CLEANING CYMBALS

[bonzolead]

"Bar Keepers Friend" does a great job and it's cheap 2-3 dollars a can.a can should easily last you a year.

Bonzolead

[GRUNTERSDAD]

And if you look right above your post you will find an entire thread on CLEANING CYMBALS.

[Paul Quin]

"Bar Keepers Friend" does a great job and it's cheap 2-3 dollars a can.a can should easily last you a year.

Bonzolead


No, No No . . . please!!!!!!

If this a joke it worries me that someone might take you up on it! If not then this is just wrong. You should never use an abrasive cleaner on cymbals. Bar Keepers Friend (for those in the UK think "Vim") cleans by using tiny abrasive particles which will actually ruin your cymbals.

If cleaning your cymbals is important to you try Groove juice it actually works.

Now I have to go lie down . . .

[Mystic]

I have the Zildjian polish and it worked great for me, it even took a few spots off of one of my sabian cymbals.

[TheIronCobr4]

I'd say don't clean them at all. That dirt that builds up on your cymbals is worth a lot, not money, but in sound properties. In 10-15 years, those B8's will sound as good as any AAX, given the right circumstances. Nylon tips are great, I love the sound it gives on the ride cymbal. I really should go back to wood tips though, haven't played any of those in over a year.

I agree hear. There is nothing better then a dirty cymbal. Sounds worse then it is, it really gives your cymbal a great sound.

[Namaan]

guys, i was curious about something...

would it be safe to use paiste cleaner on my MB10's, as they look a little grubby right now and they look better clean?

[thebealteso9k]

i just use a rag when the get dusty and when there realy dirty some soap and water and a rag they look good to me

[Crusto 62]

Do you guys really clean your cymbals? I can't get enough dirty old second hand cymbals. They sound great !!!!!

[Batera945]

Im really disappointed with "groove Juice". I used it last night and this morning when i went to look at my cymbals they looked like crap... My meinls looks terrible... I need some help with better products... I can never find a meinl cymbal cleaner around here... = (


guys, i was curious about something...

would it be safe to use paiste cleaner on my MB10's, as they look a little grubby right now and they look better clean?

I don't know... but don't use Groove juice.... that killed my byzance...

I'm gonna try to find meinl cleaners and i'll let you know the results if I do.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

259 Posts to this question and still no definitive answer.

[bonzolead]

No, No No . . . please!!!!!!

If this a joke it worries me that someone might take you up on it! If not then this is just wrong. You should never use an abrasive cleaner on cymbals. Bar Keepers Friend (for those in the UK think "Vim") cleans by using tiny abrasive particles which will actually ruin your cymbals.

If cleaning your cymbals is important to you try Groove juice it actually works.

Now I have to go lie down . . ."Bar Keepers Friend" hasn't. ruined any of my cymbals after 20 yrs. of cleaning them does "groove juice" have any petrolium in it.if it does that will ruin your cymbals it will put a film on them and make them sound dull that goes for any petrolium based product.

Bonzolead

[Spencer_159]

Sabian has hit the nail on the head!
If you are using Sabian cymbals I highly recommend "Sabian Performance Cymbal cleaner" I have used it on my cymbals time and time again the logos have not came off although a tiny tiny bit of fading in the writing is noticeable on the Hand Hammered cymbals. I was very cautious at first only cleaning around the logos, finally i thought XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX and to my surprise it did not get rid of the logos. I haven't tried this product on any other cymbals other than my own (Which are all Sabian) but i encourage you to try it if you want a brand spankin' new looking cymbal.

[Johnny Resin]

As long as you don't miss logos. Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Fine Grit Steal Wool. Then wash the cymbal completely with soap and water. Like new. And much cheaper. I actually have used this for years and learned it from my Dad who restores Player Pianoes, Organs, and Juke boxes. thus cleaning brass fittings.

I don't clean at all now. I like dirty cymbals personally.

that's worked great for me on my one B20 alloy cymbal, but on my B8 alloy cymbals it seems to work great at first, but after just a few minutes the cymbal turns a bit pink-ish...and it happens no matter how well i wash, rinse, and dry them after...

and i have a mix of brands and quality B8 alloy cymbals, and it does it to all of them, so i know it's not just the cheap ones!

[Charley Braun]

Cymbal cleaning has always been a hard question to answer and reading the various posts listed here, the debate continues. It was simple 45+ years ago. We had good cymbals and bad cymbals. The finishes on the Zildjians weren't as diversified as todays and the cleaning was simple...cleanser and water. If you didn't rinse and dry properly, look out! Pasty crud and green was what you were left with on your prize cymbals. Today, I found a copper/brass cleaner called Twinkle that seems to do the trick for STANDARD finish A. Zildjians for which is my cymbal of choice. It's a paste and does not seem to harm the cymbals (or printed logos) in any manner. Of course, if you use too much pressure on anything you will probably remove more than you wish or get some areas cleaner than others, leaving your cymbals spotty looking. An even pressure is my practice in a tub with running water for a thorough rinse. Then have several dry towels handy. First to remove excess water, then completely dry cymbal and a soft buffing towel to bring up luster. Then I let them "air out" before returning them to the case. A drummer pal turned me on to Twinkle after he showed me his beautiful 55 year old Zildjians that looked like they came out of the factory. But please keep in mind, I have the basic A. Zildjian cymbals with no extra finish or special coatings (eg. brilliant finish, etc.) applied. I do not know how Twinkle would affect those cymbals. But by using the simple moderate pressure described above, with repeated use, your "pies' will look better and better each time you do them. Charley Braun

[Philippe]

I have always been using Paiste cymbal cleaner and Paiste Cymbal Protector, but I clean my cymbals maybe once or twice a year. I think it's okay to to and I see no disadvantage in doing it.

[Jedo]

what do you guys think of the zildjian cymbal spray?

[Nodiggie]

I use Meguiar's cleaner wax. Oh yeah, works great on cars too. lol

Seriously, the coating will also help keep the cymbal from oxidizing and makes it easier to wipe off finger prints with a "micro-fiber" cloth. My Z-Customs "shine like the top of the Chrysler building" :)

[KONA]

I haven't read all the posts here and my answer has probably been posted a number of times but I'll give my two-cents worth anyway - for the record.

40 years ago I used mild soap and warm (not hot) water, rinsed, dried with a clean soft lint-free towel and buffed lightly when needed. I still do that today - It works for me.

[m1ck]

Some companies spray some kind of thin film coating on their cymbals to keep them shiny longer. Paiste is well known for this. ...

I didn't know this.

I've used Windex and a dry towel to get the fingerprints off my relatively new PST-5s. Maybe two or three times in several months.

Have I messed up? Will the ammonia in Windex remove that coating? So far they still look good, and I want to keep them shiny forever.

[Steamer]

I didn't know this.

I've used Windex and a dry towel to get the fingerprints off my relatively new PST-5s. Maybe two or three times in several months.

Have I messed up? Will the ammonia in Windex remove that coating? So far they still look good, and I want to keep them shiny forever.


No worries. You would have to use something stronger and more corrosive to metal like brasso to take the spray coating off your Paistes.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I have used Brasso, and its nothing but ammonia.

[Steamer]

I have used Brasso, and its nothing but ammonia.

I used brasso on an old Paiste 20" 2002 crash back in the late 70's. Took the film coating off in an instant and the cymbal started to darken and develope patina in a few days. I've used windex on coated cymbals in the past and it's done nothing to the protective coating. Can't say the same for brasso based on my firsthand experience especially with film coated Paiste cymbals.

[ChickDrummer:)]

Can I just whine for a minute?? Someone put greasy or some kind of fingers on my Zildjian and made marks. So-I tried to wash it off with a wet rag. No.. went and got some zildjian cymbal cleaner (the guy recommended it).. it worked a little better. WHAT A MESS! I would never make a military person, since I am not good at polishing and rubbing, polishing and rubbing.. endlessly! The cymbal is better now, the marks still show a bit, but I vote with all the ones here that say leave the brass to age and turn whatever color it's supposed to. Unless you have a power buffer, leave it alone.. In my humble, newbie, mind...

[morguis]

Hi everybody.I´m a new member, but hitting & kicking since 1986. I´ve been readding from most of you. I don´t know if all your cleanning methods work.Maybe some are better than others. With my cymbals (2002, Giant Beats and Armand Beautiful Baby) I do like people from Magreb (north Africa) do from hundreds of years on cleanin their bronze dishes: lemmon. No polishing, just let lemmon acts by eating that green patina,let the alchemy rolls. Cymbal does not suffer at all, as well as logo.Take off with wet cloth or water and you´ll see lemmon juice turns into green.Caution: if you spread around the cymbal with half a lemmon, take care with the seeds. Remove them first to avoid scratches. And one more thing: I don´t think of the importance of that factory-coat in Paistes. 60´s cymbals got none,I guess (no computers for that in those years, as well as ancient turkish and chinesse cymbals). But of course this is my point of view...

[JanosA]

i got some of the sabian spray cleaner, and it cleaned up a bit, but I was dissappointed. After multiple applications, i still have fingerprintes ALL oVER my cymbals.

I think ill try out the toothpaiste method, followed by a lemon/ salt rub down. I'll post with the result.

i'll take before/ after pics.

