertoire (or instrument list attached): What is already provided by the venue (if anything): Instruments required (tick / list): - Timpani (sizes / number): - Marimba (4.3 / 5.0 octave): - Vibraphone (motor yes/no): - Xylophone / Glockenspiel: - Chimes: - Bass drum / cymbals / tam-tam: - Snare / toms / aux percussion: - Stands / trap tables / music stands: - Mallets required (yes/no / prefer own): Support needed: delivery only / delivery+setup / on-site tech Day-of contact name + phone: Thanks, [NAME]

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