Overtime, the grueling drum sessions will make your cymbals look like a tin can.
Those cracks, dents and rusts will not only ruin your instrument but your budget as well! There are steps you need to do in order to save your cymbals from being just a piece of metal, like cleaning/polishing and repairing.
Let's take a closer look at each one of them.
To bring back the luster of your cymbals, you need to have a regular schedule of polishing.
Not only will it bring back the beauty of your cymbals, polishing also helps in removing rust, stains and dirt from your instrument.
One thing to remember though is to determine the material of your cymbals.
Cymbals made from bronze require a different polisher compared to alloy cymbals.
Now for the polishing, use two pieces of cloth.
Use the first cloth to apply the polisher on the cymbals.
It is important to do the polishing in parts, just like a pie.
Use the second cloth to polish the cymbals.
Protect your eyes, hands and nose at all times because some polisher has strong compounds.
If necessary, do not let your hands touch the cymbals.
Though our hands look clean, they have certain acids and chemicals that can stain and damage the sensitive coating of the cymbals.
If you really have to move or adjust your cymbals, cover them with a piece of cloth before touching them.
Repairing cymbals are quite tricky; because it is expensive and at the same time, a necessity.
One of the things you need to know in fixing cymbals is: do not break them in the first place.
Do not mistreat them.
Take good care of them by learning the best and correct playing techniques.
It is that simple.
There are different kinds of damage your cymbals accumulate over time, these are: cracks, dents, nicks and warping.
Cracks usually appear along the grooves of cymbals.
The best way to prevent cracks from growing is by drilling holes on the opposite sides and widening the crack.
Accidentally dropping your cymbals on its edge can cause nicks.
You can smooth them out using a sand-paper, or leave it altogether and just avoid that part while you are playing.
For dents, cover your cymbals with a cloth and carefully hammer the affected part.
You'll know if your cymbals have bent or warped parts if they don't lay flat.
Heat is also a reason in warping.
Unfortunately, warping is a bit tricky because there are cymbals that sounds good even they already have irregular shapes.
The ideal advice is to judge by your ears and decide whether the cymbals are still ideal for playing or not.
Taking care of you cymbals will pay huge dividends overtime.
As much as possible, do not let them stay on the rods for too long, do not leave them leaning against the wall and lastly, do not touch them directly with your hands.
These tips will surely help you to preserve the sound and look of your cymbals.