Opinions of our customers

Dieter Dyk
Principal timpanist of the Tonhalle Orchester Zurich

"The result (of the bowl construction) is a full, round sound which is very much completed and achieved by the diameter of the bowl.... the instrument ideally unites the clearness of earlier timpani with the sound requirements of modern times. Without doubt the goatskin with its superior  qualities, is properly in place here by hundred percent. The sound cannot always be called beautiful in the usual sense because of stronger appearing irregularities (fur structure). However, by the guidance of the bowl the tone seems very calm, and the intact overtone hierarchy causes us to feel the sound beautiful. Maybe one could describe this in the following way: It is not the elimination of irregularities, but the connection to the whole which reveals this uncomparable beauty. A beauty which does not follow regularity and symmetry. Character and variety! Isn´t that what we are looking for?
Here in the Tonhalle, we play on a set of Viennese timpanis since February 1999 and, not surprisingly, it excellently fits the hall’s acoustics. However, the most outstanding feature of these instruments - besides its characteristic design - is, that – following the musical intention - they can be played in the largest Fortissimo, with whole strength, without causing an ugly, noisy sound.”

Marinus Komst
Principal timpanist of the Concertgebouw Orkest Amsterdam

"Dear Mr. Schuster,
I was very happy to play your timps in the concerts we had with the Concertgebouw Orchestra in these last weeks! We played classic- and more modern repertoire. My colleagues and I were surprised by the warm and noble sound of the Schuster-drums! The beautiful sound and design in combination with the easy and quick-stable tuning amazed us all! The drums are very light in weight and also with goat-skins very stable in different weather-conditions.”

Roland Altmann
Principal timpanist of the Wiener Philharmoniker

“A prominent feature of the Vienna timpani: played even with full intensity, it never breakes out of the sound of the orchestra. A further characteristic is the full and round sound, integrating itself in the orchestra sound. Most likely several parameters interact here: the special form and diameter of the bowl, the use of goatskin and the special construction.”

Michael Vladar
Principal timpanist of the Wiener Symphoniker

"There is plenty of information about the history of the Viennese timpani, the particular design and the characteristics of sound, especially on this website. More importantly, in my opinion, is the experience with the instruments.  I had that experience when I first came to the orchestra and my emphatic wish was fulfilled: to play on those instruments on which I started playing at university, and with which I was impressed from the beginning. A set of 5 timpanis were purchased and, to my utmost surprise, many colleagues noticed the “new” timbre and said: “it fits so well in the orchestra sound!” and “it sounds so clean and not sharp at all!”. Many conductors are enthused by the warm, natural timbre and put emphasis on the fact that the instruments perfectly complete the orchestra sound. In my opinion, there is no question that there are no timpanis more suitable for the music of the classical and romantic period than the Viennese timpanis."

Mag. Gunther Benedikt
Tonkünstler Orchester Niederösterreich

"Playing on Timpanis” by Wolfgang Schuster is a real pleasure because these instruments fit so well into the orchestral sound. The timpani head which is made of goatskin in combination with flannel and felt sticks turns out to be ideal. I never achieved this wonderful timbre with different types of timpanis or timpani heads. In my opinion, these instruments are perfect for any orchestra.”

Andreas Steiner
Percussionist and Timpanist of the  Mozarteum Orchester Salzburg
Artistic director of “Salzburg Solisten”

"The Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, founded in 1841, plays its standard repertoire on timpanis that come out of the Viennese sound tradition. The model “Hochrainer”, improved by Prof. Schuster, is particularly more suitable for this music than any other instrument.”

Tom Vissgren
Principal Timpanist of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra

"The Wiener-Pauke made by Wolfgang Schuster was first introduced to me during a concert in the Wiener Konzerthaus with the Bergen Philharmonic. I had asked Dr.Schuster to lend me a set for this particular program. It was a beautiful experience. After this I purchased a set of 4 drums for the orchestra and had some memorable moments, playing Brahms, Sibelius, Beethoven, Schostakowitsch etc. Since leaving the position as Principal Timpanist in Bergen for the same position in the Oslo Philharmonic also ment leaving the timpani behind. I immediately purchased a set ( of 4 ) for my new orchestra. In both of the orchestras I've had a lot of positive feedback from my collegues. They especially pointed out the blending qualities and the warm sound . And, also the fact that you can't overplay these instruments. Thank you, Wolfgang Schuster, for introducing me to these timpani."

o.Univ.Prof.Mag.Gerald Fromme
Principal timpanist of the Radio Symphonieorchester Wien

"This special timpani is like my own child. I have to care for it, talk to it, and to deal with it tenderly when maintaining the instrument. If I care well, the instrument thankfully talks in a distinctive manner, with a soft, dark-colored sound and with an incomparable stability, when playing dynamically extreme parts. Its body is noble beauty, its sound full and round. In tutti, there is no instrument that can be better integrated, free and open, thanks to its Spartanic design. If the condition of the goat skin is optimal, (goat skin is the only material that can be used on this instrument) the way is paved for an extraordinary musical experience.”

Peter De Raeve
Belgium

"These timpany are the 'best' that I have ever played on. The Viennese timpani that are made by my good friend, Professor Schuster, and those before him, are a dream for any professional percussionist or timpanist! The real sound comes from the heart, from musicians who have a heart for these perfect instruments!"

Philippe Bajard
Principal Timpanist at Opera Rouen

"I take pleasure, still unrivalled, in playing the viennese timpani of Professor Schuster. These timpani offer us the magical meeting of past and present, of tradition and modernity. The extraordinary thing is that the timpani combines extremes which seemed irreconcilable : it’s the subtle marriage between a clear sound and a warm sound, between tenderness and strength. The timpani, with its round, rich and full sound, integrates the orchestra smoothly, envelops and guides it firmly and delicately. Assuredly, these “Wiener Pauken” permit the timpanist to play this subtlety of nuances."