[rootheart]

If you want to reanimate cymbals that have being living in your basement for many years or some really rotten ol cymbals you bought at the fleemarket:
simply paint them with ketchup (!!!!)...:-)
Let it soak for an hour or for a night, then use the rough side of your mom´s kitchen dishwashing sponque to wipe the ketchup off.
There U go..just like brandnew....removes anything including those black layers of junk and all that green stuff...no kidding...without any Karate Kid rubbing exercise..it really works!, I do not know why.
I happenden to find this tipp many moons ago, when both me and the internet was young...I thought it was kidding, but I´m crazy enough to give any weired tipp a try..then surpisingly all of the sudden it did work for me (after 2 weeks of invane trying out anything the drummer-market sells and all the arguments written in forums by chemistry scientists)..and it made my day

[drumguyfromWI]

I don't like cleaning my cymbals... IMO, I think the grime the cymbal acumulates over the years makes the cymbal sound better.

Plus, I'd be afraid I'd do it wrong and ruin my cymbals. And cymbals aren't cheap.

[cantstandyourfunk]

259 Posts to this question and still no definitive answer.

Man, aren't we a finicky lot!
Just use water. And if you have spare cash, buy those cymbals cleaners.

[RogerLudwig]

I like Groove Juice....it works without all the rubbing and mess of Brasso or the Zildjian brand cleaner

[Daphfz]

Does groove juice really make the cymbals look brand new? I have ZBT cymbals, will brasso damage them? And Will Groove Juice Work on them?

[Hybridt@vo]

Does groove juice really make the cymbals look brand new? I have ZBT cymbals, will brasso damage them? And Will Groove Juice Work on them?

ZBTs m.... I wouldnt even clean those cymbals If I was u. Brasso is a bronze cleaner but is extremely aggressive, as for groove juice it does the job in seconds but I had bad experience w it on my K custom hybrid cymbals as it left stains (they dont affect the sound but the look). Lastly if u really want to clean those cymbals I suggest Bosphorus Cymbal Swipes, look them up on google. Worth the money, extremely easy to use, no mess and ur cymbal will thank u

[Daphfz]

Well I made a rash choice last nate and cleaned my zbts with brasso... Cleaned em' right up! They look almost like new! The Brasso worked great :D.
This is the method i used... :

Apply brasso and rub the cymbal all over(Lots Of Elbow Grease). (Repeat until almost all marks are gone).
Washed with warm soapy water & dried.
Rubbed a FRESH cut lemon over the cymbal and rubbed the juice into the cymbal with a soft cloth.
Wash again with warm soapy water & dried.
Get a clean soft cloth and rub the cymbal all over(repeat until it reaches a very nice shine).


Btw I made that method up myself :D.

[DW-jazz-drummer]

Do you guys really clean your cymbals? I can't get enough dirty old second hand cymbals. They sound great !!!!!

Me too. I love aged cymbals look and sound.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

There are obviously two schools of thought on this and yet as I pay more and more attention to groups on the telly, I don't see any of the big guys with anything less than shiny cymbals, as if every gig they get new ones.

[Crydevil]

Hey everyone, I'm sorry if what I'm about to ask has already been asked in this thread, but I was just wondering how to get rid of those black dots that are created on my cymbal after not cleaning them for a while.
I have Paiste cymbals, and clean them with Paiste Cymbal Cleaner (& Protector), but the black dots (of dust?) don't seem to come off.

Can someone help me? :D

Thanks a million in advance !

Grts !
Crydevil

[drumguyfromWI]

Me too. I love aged cymbals look and sound.

I like the look of aged traditional finish cymbals, but brilliant finish cymbals just look horribly tarnished after awhile because of fingerprints and stuff; the brilliant finish brings out the fingerprints a lot more.

but they both sound good aged.

[Daphfz]

Hey everyone, I'm sorry if what I'm about to ask has already been asked in this thread, but I was just wondering how to get rid of those black dots that are created on my cymbal after not cleaning them for a while.
I have Paiste cymbals, and clean them with Paiste Cymbal Cleaner (& Protector), but the black dots (of dust?) don't seem to come off.

Can someone help me? :D

Thanks a million in advance !

Grts !
Crydevil

I cant rly help u, but black dots? i've never seen them, but it sounds like corrossion where some finger acid may have pooled and concentrated once lol, can anyone help him?

[RogerLudwig]

Brasso and elbow grease: I used the same method on my cymbals for 35 years. Then I switched to Groove Juice and will never go back. The stuff sprays on as a clear liquid and washes off with warm soapy water. The cymbals look absolutely better than new.

I'm going to try lemon (thanks to those who recommended this method), but I swear by the Juice.

PS: I always cleaned by cymbals because I wanted them to sound like they did when I bought them. Having spend endless hours searching for the right crashes, I did not necessarily want the sound to change. Was I right? Who knows.

[mogul buster]

Attention............I have just replaced Brasso for my cleaning needs. I have this chrome polish we use at work............it's called X-treem Metal Polish. This comes in a pink impregnated cotton roll................you just rub on until it turns black............then polish clean with a clean cotton cloth...............absolutly amazing stuff.

http://www.highwayshine.com/dbID/119.html

[CousinAvi]

CYMBALS AND HARDWARE FOR SALE

Hey guys! I'm new to this forum and not sure wether selling stuff is allowed here so forgive my naiveity.

I have been playing Tama & Sabians for years.

I have just recently been endorsed by Yamaha & Zildjian (much to my sadness of having to leave Tama & Sabian behind). Anyways i have some gear for sale.

I have just sold my Starclassic Bubinga as a shell pack so i have the hardware (and my cymbals) to sell. All are listed below!!


Thanks for reading.


HARDWARE

3 x Roadpro boom stands

1 x Iron cobra 2 leg hihat stand

1 x 4leg 1st Chair with backrest

1 x Iron cobra limited edition, all chrome kick pedal.

This stuff is 6months old!!! NEVER GIGGED and only used for recording. Excellent, Near new condition

The first to offer me £400, gets it![/SIZE]

This stuff cost me TWICE that 6months ago.

CYMBALS

1 x 22" Artisan Light ride, 6months old, NEVER GIGGED, NEVER RECORDED, rehearsed with a little but no real use. Comes with it's own soft case, engraved 'Artisan' and certificate of authentication. Sold as 'nearly new'. Price £199 This cymbal costs over £300 NEW

1 x 22" AA RAW ride, 6months old, NEVER GIGGED, recorded for 1 track & rehearsed with a little.
This cymbal is raw and dirty. It is unlathed and it absolutely 'sizzles' when played.
Absolutely beautiful! Sold as 'nearly new' Price£160
Again £100 saving on the 'new' price

1 x 21" JoJo Mayer 'fierce' ride. 2months old, NEVER GIGGED, NEVER RECORDED, NEVER EVEN USED.
Again an unlathed cymbal, completely un-marked. Sold as 'Mint' Price £180
Another saving of over £100

1 x 22 HHX Groove ride. 6months old, Brilliant finish. This is the ride i gigged 6 times with and recorded with so it's had SOME use but not much. I've just cleaned it and there's not a mark or scratch on it. It's shiny as new but the logo's have lightened somewhat.
Another beautiful cymbal. Perfect all rounder. No scratches, no stick marks, no corrosion.
Price £150 New £280


1 x 17" HHX Legacy Crash, Traditional finish, The DAVE WECKL crash. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL sounding. I HAVE gigged this cymbal 6 times and recorded with it. But it didn't take hardly any hits and it's cleaned up to NEW CONDITION with all the logo's intact!! No stick marks, no scratches, no corrosion!! MINT!!! Price £120

1 x 18" AA el sabor crash. This is my oldest cymbal. 18 months old. Used well at gigs and recorded with, some minute wear marks, no stick marks, cleaned up lovely, some wear of the logo's but otherwise CLEAN and SHINY. Price £90 ono.

1 x 13" HHX Manhattan Jazz Hats. Sabians answer to the constantinoples. Traditional finish. NEVER GIGGED, RECORDED ONLY. BEAUTIFUL HATS!!! Sound AMAZING recorded. Shame to see 'em go.
I have cleaned the top hat to remove stick marks but the matt lustre of these cymbals has remained. I have my own way of cleaning cymbals. No products, no abrasives. They're still that nice matt finish. NO STICK MARKS, NO SCRATCHES. Sold as Used but nearly new. Well they look just like a pair you'd buy new anyway...!
Price £130
New these are £230

1 x 20" Super Zyn Medium Ride. A lovely cymbal again. Very Very musical and versatile. Gigged recorded and rehearsed with but shines like new since i cleaned it and the logo's REMAIN!!! NO SCRATCHES, NO STICKS MARKS.
Price £70 New it was £130.

Everything i have told you is correct. I spent a LOT of money on these cymbals, Most of which are just 6months old with hardly any use and could still be sold as NEW.

I am not a heavy player at all, more of a groover like J.J. or Steve Jordan. Hence the choice of cymbals i have. So these cymbals have been LOOKED AFTER with kid gloves!!

I'm sad to see them go cos i've always been a Sabian man, but the offer of endorsement means i have no use for them anymore.

I'm trying here as a first port of call and natrally if there's no interest i shall be e-baying them but i'd rather be doing without the hassle to be honest as i don't use ebay that often (1nce every 2 years MAX!!)

Anyone interested can email me at jamoncahill@hotmail.com or can call me during the day to discuss...07807-069980.

I will deliver these cymbals to anywhere in the uk with a flat delivery fee of £40. £20 if within a 70 mile radius of northampton.

Happy thoughts guys.

[CousinAvi]

Ok so it looks like i should have placed the ad in the classifieds...anybody help me out where to find that section???

And i'm guessing everyone here is in the states so i won't get much luck selling my gear anyway huh?

