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How To Look After Your Cymbals
You may feel that the items on a drum kit are designed to take abuse. However this is not the case. It is important to look after your drum kit and part of this is knowing how to care for your cymbals and keeping them in the best condition.
Traditionally drum kits are often associated with rock and roll. Some of the most iconic images feature artists kicking over their kits or abusing their instruments. While this may look cool in a photograph it is less cool when you need to pay to have them replaced. It may seem like they may be designed to be hit with sticks but it does not mean they can take any amount of abuse.
As well as the look of an instrument excessive force can also damage it in other ways. It can change the sound of the drum kit. Therefore it is important to look at video demonstrations on the internet to see how to use the instrument properly.
Cleaning is another important aspect. Before playing hand washing is vital as natural oils in the skin can often damage an instrument. Finger print marks often look unattractive and should be cleaned off. Avoid using furniture polish as this is not designed to clean instruments and may cause more damage. Instructions from the instrument manufacturer should be able to recommend the right type of cleaner.
This will depend on the type of cymbal you have. Sheet bronze requires a lacquer coating while bell need to be buffed to shine. You should use two types of cloth, one to apply the cleaner and one to remove it. When using cloths clean using one side or remove with one side and then use the other side in order to get the most out of them. Clean along the grooves for the best possible results.
If you are getting a lift in car or on public transport you should make sure there is enough room to carry them without using a luggage compartment. This is why a lot of musicians book extra seats on planes and trains in order to make sure that their instruments are not crushed. You may not be able to afford this so it is worth looking to see if there is enough to space to carry them with you.
The best way to learn how to care for your cymbals is to look online for the best cleaners, cleaning cloths and storage bags. These will help you to make sure they are properly looked after. If someone else is installing your drum kit you should show them how to clean and store the cymbals. With the right approach you will keep them in the best condition.
Traditionally drum kits are often associated with rock and roll. Some of the most iconic images feature artists kicking over their kits or abusing their instruments. While this may look cool in a photograph it is less cool when you need to pay to have them replaced. It may seem like they may be designed to be hit with sticks but it does not mean they can take any amount of abuse.
As well as the look of an instrument excessive force can also damage it in other ways. It can change the sound of the drum kit. Therefore it is important to look at video demonstrations on the internet to see how to use the instrument properly.
Cleaning is another important aspect. Before playing hand washing is vital as natural oils in the skin can often damage an instrument. Finger print marks often look unattractive and should be cleaned off. Avoid using furniture polish as this is not designed to clean instruments and may cause more damage. Instructions from the instrument manufacturer should be able to recommend the right type of cleaner.
This will depend on the type of cymbal you have. Sheet bronze requires a lacquer coating while bell need to be buffed to shine. You should use two types of cloth, one to apply the cleaner and one to remove it. When using cloths clean using one side or remove with one side and then use the other side in order to get the most out of them. Clean along the grooves for the best possible results.
If you are getting a lift in car or on public transport you should make sure there is enough room to carry them without using a luggage compartment. This is why a lot of musicians book extra seats on planes and trains in order to make sure that their instruments are not crushed. You may not be able to afford this so it is worth looking to see if there is enough to space to carry them with you.
The best way to learn how to care for your cymbals is to look online for the best cleaners, cleaning cloths and storage bags. These will help you to make sure they are properly looked after. If someone else is installing your drum kit you should show them how to clean and store the cymbals. With the right approach you will keep them in the best condition.
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Check out our tips and advicde on how to care for your cymbals now in our guide to where to buy Sabian cymbals on the Internet and great reasons to buy cymbal cases