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.
The first thing to consider is how to play on them. It is not just about smashing sticks against metal. Harsh treatment will often result in damage and this in turn will affect the sound of the instrument.
Another thing to be wary of is how you handle them. Two cloths are needed to clean them properly. You should use one for applying a cleaner and the other for removing it. This will reduce the chances of getting fingerprint stains on the metal.
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.
As well as cleaning it is important that they are looked after while being transported. You should avoid resting them along the edge unless the bag has dividers. The bag itself should be solid enough to support the cymbals and help prevent any damage. A lot of instruments come with bags when you purchase them. However it may be better to invest in a specialist transport bag in order to make sure they are protected as much as possible. As with a lot of products it is worth looking online to compare the different brands available.
When storing them make sure you do so without resting them on the edge, unless you have dividers in your storage bag. When buying instruments you often get the bag included. However a specialist brand may be better for more protection for your instrument.
Another important part of how to care for your cymbals is transport. Reserving a seat on public transport should ensure you have room. Avoid luggage compartments as you do not want to put pressure on the cymbals. When at a gig and someone else is setting up the kit make sure you show them how to install your drum kit and clean it properly.
The first thing to consider is how to play on them. It is not just about smashing sticks against metal. Harsh treatment will often result in damage and this in turn will affect the sound of the instrument.
Another thing to be wary of is how you handle them. Two cloths are needed to clean them properly. You should use one for applying a cleaner and the other for removing it. This will reduce the chances of getting fingerprint stains on the metal.
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.
As well as cleaning it is important that they are looked after while being transported. You should avoid resting them along the edge unless the bag has dividers. The bag itself should be solid enough to support the cymbals and help prevent any damage. A lot of instruments come with bags when you purchase them. However it may be better to invest in a specialist transport bag in order to make sure they are protected as much as possible. As with a lot of products it is worth looking online to compare the different brands available.
When storing them make sure you do so without resting them on the edge, unless you have dividers in your storage bag. When buying instruments you often get the bag included. However a specialist brand may be better for more protection for your instrument.
Another important part of how to care for your cymbals is transport. Reserving a seat on public transport should ensure you have room. Avoid luggage compartments as you do not want to put pressure on the cymbals. When at a gig and someone else is setting up the kit make sure you show them how to install your drum kit and clean it properly.
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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 online and great reasons to buy cymbal cases