J.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Go to the first forum page, then General Discussion, then Classifieds.

[CousinAvi]

Cheers mate. That helps.

[tard]

being from canada and living about 3.5 hours from the plant i own all sabian but i have found the zildjan clean cream in the tube seems to do the best job with the least work, but try to stay away from the logos, i do mine about once or twice a year to get the finger prints off and to keep them fairly shiny, i bought the brilliant finish for a reason so i try to keep it that way, but i remember that they had some kind of a satin finish too that didnt seem to fingerprint but i find the brilliant finish sounds crisper, anyway thats my 2 cents,

BTW: if you own sabian AA, AAX, HH, HHX or Vault in any finish, they will buff to brilliant finish and restamp the logos and lettering for $25 a cymbal, you pay the shipping there and they will pay it back....

[DamoSyzygy]

Ive had a lot of success with my own method, outlined here. (http://www.damienpetrilli.com/lessons/mar08.pdf).

[DamianArletto]

I play on Zildjian Custom Z's and have been using "Never Dull" metal polish for years and swear by it. It comes in a metal can filled with cotton wadding. You'll have to put some elbow grease in to it but they come out beautiful, then after polishing with a clean terry cloth rag I spray them with Sabian cymbal cleaner to remove any excess polish. It take approx. 2 1/2 hours to clean 9 cymbals but the end result is incredible. They look like mirrors.

There is nothing better than clean, brilliant cymbals.

[megashock5]

I recently bought a 20" A Custom Ride off eBay. It's in great shape other than it's dull and dingy. Aren't the A Customs supposed to have a brilliant finish? I've tried some of the suggestions here (toothpaste, lemon juice, windex) and got a bit of dirt off, but it's still very dull.

Is it worth trying cymbal polish if none of these had any improvement?

Thanks

[geeza]

Ok, i've got a well used 15 year old dirty as hell 20" Zildjian Rock Ride that i could never get really clean untill today. I started off with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser which took most of the filth off with no effort at all. I then used a little comet (no scratch formula) and lightly buffed with the magic eraser. Rinsed it off, did the whole groove juice thing, dried the cymbal and buffed it with some Mothers carnuba wax. BAM! , i could'nt freakin believe it. That old cymbal almost looks new.

[megashock5]

Man, that's beautiful!

[willdrum4food]

Hello Everyone,

I have an 18" Avedis Crash and a 19" Avedis Crash that I just picked up online for my kit. They are extremely dirty as if they had sat around for years without even being acknowledged, and even developed a bit of green on one of the shoulders. I baby my drum kit as if it were my first born, and I was wondering what you would recommend to clean my cymbals up and give them their original shine without using anything that would harm the finish of the cymbals? Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I would read the 8 pages of this thread and you will find as many opinions as there are cymbals on Terry Bozios set.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I recently bought a 20" A Custom Ride off eBay. It's in great shape other than it's dull and dingy. Aren't the A Customs supposed to have a brilliant finish? I've tried some of the suggestions here (toothpaste, lemon juice, windex) and got a bit of dirt off, but it's still very dull.

Is it worth trying cymbal polish if none of these had any improvement?

Thanks
The A customs come in the regular and brilliant finish. sounds as if your is regular.

[danthenoob]

anyone knows something about Trick Polish or dunlop cymbal cleaner??

[natureboy]

Just my own opinion, but I swear my cymbals sound better dirty. I haven't cleaned them in years. Anybody agree? Supposedly, back in the 60's and 70's, some drummers would actually bury their cymbals in the ground to get that dirty feel.

[awfulldrummer]

my opinion. i'm a newbie here. way back in the early eighties everybody told me that i should polish my cymbals,they said it will make them sound so much better. i was young back then and my cymbals looked kind of dull, so i listened. i bought what my favorite drum shop recommended. it was a pasty mess. i put in my elbow grease! now for starters they weren't the best cymbals but the were nice. after i was done they looked so good on their stands. then i played them and i just hated the way they sounded. my cymbals i have now some of which i've had sence i gotten rid of the old "polished" ones are all patina'd up. there is even a lot of green on them. i love how my cymbals sound. all of them are in the K lines. nuthing shiney. to each there own, i wouldn't bury them in the ground but i'll never clean them.greasy finger prints are fine with me too.

thanks
-mike

[Khaine88]

the problem ive had with cleaning cymbals (only my k custom darks and UFIP class ride) is that they never turn out shiny they always seem to go kinda cloudy thats the best way i can describe it, but this only happens when i dry them after rinsing the cymbal clean off. this seems to just happen on my traditional finish cymbals, my brilliant finish cymbals always turnout great

[rockinrider]

...they never turn out shiny they always seem to go kinda cloudy thats the best way i can describe it...

I found that I can get my Zildjians to shine after a cleaning by polishing them with Armour All (http://www.armorall.com/products/view_product.php?product_id=8&main_group=1&category_index=protectants). The product is used primarily for cleaning and polishing the interior of a car.

Apply a very light coating, then buff. There are no side effects; no buildup, no change in sound.



.

[hamster]

I heard a trick from a local shop, just put some green soap(don´t know the official name but it is green) on a bit of cloth and polish away, takes of all the dirt.

[coloradodrummer]

I actually don't like to clean cymbals. It really changes the sound, and I like the dark, earthy tones better.

[jkosh1]

I havent read much of the post so sory if this is listed somewhere else.

I just bought and used the Bosphorus Cymbal Swipes. There were little to no labor invloved and the results were like a brand new cymbal. Very easy to use with great results, and not very expensive! Highly reccomended!

[cantstandyourfunk]

well, I am from India, and the only cleaner I get out here is the Zildjian one, which works just fine with my Ks. But I recently got a pair of AAX Fusion hats, and well, the cleaner just doesn't seem to work. Any ideas, apart from suggesting more branded cleaners that I won't get to lay my hand on?

[bradmapex]

Hi, i got the sabian cymbal cleaner and I was cleaning all my cymbals. I worked fine on all of them except. When i was using it on my HHX-treme the un-lathed bell, (which is darker) seemed to have leaked out on to the rest of the cymbal if that makes sence. I Didnt relize until after i cleaned the back(under) side and fliped it back over. Since then i have tried to clean it with the cleaner again but it didnt work. The strange thing is my ride has an unlathed bell to but it didn't happen there. Any thoughts on what would work to remove this, Thanks.
b r a d .

[trysthedrummer]

can cymbals be re printed??

im looking at buying a pair of AAX stage hats from ebay
but the logo is almost completly faded away

is there a way of getting the logo back??

BTW: if you own sabian AA, AAX, HH, HHX or Vault in any finish, they will buff to brilliant finish and restamp the logos and lettering for $25 a cymbal, you pay the shipping there and they will pay it back....

Not sure if we over the water can get that done. Worth a try asking Sabian about it. No doubt it will be alot more expensive.

Also on ebay I've seen with masking you can paint or spray it back on with this kit. Not sure if the results would look any good.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RE-DO-CYMBAL-LOGO-WITH-OUR-MASK-ZILDJIAN-PAISTE-SABIAN_W0QQitemZ270427118569QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ Musical_Instruments_Drums_Percussions_MJ?hash=item 3ef6b65be9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1683%7C 293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Trys

[destroya]

I tried the Sabian spray a few months back and it was terrible. left a streak on every one, like when your clean your window at the pump, your in the sun and some of it dries. What a pain it was to get out. Went back to brasso, but what a pain that is. So, on a whim I tried Lysol toilet bowl cleaner on my brilliants. Good god this is the easiest way to do it. wipe it on and it cleans it instantly! took 1 minute per cymbal. Just rinsed very well with warm water in the bath tub. Now these were brilliants and the extra buffing makes them easier to clean, but I'll try my regular lathed cymbals next.

Thanks to whoever first posted the idea!!!

[73Rogers]

So, on a whim I tried Lysol toilet bowl cleaner on my brilliants. Good god this is the easiest way to do it. wipe it on and it cleans it instantly! took 1 minute per cymbal. Just rinsed very well with warm water in the bath tub.

Can somebody clarify exactly which Lysol cleaner this is? I looked in the store and there are several different ones. A pic of the container would be great. Thanks!

[bonzolead]

The best & cheapest cymbal cleaner is "Bar Keepers Friend" unlike most cymbal cleaners it has no petrolium in it, Petrolium will put a film on your cymbals and make them sound dull IMO. If you can find it use the paste instead of the powder it works better.

Keep Swattin' Clean Cymbals LOL,
Bonzolead

[meinlman]

I used to clean my cymbals, pretty much ruined them, they were cleaned so well that they needed to be done every week and would tarnish in a day or two. Since I've had my Meinl's, I don't clean them and never will. just a soft cloth to remove finger prints.

[Hojjy]

I've never cleaned my cymbals, but they have dirt in the tonal grooves. That gunna screw them up or make then not last as long?

[starkeydrums]

what do you guys reccomend for getting black finishes off cymbals? im not sure if its a black finish or its just house paint all over the cymbal, but its a paiste prototype.
it hasnt yet, but when it starts getting scratched (or even chipping away), its gonna look pretty unattractive.

[napoleon503]

Well I use Zilldjian cymbal polish which is avalible at most music stores takes a little while but is worth it once it looks shiny :)

[73Rogers]

BKF!!!

