Which timpanist stroke is indirect, heavy, quick?

• A. wring
• B. slash
• C. flick
• D. punch

Answer: (B)

In timpani technique, different strokes shape how the sound starts, how loud it is, and how long it lasts. An indirect stroke means the mallet doesn’t strike straight down at the center; instead, it lands at a slight angle or from the side, producing a more abrupt impulse with less sustain. A heavy attack comes from a firm, controlled strike, and a quick attack from a short contact and fast release. The slash stroke combines these traits: a brief, diagonal motion that delivers a strong, concise impulse, giving a sound that is both heavy and quick.

The other options don’t fit as well. Wring involves a twisting action that colors the tone differently and tends to alter decay more than create a direct, heavy strike. Flick is typically a light, quick touch with less weight. Punch is a direct, strong hit but not produced as an indirect, slicing action, so it lacks the off-center, slicing quality described.