Cymbal Care via DrumJunction.com

Tough But Delicate: Cymbal Care-
How to Keep Them Looking New!

Proper cymbal care is often overlooked...which is interesting since a good bit of care goes into protecting drums. And rightly so, drum shells and heads are easily dented and scratched.

...but what about the cymbals?

The answer probably lies in the nature of the instrument. METAL THAT IS HIT WITH A STICK. They're made to take the abuse right? Yes and No. A lot of effort goes into creating the look and sound produced by each cymbal. Casual neglect or harsh treatment can degrade these features before you realize it.

So what do you do about it? There are several but simple steps you can take. The first is...

Cleaning

Enemy #1 is finger prints. It's a given that setup/teardown activities and playing techniques will bring hands into contact with your cymbals. Although our hands "look" clean, they contain oils that can cause damage if not cleaned off properly or quickly enough.

The best cymbal care for finger prints is a cleaner specially designed for your cymbals. Instructions provided by the cymbal company (and possibly the place you bought them) will specify which one is safe.

There are several types of cymbal cleaners on the market, and each use a slightly different approach. For example, one type should be rubbed on and allowed to dry completely before wiping off. Another type is sprayed on and then wiped off immediately.

Choosing a Cleaner

Do you have "sheet bronze (stamped)" or "bell bronze (cast)" cymbals? This matters because bell bronze cymbals have the metal buffed to shine while sheet bronze models usually get their finish from a lacquer coating.

Cleaners for most bell bronze cymbals use mild cutting agents. These quickly remove oils and dirt build-up. Just be careful not let this type stand in a concentrated form. It should be spread quickly.

Here are a few tips on applying cleaners to bell bronze cymbals:

• For pastes-use two cloths. One for applying and one for removing. Be sure to use the clean portion of the cloths as you go.

• Go with the grooves. you should rub in the direction of the grooves to ensure all the metal is covered and to prevent buildup.

• Work in small sections. Due to the cutting nature of the cleaners, spots can form if it isn't spread evenly as soon as it is applied.

Keep This in Mind

Don't let the type of cymbal you have (cast/stamped) determine the amount of care you give. Both require good hygiene!

Many cleaners have chemicals that are harse and can irritate your eyes, lungs, and skin. So please wear protection when handling them.

Protect the area you work in with an old towel, painters drop cloth, or similar covering. The residue of material removed from cymbals can make a mess.

Transport

For some drummers, cymbals will stay on the stands most all the time. But for the rest of us, they are transported to other locations for practice or performances.

When setting a cymbal down, don't rest it on its edges unless it is in a cymbal bag that has dividers in it. The dividers should be a non-abbrasive material and cover as much of the metal surface as possible.

Some cymbal packs come with a bag as a "bonus". Be sure it is of good quality with padding and dividers. A good quality bag costs only about $50. Compare that to replacing one cast cymbal? OR an entire set.

If you're serious about protecting your investment of professional quality cymbals (that could be worth $1,000+), one of best case you can get is rigid in design.

When it comes to handling your cymbals, if you're not the one who will be setting up or tearing down your kit, be sure you train the person who does- yeah, like we all have roadies ;-)

Face it, no one is going to care about your instrument as much as you. Ultimately YOU are responsible for their care. Instructing your helpers about finger print issues, edges awareness, and cloth placement between cymbals will do wonders for maintaining those gems!