I stopped at the grocery store on the way home all prepared to buy some nasty toilet cleaner to try to clean my cymbals. I was surprised to see Bar Keeper's Friend on the shelf. $1.45 for a can - what do I have to lose?
I have to tell you - this stuff is AMAZING! I just cleaned 6 cymbals in a little over an hour. My 36-yr old new beat hats look brand new!! I still can't believe how well this worked and how easy it was. I had a crash that sat in a case for years with a foam block under it. It had a green square on the underside that I could not get off - until now.
I wish I had taken some before pics, but to be honest, I didn't think it was going to work this well.

It did take the logo off of my older (early 80's?) crashes with the "outline" Zildjian logo, but just slightly faded the logo on a newer one with the solid-letter logo.

Thanks to all who recommended it.

[bonzolead]

BKF!!!

I stopped at the grocery store on the way home all prepared to buy some nasty toilet cleaner to try to clean my cymbals. I was surprised to see Bar Keeper's Friend on the shelf. $1.45 for a can - what do I have to lose?
I have to tell you - this stuff is AMAZING! I just cleaned 6 cymbals in a little over an hour. My 36-yr old new beat hats look brand new!! I still can't believe how well this worked and how easy it was. I had a crash that sat in a case for years with a foam block under it. It had a green square on the underside that I could not get off - until now.
I wish I had taken some before pics, but to be honest, I didn't think it was going to work this well.

It did take the logo off of my older (early 80's?) crashes with the "outline" Zildjian logo, but just slightly faded the logo on a newer one with the solid-letter logo.

Thanks to all who recommended it.

That's the only downfall to BKF you have to be careful around the logo's it will take them off.

Just a heads up the makers of BKF makes a similar product called "Copper Glo" I just ordered 4 bottles of it for $12 shipping included "Copper Glo" is specially made to clean Copper,Brass,Bronze,etc. so I figured this stuff would be great for cymbals.If it is I'll throw pops a bottle or two to clean his cymbals after all he's the reason I play drums & use BKF, That's what he uses.

I'll let everybody know how it works.

Bonzolead

[bonzolead]

Got my Copper Glo last week and it's the best stuff I used for cleaning cymbals period it's made by Bar Keepers Friend and does the job way better & faster then BKF it took me about a 1/2 hour to clean my cymbals when it normally took me an hour or two depending on how bad they were. The stuff is like an eraser you only leave it on for 1 minute and that's it seriously.And I've used all sorts of cymbal cleaners.

As with BKF you have to be careful around the logo's and rinse it off real good but the end result is amazing.

I got the liquid not powder just because it rinses easier. Copper Glo is kinda hard to find so I went to there website and had a box shipped UPS took about week or so & cost a little over $12 shipping included and got 4-bottles of it.

If you like clean cymbals as I do I strongly recommend it.

Bonzolead

[Stixxs]

Got my Copper Glo last week and it's the best stuff I used for cleaning cymbals period it's made by Bar Keepers Friend and does the job way better & faster then BKF it took me about a 1/2 hour to clean my cymbals when it normally took me an hour or two depending on how bad they were. The stuff is like an eraser you only leave it on for 1 minute and that's it seriously.And I've used all sorts of cymbal cleaners.

As with BKF you have to be careful around the logo's and rinse it off real good but the end result is amazing.

I got the liquid not powder just because it rinses easier. Copper Glo is kinda hard to find so I went to there website and had a box shipped UPS took about week or so & cost a little over $12 shipping included and got 4-bottles of it.

If you like clean cymbals as I do I strongly recommend it.

Bonzolead

Pictures would be great ???

[bonzolead]

Pictures would be great ???

I don't. have a camera right now just take my word for it. I would not steer any drummer wrong. I've been cleaning cymbals for 30+ years and this is the best stuff i've come across.

Bonzolead

[RMS]

I need some help with this one:

I don't usually clean my cymbals, but I recently bought an A Custom ride that has a huge stain transferred from one of those silencer-pads. I have a variety of chemicals and cleaners at work, and I'm leaning towards trying a solvent, rather than any sort of polishing compound. I'm pretty sure it's a stain, and not corrosion, but it's pretty deep and I can't scratch anything off with my fingernail. My questions are:

1. Has anyone else had their cymbals stained by a silencing pad? Did it come off?

2. Does anyone know of any solvents that I should stay away from, meaning that it will react with the bronze?

Thanks

[laxation]

Whats the general consensus on Brasso?

[bonzolead]

Whats the general consensus on Brasso?

Crap it has petroleum in it and will make your cymbals sound dull IMO.

Bonzolead

[JSDrum]

I am relatively new to experimenting with cleaning products for use as cymbal cleaner.

So I grabbed one of my old Seriously Knackered ZBT crashes & had a little experiment. After experimenting with various products, In the back of my mums cleaning cupboard I found some "Cillit Bang" (I'm sure all the UK members are fimiliar with this, Good old Barry Scott!) I tried a bit of the concentrate spray on my crash (after having little success with many other products!) and to my amazment the SERIOUS dirt on the crash cymbal literally dissolved off INSTANTLY!! (When I say instantly I mean as it was sliding down the surface of the cymbal it was leaving a sparkling clean trail!) Now.. By no means do I guarentee that it will work on my A customs or any of yours.. or have no long term effects, but it certainly worked. I will try and let you guys know if anything happens to affect the cymbal (such as corrosion etc.). However I did Wash it down with soap and water afterwards. Will Keep you posted!

Hope I influenced some of you to try this for yourselves! Please post the results you get! :)

I didn't actually get it finished, because we ran out.. and it was a poor job as I was just trying it out! Hope you get the idea! It was actually even more filthy than the uncleaned parts show! Unfortunately I didn't take a before picture because I was just trying some stuff out for myself! But when I found this I had to post it! :)

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/7233/dsc01268bu.jpg

[jivadayadasa]

This 70's cymbal has turned orange near the edge. Any remedy? Rest of the cymbal is nice.

[Dipschmidt]

Hey guys, I've got sabian xs20's currently and I'm wondering what's the best cleaner that wont effect the finish (its a natural finish), like give it an orange or odd tint to it or effect the sound (if cleaners CAN do that.) thanks

[Biscuit]

Hello. First post here.

I would go with Sabian cymbal cleaner or you could try Groove Juice. Just be careful with the GJ and follow the directions or you could mess up the finish on your cymbals.

[DanFo]

This has probably been asked a hundred times, but I have Sabian AA's and there are green spots on them. I'm pretty sure this is corrosion. Is the Sabian cleaner the best one to use to try and get rid of these and will it get rid of it completely?

[Rhythmkid]

Hello there, A lot of drummers in the sixties and seventies certainly cleaned up some georgeous sounding cymbals, passed on from earlier times gone by, It is the ones that are still in one piece and the sound of clean cymbals that interests me, quite simply, they cut more clearly and cleanly through , although you may need a pair of sunnies to stop the blinding light that they reflect, Buff with lambswool and Brasso with a polish grinder (max 2300 rpm's) for that mirror shine will work in your favour and be benneficial to all who listen.....

[Daphfz]

This has probably been asked a hundred times, but I have Sabian AA's and there are green spots on them. I'm pretty sure this is corrosion. Is the Sabian cleaner the best one to use to try and get rid of these and will it get rid of it completely?

Mate, if you have corrosion, forget the sabian cleaner, whip out some brasso, a dish cloth and good elbow and clean it till the green is gone lol

[DanFo]

Mate, if you have corrosion, forget the sabian cleaner, whip out some brasso, a dish cloth and good elbow and clean it till the green is gone lol

So the brasso won't do any extra damage i'm guessing. Is therr anything I should watch out for?

[Rhythmkid]

Hi there, cymbals are made from alloys, copper being the basis, add zinc to copper creates brass, adding nickel results in nickel silver, combining tin with copper makes bronze. The classic and still preferred alloy for top quality cymbals consisting of bronze was 20% tin and 80% copper by weight dating back to the ancient world, say does the year 1623 and the name Avedis Zildjian ring a bell. Paiste 2002 would have used say 8% tin in the 1970's. This being called B8 alloy although B20 results in superior projection and sustaining of sound. some players prefer cymbals from stamped sheet or cast plates being the usual choice of symphonic percussionists. Brasso has been around more than 100 years. OZZIE contains liquid hydrocarbons 630g/L and ammonia 5g/L. USA contains isopropyl alcohol 5%,silica powder20%,oxalic acid.3%. ammonia up to 10%. So pending on the manufacturers finish or sheen Brasso will maybe get it back to that." Go ahead, make my cymbal sound clear"

[Homeularis]

I just got a Zildjian A custom cymbal pack and as soon as you touch them they get finger prints.In fact they print every time you touch them!.

Anybody know a fast and effective way to keep the looking new?. I know ill be cleaning them at least every month.

Oh,and id like to keep the logos in good shape too.

[fmass92]

I just got a Zildjian A custom cymbal pack and as soon as you touch them they get finger prints.In fact they print every time you touch them!.

Anybody know a fast and effective way to keep the looking new?. I know ill be cleaning them at least every month.

Oh,and id like to keep the logos in good shape too.

use "Groove Juice" .. you can get a whole bottle for like $10 at GC

[mrbling]

hi just for the record i doubt ill ever clean it but i have one of sabians raw bell rides. would you leave out cleaning the bell?

[conchrandy]

Filthy Manhattan-Sabian Performers just cleans it superficially, expensive. Never Dull wrap a little better and finally el cheapo Brasso which that was easily the best but destroyed the logos. While that was no big deal, it leaves me thinking it had to be a bit harsh on the metal. Looks a lot better but still needs a magic bullet. Frustrating.

