The (3,1) Mode
The fifth mode of a circular membrane is the (3,1) mode which has three nodal diameters and one nodal circle (the outside edge). Like the (1,1) and (2,1) modes, this pattern is a poor radiator of energy and therefore takes longer to decay, and contributes to the harmonicity of the pitch of a timpano. It is the third of the preferred modes.
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I hate plastic heads. They just don’t work for much of the repertoire. Trying to play Bach, Haydn or Mozart on plastic heads is like trying to bring them into the 20th century, and it just doesn’t fit.