[Nickropolis]

I haven't cleaned a cymbal before but buying new ones has prompted me to complete the task for the first time. I was definitely not going to use steel wool, toilet bowl cleaner, or muriatic acid (ACID EATS THINGS).

I used Sunlight dish soap (Cucumber Melon, this stuff smells the bomb) and a cellulose sponge and started with my crash. Wet the cymbal, soap on the sponge aaaaaannnnnd go with the scrubbing along the lines of the grooves...I didn't really dig into it a lot but applied enough pressure that some of the dirt in the grooves came out and all of what was on top. Rinse, repeat, rinse, and towel dry. The sound is a bit brighter now with possibly a little more sustain.

I then scrubbed the top of my ride as the bottom wasn't too bad, that came out great. There is still a ring of dark, mottled blotches around the edge about 6 inches wide which doesn't have as much ping but then it goes a bit brighter in shine through the center and the bell. I like the brighter sound so it worked out well for me all around.

Also I noticed the texture on my old cymbals is now the same as new.

[SGdrummer]

everyones probably already said this a million times but ill say it anyways. GROOVE JUICE

[kbconsul]

I've been a proponent of "non-cleaning" for years, mostly because I couldn't find a cleaner that would faze fingerprints. But I spend a couple hours polishing my kit, cleaning all the chrome, and then have crappy looking cymbals when I play out. And since people expect my kit to look like the ones the guys playing the arenas -- who all have bright, shiny [new] cymbals – I figured I’d better try to polish them up. I tried just about everything, and arrived at Barkeeper’s Friend. It works fabulous (kiss the logos goodbye if you’re not careful, however) but… the cymbals would tarnish up much faster after I used it, and if a drop of water hit them, it would spot tarnish. I figured there must be some acid left from the BKF. So, I decided to try this combination:

Barkeeper’s Friend, get them shiny. Rinse them like crazy, dry them up good. Then, I use Zildjian polish evenly across the cymbal (which, like Brasso, always turns black, no matter HOW good I clean the cymbals up beforehand) and polish them only part way back to the shine the BKF gave them. (My theory is that whatever is in Brasso and the Zildjian polish reacts with the bronze and instantly oxidizes.) So I have cymbals that have a bit of patina and no fingerprints or stains, and a residue of Zildjian polish. And it seems that the Zildjian polish keeps them from tarnishing as quickly.

By the way, for some reason, the BKF works much better with fingers than with a cloth, especially on spots. I’ll make a paste and I can clean up almost any spot with the paste and a finger.

[fuzzydrummer]

I have never cleaned my cymbals, i have always heard that cleaning them takes away from the sound?? anyone know the truth behind that??

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

I have never cleaned my cymbals, i have always heard that cleaning them takes away from the sound?? anyone know the truth behind that??

Personally, I don't think cleaning "takes away" from the sound. Moreso, it aids to restore the original sound. Cleaning has always been one of those personal things. Many guys don't clean as they feel that an aged cymbal actually adds to the darker tones. Others like a brighter sounding cymbal and clean regularly.

Speaking to many drummers I've known over the years, this is one of the most debatable topics I've come across......my best advice is to take a 'horses for courses' approach. If you want to keep them bright and lively for that "straight from the showroom floor" sound....clean often, if you like that aged/darker sound leave them alone.

I realise this post probably helps very little.....but cleaning is a contentious and personal issue. There really isn't a right or wrong answer here, for mine.

[Pollyanna]

I only use a soft rag, soap and water to get them shiny, and even then only occasionally.

Is it true that dirt makes cymbals sound darker? I have a 30-year old Meinl Profile 17" that I'd always thought of as "it's ok" in the old days. After a long layoff I pulled it out again and I've been loving it. Because of the long time gap I have no idea if the cymbal has changed or if it's just my taste.

[fuzzydrummer]

Thanks Pocket full... i appreciate it man.

[Tully Lee]

Hands down- Groove Juice. I have some vintage cymbals. Used this Groove Juice. No effort at all. Spray on and rinse off. Nice sheen.

Tully Lee

[kbconsul]

I found my favorite set of hihats in a music store -- Zildjian 15" --, but they so black I used my tried and true cleaning method. If you've tried Brasso or Zildjian cymbal cleaner you find it generates black goo that you could use up multiple bottles of cymbal polish on and dozens of rags. (And yes, I've tried Groove Juice, Sabian Cleaner, and lots of other things.) The secret to cleaning cymbals: Barkeeper's Friend (grocery store, in a can like Comet, less than a buck). Put on your rubber gloves, wet the cymbal, sprinkle BKF on it and use your fingers to rub out any stains. The oxalic acid in the BKF will clean up anything. No elbow grease required. You can remove logos with this too, so be careful if you want to keep those annoying logos. Once you get it perfectly clean with BKF, then use Zildjian Cymbal polish. It'll still generate some black goo no matter HOW much time you take with the BKF, but just rub it in after polishing the whole cymbal and you'll get a nice patina. And it cleans off any residue BKF, which will itself stain the cymbal if you miss cleaning it all off. Don't try this on Paiste cymbals unless you don't care about removing the lacquer. I've used it on my Paiste 2002, and it looks great...

[jazzdrummer]

Yeap many opinion about this issue, I would suggest get a cymbal that has a warranty ! like Sabian they offered 2 years warranty of each cymbal they sell. Guy please check all proffesional player (notice their cymbal all not perfectly clean) exe : Dave Weckl see his cymbal set on his video on youtube (HHX evo) no longer brilliant finish. The secret that i knew is all the proffesional never clean their cymbal for perfect clean, the cymbal may look clean and great but the sound is dissapearly changes. They used to return their cymbal to the manufacture for warranty replacement.

[doctor_benway91]

What about Goo Gone? Would that work? I used that to take of these stupid stickers on the hoops of all my drums. Or what about Paiste cymbal cleaner and protector I've heard those two are the way to go.

[McShmoopy]

Hey guys, so Ive got some Sabian Pros which are fairly older but Im pretty sure are equivlenat to the B8's.

Ive got Bar Keepers Friend and im tryng to get my darkened Sabian 18" as clean and shiny as my Sabian 16." The 18" has turned greenish and brownish and I would love to get a nice clean finish out of it. Logos aren't too much of a problem.

Sabian Pro Crash 18"
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/4950/dsc00056qe.jpg

Sabian Pro Stage Crash 16"
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4020/dsc00057fb.jpg

[McShmoopy]

Bump any suggestions anyone?

[Loseless]

Well, you'll all label me as ****** insane, but try milk chocolate or babana peel.

Chocolate works better in soft surfaces. If the cymbals are too rough it won't do many good. Also keep in mind that this is for polishing and not really cleaning. If they're dirty, well, use regular polish on them (or any brass polisher that doesn't damages it). Plus, it won't remove the logos.

Banana peel is a cheaper alternative, besides, you get to eat the banana(s) LMAO.


Go try for yourself and the comment the results ;)

[TheRev>R.I.P.]

I'm with you doctor_benway91, Goo Gone is a great alternative for many of those more expensive name brand cymbal cleaners.

[bonzolead]

It takes me literally 5 minutes to clean my cymbals(Each) with "Copper Glo" it's the best cleaner i've come across even better than "Bar Keepers Friend" which it's made by & I've used BKF for 30 yrs. until I got "Copper Glo".

So unless you like using a lot of elbow-grease on your cymbals trying too clean them I highly recommend "Copper Glo"

I'm playing @ Toby Keith's bar on the 29th of this month I'll try too post pics of my beautiful Zildjians LMAO

Bonzolead

[Geri Attrique]

I don't care if my cymbals are shiny or dark, but what has annoyed me lately was the weird white marks all over them. It looks like liquid paper. Then I realised it was the drum skin coating from my snare that had transferred to the cymbal. I never removed the crappy factory skins that came with my snare and the coating came off and transferred to my sticks which then transferred to my cymbals in a really weird way. I understand your snare skin will look beaten, but the weird transfer to my other drum skins and cymbals is horrible. I am not sure what cleaner to use. I don't know if there is a lacquer coating over the cymbals or not (I would assume not, but cannot tell). The cymbals I currently have are Zildjian ZHTs. I am hoping Goo Gone might get rid of this???

[drummerdude9610]

I like my cymbals clean so I clean with groove juice

[LeftoverPenguin]

Got my Copper Glo last week and it's the best stuff I used for cleaning cymbals period it's made by Bar Keepers Friend and does the job way better & faster then BKF it took me about a 1/2 hour to clean my cymbals when it normally took me an hour or two depending on how bad they were. The stuff is like an eraser you only leave it on for 1 minute and that's it seriously.And I've used all sorts of cymbal cleaners.

As with BKF you have to be careful around the logo's and rinse it off real good but the end result is amazing.

I got the liquid not powder just because it rinses easier. Copper Glo is kinda hard to find so I went to there website and had a box shipped UPS took about week or so & cost a little over $12 shipping included and got 4-bottles of it.

If you like clean cymbals as I do I strongly recommend it.

Bonzolead

Based on your recommendation I did the same thing and bought the 4-pack off their web site. I'll be at it in just a little bit!


Pictures would be great ???I don't have a camera right now just take my word for it. I would not steer any drummer wrong. I've been cleaning cymbals for 30+ years and this is the best stuff i've come across.

Bonzolead

I'll be sure to take some before/after pics as I go along. I've got some cymbals that I just bought only a week ago that I want to take off all the random people's fingerprints, and also some cymbals that haven't been cleaned in 10 years. (I had tried the Zildjian cream stuff and it took WAY too much effort; this Copper Glo stuff seems like something that should allow me to regularly clean them now.)

[LeftoverPenguin]

Success! I'm liking this Copper Glo stuff. After I figured out what I was doing, there was hardly any effort put into it at all! Granted, the older ones still took a bit more work, but my arms aren't completely sore from buffing or anything. After you wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it, you're pretty much set! I even cleaned around the logos and they didn't appear to come off at all, although I was being super careful not to apply the Copper Glo directly on top, and not apply too much pressure and simply wipe over it. Worked out surprisingly well...

Before/After:

http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/drums/TRASHCRASH.JPG http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CHINA.JPG


http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/KCRASH.JPG http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/RIDE.JPG

I actually went back and cleaned that Oriental Trash Crash again after I took that picture and it looks even better. I forgot it used to be shiny!

All clean!

http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS1.JPG http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS2.JPG

http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS3.JPG http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS4.JPG

http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS5.JPG

[8Mile]

I recently bought a new Zildjian A Custom ride and it picked up a nasty brown stain from where my HQ Sound Off cymbal pad was resting on it. I've never cleaned a cymbal using polish before because I don't need them to look shiny. But this is a nasty looking mark that runs across a big swath of the cymbal and I don't want to look at it any more.

Has anyone else had a similar experience who can share how they got rid of the stain? The cymbal is only a few months old, so I don't think polishing it up would hurt anything or change the sound at this point. I've tried soap and water on a cloth and it does next to nothing to remove the mark.

[Meat the beat]

Can i get Copper glo in the UK?
I ve used Zildjians' cream cleaner & groove juice for ages but CG sounds really worth a try.

[LeftoverPenguin]

Can i get Copper glo in the UK?
I ve used Zildjians' cream cleaner & groove juice for ages but CG sounds really worth a try.

Their website only ships to the US and Canada, however they do have an email address for a Lisa (Lneace@barkeepersfriend.com) on their "Where to Buy (http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/where.html)" page. Try emailing her and ask!

[Zalloy]

this whole thread is blasphemy!!!

"just say no to cleaning cymbals" "friends don't let friends clean off beautiful patina off cymbals"

<shakes head, runs off in disgust> :p

[LeftoverPenguin]

this whole thread is blasphemy!!!

"just say no to cleaning cymbals" "friends don't let friends clean off beautiful patina off cymbals"

<shakes head, runs off in disgust> :p

For what it's worth, I do have a K Custom Special Dry Ride that I didn't touch.

[bonzolead]

this whole thread is blasphemy!!!

"just say no to cleaning cymbals" "friends don't let friends clean off beautiful patina off cymbals"

<shakes head, runs off in disgust> :p
Hey different strokes for different folks, My cymbals sound great & look great also.
that patina stuff is overrated IMHO of course & there's something about black cymbals I just don't. care for.

Bonzolead

[Meat the beat]

Their website only ships to the US and Canada, however they do have an email address for a Lisa (Lneace@barkeepersfriend.com) on their "Where to Buy (http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/where.html)" page. Try emailing her and ask!

Thanks for that, will do.

[bonzolead]

Success! I'm liking this Copper Glo stuff. After I figured out what I was doing, there was hardly any effort put into it at all! Granted, the older ones still took a bit more work, but my arms aren't completely sore from buffing or anything. After you wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it, you're pretty much set! I even cleaned around the logos and they didn't appear to come off at all, although I was being super careful not to apply the Copper Glo directly on top, and not apply too much pressure and simply wipe over it. Worked out surprisingly well...

Before/After:

http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/drums/TRASHCRASH.JPG http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CHINA.JPG


http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/KCRASH.JPG http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/RIDE.JPG

I actually went back and cleaned that Oriental Trash Crash again after I took that picture and it looks even better. I forgot it used to be shiny!

All clean!

http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS1.JPG http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS2.JPG

http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS3.JPG http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS4.JPG

http://leftoverpenguin.home.comcast.net/~leftoverpenguin/drums/CYMBALS5.JPG
I'm glad you took my word & tried it. This is the best cleaner I've ever come across period, it's almost like a eraser on cymbals & i've cleaned cymbals for 30+ yrs.

Your cymbals look great, one thing I found out is that you don't. let it sit for a long time about 1 min. is all you need if that. wipe & rinse then dry, that simple.

I might even clean cymbals on the side for a little $ it's that easy LOL.

Keep Swattin CLEAN Cymbals,
Bonzolead

[LeftoverPenguin]

I'm glad you took my word & tried it. This is the best cleaner I've ever come across period, it's almost like a eraser on cymbals & i've cleaned cymbals for 30+ yrs.

Your cymbals look great, one thing I found out is that you don't. let it sit for a long time about 1 min. is all you need if that. wipe & rinse then dry, that simple.

I might even clean cymbals on the side for a little $ it's that easy LOL.

Keep Swattin CLEAN Cymbals,
Bonzolead
Thanks for the suggestion! I had been reading the thread and was pretty sure Bar Keeper's Friend was the way I was going to go, but based on your testimonial (plus the fact that it's from the same manufacturer) I decided to go the way of the Glo.

Yeah, the bottle says let it sit for 15-30 seconds after spreading it out. I drizzled it around the cymbal, careful to go around the logos, then spread it around with a cloth. At first the cloth soaked up a lot of it, and the first cymbal actually took some work, but then after the third cymbal or so the sock really couldn't absorb any more and it really started spreading it around nicely. Went back and did the first cymbal again and it worked much better

At first I was like "eraser, sure" haha. But it did end up performing just like that once I got the hang of things. It got easier after a little trial and error.

Now off to clean my church's cymbals before tomorrow morning. The New Beat hi-hats actually have some tarnish on them that needs to go bye-bye.

[Geri Attrique]

I don't care if my cymbals are shiny or dark, but what has annoyed me lately was the weird white marks all over them. It looks like liquid paper. Then I realised it was the drum skin coating from my snare that had transferred to the cymbal. I never removed the crappy factory skins that came with my snare and the coating came off and transferred to my sticks which then transferred to my cymbals in a really weird way. I understand your snare skin will look beaten, but the weird transfer to my other drum skins and cymbals is horrible. I am not sure what cleaner to use. I don't know if there is a lacquer coating over the cymbals or not (I would assume not, but cannot tell). The cymbals I currently have are Zildjian ZHTs. I am hoping Goo Gone might get rid of this???

Goo Gone kinda worked. The Zildjian cleaner smelled like Brasso and I am not entirely convinced it was not re-labeled Brasso. The white marks are still on the black Zildjian logos. Not sure how to get that off...Goo Gone did not work and the polish bottle said the polish would take off the logos. Any suggestions?

[jodgey4]

Paiste Cymbal Protector smells like lavender :) and leaves a very thin white film over everything, and does seem to work, though I'd wouldn't spend the cash.

[jamest]

I generally use a mild soap, some dry cloths, and a decent polish. If it's really dirty i'll use a nylon brush to gently scrub it.
__________________

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

http://www.excellent-offers.com/gravy1.jpg

[edgararivasg]

zildjian´s cream cleaner are great for a customs, for avedis more or less and for k are not good enough because they leave them more black than normal

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3834/sdc14797.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/i/sdc14797.jpg/)

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5522/sdc14820.jpg (http://img94.imageshack.us/i/sdc14820.jpg/)

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/914/sdc14804.th.jpg (http://img214.imageshack.us/i/sdc14804.jpg/)

[Taylor8524]

Sabian cymbal cleaner works for me. Cost 5 bucks for a spray bottle ive had it for over 2 years and still use.

[ddrumman2004]

I use Wrights Copper Cleaner as my Zildjian As are mostly copper. Actually a mixture of copper and tin.

Rub and rinse off then buff.......it will remove logos which is no biggie for me.

[Znido]

[QUOTE=edgararivasg;768042]zildjian´s cream cleaner are great for a customs, for avedis more or less and for k are not good enough because they leave them more black than normal

If you can't get the black stuff off use mild soap and water after you're done cleaning them;)

[Joey182]

Sorry to break it to you, Groove Juice is truly a TERRIBLE CLEANER. It will clean your cymbals yes, but read the ingredients! I have a friend that is a chemical wizard, and another that works at Guitar Center. Both have said the chemicals in GJ (groove juice) will eat away at the coatings and alloy on your cymbals. It will actually cause your cymbals to crack faster. GJ is so acidic that I only use it on chrome hardware. This really only should be used on hardware such as hoops, lugs, tension rods, cymbal stands, bass pedals, etc... The one that is good and safe would be Sabian Cymbal Cleaner (11$). It is fast and easy like GJ just doesn't contain the chemicals that destroy your cymbals. Same price too! Don't use GJ do yourself a favor and save money in the future!

[ZGR8DCVER]

Twinkle, works for me. Put it on, wipe it off. $4.95.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61rLJooNTBL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Absolutely agree! I have not tried it on my cymbals w/o a brilliant finish, as I really don't care about a few finger prints and signs of aging on those. For brilliants' this stuff is a dream to use. I cleaned & polished my 18" A Custom Fast, in 10 mins and it looks brand new. The other thing I noticed with this product is if you are very gentle whilst going over the lettering, it really is pretty easy on it. If you can get some try it....it is an all-in-one solution for cleaning and polishing. One note I have not tried it on my Paiste Twenty ride. As others have noted the Paiste has a sort of clear coat on it and again I really don't care as it looks great and I only have one.
Best of luck in you cleaning and polishing!

[bamdrummer]

this whole thread is blasphemy!!!

"just say no to cleaning cymbals" "friends don't let friends clean off beautiful patina off cymbals"

<shakes head, runs off in disgust> :p

I agree with this in some cases, mostly with natural finish cymbals, patina is beautiful. But with my brilliant cymbals, especially since i loved the way they sounded out of the box, i clean them.

[TableMuncher]

I just bought a Meinl MB20 Heavy ride 20"
It was a display model that came from america and i thought it was in pretty good condition seeing as I got it for half price including shipping and then I cleaned it with some Autosol and Oh My God... It looks stunning in comparison!

Ideally I need to do it again, when I applied the stuff you could actually see it smudging the black tarnish around when wiping it haha

Anyway! Pictures!

Before:
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg320/tablemuncher/04-01-2011MeinlMB201.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg320/tablemuncher/04-01-2011MeinlMB202.jpg

And After:
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg320/tablemuncher/16-11-2011MB20Polished1.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg320/tablemuncher/16-11-2011MB20Polished2.jpg

[stevekapono]

I use some pot cleaner. Like barkeepers friend, works faster than anything else!

[Pete Williams]

Cymbals need some filth on the to help with the funk!

[kamranv]

Just thought I'd share this with everyone...

I, like many of you, have been looking for a good cymbal cleaner that is easy to use. I was recently turned on to this stuff called Cape Cod Polish. My wife was actually at a trade show and saw a guy selling this stuff and she thought she'd get me a sample. It comes as pre-soaked little polishing cloths. I have to tell you that so far I'm pretty impressed with this stuff. I've only tested it on one cymbal, but it works great! It's easy to apply and comes off easily with a soft cloth without much effort. I actually had bought some Groove Juice before I got the Cape Cod stuff. I was not impressed with Groove Juice. It cleans ok, but not great and it doesn't get finger prints off. I have A Customs and the Cape Cod polish seems to work great on the shiny finish. It seems like it may take the logos off after several applications, so be careful, but it didn't take my logo off with only one application. When I get around to cleaning all my cymbals I'll post some before and after photos. I know this may sound like an advertisement, but honestly, I don't have any affiliation with the company. I'm just a satisfied customer. I never post stuff like this, but I was so impressed with this stuff I just had to share it with you all.

Anyway, if you google for Cap Code Polish, you'll find it.

Good luck!

[Sonorforce3007user]

I use a paiste cymbal cleaner - works for me :-)

[audiotistic]

I dont wanna damage my crash symbols tonal grooves so i dont want to use non of that cleaner shizz.. i understand every1 has their own preference but is there any ancient chinese remedy or sumthin that will clean my symbol but wont damage it? If so, can sum1 give me n others that are searching the proper instructions needed to do so plz...will b greatly appreciated

[rhymemartin]

I use a paiste cymbal cleaner - works for me :-)

Yeah.. I use that too.. to my Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals (http://www.californiapercussion.com/categories/Cymbals/Istanbul-Mehmet-Cymbals/). Thumbs up!

[sjczildjian]

Holy crap balls! Where can I buy that copper glo stuff in Australia!? I don't even think you can. Might have to import a few bottles in. That stuff is awesome!

[sunburntcurt]

I use Lysol toilet bowl cleaner, the one in the blue bottle. Takes off everything. Tarnish, fingerprints, logos, skin on your hands, the inside of your nasal passages, lining of your lungs.

I really do use Lysol on my cymbals and seriously, you should wear gloves and use the stuff in a well ventilated area. I apply it with the finest steel wool available. Don't scrub with the steel wool, just wipe. It does indeed take the logos off, but with my AAX's I don't care. All the more shiny! My cymbals are blinding, dazzling, beautiful. No fingerprints, no stick marks.

I know that I'm taking a little bronze off every time I clean them. Don't care. Not only do they look phenomenal, they sound fantastic. If I eventually clean them to oblivion, I'll buy new ones. Until then I'm rolling with the shine.

Now, having said all that, I would NEVER use Lysol on the Zildjian A's on my other kit. If you came within 20 feet of my A's with that stuff I'd wrestle you to the ground and make you drink it :) The A's look great with the logos and a natural patina. No cleaner of any kind touches them.

[filfrancisco]

LAGOSTINA STAINLESS STEEL/COPPER CLEANER - AMAZING! Sears, Canadian Tire, Home Outfitters, The Bay

It's also biodegradable so it will not harm the environment.

[Red Menace]

Don't know if anyone has posted this yet so preemptive apology for reposting.

Lemons.

Yup. Lemons work great on cleaning your tarnished pies. Take the remaining half of a juiced lemon and rub it all over your cymbal. A little plus here is that skin and pulp works as a gentle scrubber. Let sit for a minute or two then wipe off. You could rinse off if needed, I just sprayed with Windex and wiped. Very dirty cymbals may need another application or two.

It doesn't work for the real deep, crusty set in gunk but it brought life to my filthy collection of pies.

Plus it's green! Yaay!

[ShadoWReX]

Cymbal Doctor system plus 10 minutes = an incredible finish. I know that the results will get better and quicker. Best thing... no more sore muscles from tedious rubbing/polishing. I read that the initial system will clean/polish at least 75-100 cymbals. You also have the option to either keep the Logos or remove them -it's up to you!!

[tbdd]

where can i get that stuff?

[GRUNTERSDAD]

At the Dollar Store for 300.00. Ouch.

[sjczildjian]

I am willing to pay someone to send me some of this copper glo stuff to Australia. Can't buy anything in this country! I can PayPal what ever it costs... Best get a couple of bottles :) Someone please help a fellow drummer out here!

FYI - I found some on Amazon... $75 postage to Australia. No thanks :|

I'm glad you took my word & tried it. This is the best cleaner I've ever come across period, it's almost like a eraser on cymbals & i've cleaned cymbals for 30+ yrs.

Your cymbals look great, one thing I found out is that you don't. let it sit for a long time about 1 min. is all you need if that. wipe & rinse then dry, that simple.

I might even clean cymbals on the side for a little $ it's that easy LOL.

Keep Swattin CLEAN Cymbals,
Bonzolead

[gerardoarizpe]

Use Cymbag, and keep your cymbals like new!
http://cymbag.com

[sjczildjian]

Use Cymbag, and keep your cymbals like new!
http://cymbag.com

I don't think putting the cymbals in bags will clean them though....

[Spankadrum]

I tried the cymbags and liked them. they do prevent the cymbals from scratching and prints if that's your thing. They fit into my bag or case and never have to touch them. I found them here. www.pawmusic.com
They also have groove juice which I really like and have used for years

[sjczildjian]

I tried the cymbags and liked them. they do prevent the cymbals from scratching and prints if that's your thing. They fit into my bag or case and never have to touch them. I found them here. www.pawmusic.com
They also have groove juice which I really like and have used for years

That's an awesome idea. I'd probably buy some of them once my cymbals have been polished! In the mean time, They really do need cleaning & polishing... I tried the washing up liquid... still look rubbish...

[sjczildjian]

Use Cymbag, and keep your cymbals like new!
http://cymbag.com

What the hell. Just bought some... $130 including postage to Australia. My cymbals have a few scratches on them so I thought I'd prevent further scratches. Thanks for the heads up about this product! I am going to couple this investment with a Protection Racket Deluxe cymbal bag! My current Zildjian one is rubbish!!

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

What the hell. Just bought some... $130 including postage to Australia.

You do realise what just happened there don't you?

[sjczildjian]

You do realise what just happened there don't you?

...No? Am I missing something here...?

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

...No? Am I missing something here...?

New poster (who's never been seen on the forum before) shows up and advertises a product (and is then gone never to be seen again). Then miraculously another new poster just happens to shows up and touts how good said product is, with his one and only post.

Oldest marketing trick in the book.

It happens here from time to time and is easy to spot. Just be aware that all that glitters is not necessarily gold.

Of course, if you really wanted to shell out 130 bucks of your hard earned on cymbal covers, then that's cool. Personally, I think a five dollar sheet would be just as good and a hell of a lot less hassle.....not to mention the adequate protection that a PR bag will provide when in transit anyway. :-)

[sjczildjian]

New poster (who's never been seen on the forum before) shows up and advertises a product (and is then gone never to be seen again). Then miraculously another new poster just happens to shows up and touts how good said product is, with his one and only post.

Oldest marketing trick in the book.

It happens here from time to time and is easy to spot. Just be aware that all that glitters is not necessarily gold.

Of course, if you really wanted to shell out 130 bucks of your hard earned on cymbal covers, then that's cool. Personally, I think a five dollar sheet would be just as good and a hell of a lot less hassle.....not to mention the adequate protection that a PR bag will provide when in transit anyway. :-)

Yeah - I thought that when I looked at his post. But I've got about $2000 to upgrade parts of my kit, not including the SJC that is currently being built. They looked a good idea as I hate finger prints. Im also having trouble with green sh*t growing on my cymbals at out practice room at my bassists house, so I'm hoping they do the trick.

[Sever Dismember Drummer]

I had a couple lightly dirty AAX crashes and I was worried about using anything abrasive of course, I wanted to keep the sound warmer (not too bright or tingy-which happens if you take off the finish with say - steel wool- [don't think about it]) so all i did was take some diswashing detergent and put the cymbal in my sink, took a clean cloth and put some soap in the cloth as well as warm water, then I cleaned it following the grooves, let it sit for a min, then rinsed with warm water, they are'nt pristine, but it got the nasty fingerprints and most of the stick marks off without taking off my logo or making me feel like I was damaging my cymbal.

[Doz]

I just cleaned my AAX cymbals with Paiste cymbal cleaner. Didn't do too bad a job! put a really nice shine to em and took away most of the dirty marks/fingerprints.

[locknut]

I just cleaned my Zildjans. 16" and 18" crashes, 8" splash 22" Rock Ride, 14" ZBT's. I used to use "Roadie in a Bottle" but it was WAY to tedious. Take any kind of toilet bowl cleaner, straight, and use a peice of "Scotchbrite" very easy. Dont scrub too hard, it will leave alot of marks. Go over both sides and rinse off with a dish rag and cold water. Then take a peice of "Neverdull" and go over both sides with about medium pressure. Rinse off with hot water and a dishrag. It did try to take off the logos, but if you're careful it wont be too bad. After cleaning them I took a black "Sharpie" and the logos cleaned right up!These things look brand new. And the sound is brand new also. Dirt and grime and smoke is like putting a blanket on your cymbals. Unless you want that sound you need to clean them. Also, if you scrub too hard it will take off the brilliant finish. I took it easy and didnt bother my "ZBT" hats finish. This toilet cleaner is NASTY stuff! Wear rubber gloves and Dont breath the fumes! But it cleaned better than anything I've tried in 44 years! Hope this helps you all!

[JLoveDrums94]

Quick Question: Is it normal for Brasso to turn blue when I use it to clean my cymbal?

[tamadrm]

For the love of G#d...do NOT use scotch brite,or steelwool to clean cymbals.They remove metal.I realize that some of you,especially some of our younger members ,lack the patience to sit down and clean your cymbals if it takes more than 10 minutes.

Seriously,even if you don't want to take my word,or a manufactuers word for it,go to the cymbalholic forum and talk to a cymbal smith.You know..somebody who actually knows what their talking about,and tell them you're using steelwool or any trpe of abrasive pad,and see what they say.

Stop listening to"drummers"who tell you old wives tales and urban legends,and get some FACTS.You paid,or mommy paid a lot of money for those cymbals.They are musical instruments,not just pieces of metal made to be shined up.

Steve B

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Quick Question: Is it normal for Brasso to turn blue when I use it to clean my cymbal?

brasso will turn a blackish gray when rubbed on.

[locknut]

I,m not only a drummer, I,m a tool and die maker and metalurgist for over 25 years. I might be a "junior" member, but I've been playing since I saw Ringo live on Ed Sullivan show, in black and white! (45 years) If you use white scotch brite, lightly, like I said, you can scrub until the cows come home and never take a peice of brass off your cymbals. There is no way I'm going to do something to hurt my Zildjans. Crash cymbals are 3/4 hard brass, thats what gives them the crash sound. Jazz cymbals are half hard brass and so on. Hard brass is tougher than you think. Thats why you dont dent them every time you strike them. Take care of your instruments, but dont be afraid of them, if your careful, you wont hurt them. Was just trying to help!

[calluum2]

Would using groove juice on istanbul agops be ok?

[adamsdrums]

i like to use the trick cymbal cleaner, but i heard that groove juice will eat the cymbals up after 2 or so uses

[tamadrm]

I,m not only a drummer, I,m a tool and die maker and metalurgist for over 25 years. I might be a "junior" member, but I've been playing since I saw Ringo live on Ed Sullivan show, in black and white! (45 years) If you use white scotch brite, lightly, like I said, you can scrub until the cows come home and never take a peice of brass off your cymbals. There is no way I'm going to do something to hurt my Zildjans. Crash cymbals are 3/4 hard brass, thats what gives them the crash sound. Jazz cymbals are half hard brass and so on. Hard brass is tougher than you think. Thats why you dont dent them every time you strike them. Take care of your instruments, but dont be afraid of them, if your careful, you wont hurt them. Was just trying to help!

There is NO brass in professional grade cymbals.They are made from mostly B-20 and B-8 BRONZE alloy,with traces of German silver.Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin,in varying amounts.Cheap student grade cymbals are sometimes made from brass which is an alloy of copper and zinc

I don't know where you learned metalurgy from and how you came up with that crash cymbals are 3/4 brass and jazz cymbals are half hard but its total nonsence.The SAME alloys are used in crash,and ride cymbals,,jazz and rock cymbals of a particular model.The difference is in how they are heat treated,lathed,and hammered,and how thick the metal is in tha finished cymbal.In other words..the same B20 alloy is used in ALL A Zildjian cymbals ,reguardless if it will be a crash of a jazz cymbal

Using Scotch brite on bronze WILL scratch the cymbal.White scotch brite was originally designed as a secondary step in polishing molds.It is also used in floor polishing machines,and DOES remove material.

I got my training as an apprentice and journeyman die and mold maker from the Nassau County Board of Cooperative Education.And I passed Metalurgy.

If you doubt my word on cleaning cymbals or cymbal alloys,then just call Zildjian or any of the other cymbal companys,or better still,go to cymbalholic.com and talk to a cymbalsmith.A guy who actually makes cymbals.Who served an apprenticeship for a cymbal company,who actually knows what he's talking about.

Steve B

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Crash cymbals are 3/4 hard brass, thats what gives them the crash sound. Jazz cymbals are half hard brass and so on.

Incorrect. Don't always believe what you think. ;-)

Hard brass is tougher than you think.

I don't doubt you, but given that cymbals are not made of brass the point is somewhat null and void.

There is NO brass in professional grade cymbals.They are made from mostly B-20 and B-8 BRONZE alloy,

Correct.

Surely this point is not being disputed? You'll have a greater chance of convincing me that the sun rises in the west and sets in the east.....or selling me a bridge.....or getting me to send all my money to a one legged, hump backed, blind, lesbian, dwarf in Nigeria, if it is.

[scothut]

That's good accurate info Steve B.

[pxavier]

I just bought a PAISTE 2002 Reverand Al 24" ride off the display at Guitar Center, wondering how often I should clean it? It's my first ride cymbal, she's a beauty. At first, I was even scared to use it haha...

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Run some water on it and then dry it off. Get the dust off and leave it alone.

[bobdadruma]

I just bought a PAISTE 2002 Reverand Al 24" ride off the display at Guitar Center, wondering how often I should clean it? It's my first ride cymbal, she's a beauty. At first, I was even scared to use it haha...Clean it when it needs it.
I have 2oo2 cymbals from around 1980 that still shine like new.
I only clean them with mild soap and water a few times a year.

[IronBlimp]

is there a different way to clean brass vs bronze, and does anyone know if paiste alphas are brass or bronze/

[uniin]

alphas are a bronze, CuSMb8 Bronze.

brass cymbals are only the cheapest of the cheapest.

[IronBlimp]

if i want to polish my cymbals can i use ordinary brass polish or do you need specialist stuff? cos buying the stuff they have in music stores is daylight robbery

[GRUNTERSDAD]

You can with the understanding that the polish may also take off the lettering. Wash them off and let them be.

[johnbarnesiii]

Hey this may have been answered though I couldn't go through all 11 pages. I've seen Lemon Pledge & Paiste cymbal cleaner mentioned a lot but...

what about ONLY getting rid of FINGERPRINTS on a non-brilliant Zildjian ride? In other words, doesn't need to shine, just need to remove some prints on the outer edge.

Thanks.

[tamadrm]

Hey this may have been answered though I couldn't go through all 11 pages. I've seen Lemon Pledge & Paiste cymbal cleaner mentioned a lot but...

what about ONLY getting rid of FINGERPRINTS on a non-brilliant Zildjian ride? In other words, doesn't need to shine, just need to remove some prints on the outer edge.

Thanks.

I would use a watered down orange base cleaner,with a soft cloth.The orange base cleaner works great on fingerprints which do contain oil.Or a really watered down Dawn dish detergent works great also.Wear gloves,rinse with warm water,and dry completely.

Steve B

[ludwig_vistalites]

Cymbal Doctor system plus 10 minutes = an incredible finish. I know that the results will get better and quicker. Best thing... no more sore muscles from tedious rubbing/polishing. I read that the initial system will clean/polish at least 75-100 cymbals. You also have the option to either keep the Logos or remove them -it's up to you!!

you just removed years of patina, and a deeper sound...yikesss.lol

[Doctor Dirt]

My Sabian HH first year cymbals ( 16"/ 18" /and 21" dry ride) were cleaned by a professional who washed them in hot water with dawn soap, then dipped them for about 2 minutes on one side and a minute on the other in a solution that he said was a very mild "metal" cleaner!!! I have no idea what the mix was but this fellow was highly recommended by other drummers I know. I've only owned two sets of cymbals in my life time and the current group have been with me for about 20 years now and were bought new. I cleaned them after 8 years because they needed the cleaning badly. They were ridden hard and put away wet hahahaha!!! I was averaging about 5 nights a week at that time (steady for 5 or 6 yrs) and they weren't abused but they were used, alot!
When I see tarnish (blue/green) and the sound of the cymbal is clouded from dirt they need to be cleaned. When you work throughout Florida your on the coastlines and these areas are brutal on any equipment cymbals not excluded. I think the key to cleaning them is to be sure your not removing material then your jepardizing the original sound.
If you know of a pro cleaner let them handle it, the cost is minimal and they have the right ingredients to bath the cymbal without removing material. Leave it to a pro! Doc

[bonzolead]

Bar Keepers Friend...That's all you need just be careful around the logos..the liquid form work better than the powder form..IMO.

Bonzolead

[markthemark]

Ok so I read the first two pages of this, no attention span to get through the rest, and must say I've found some excelent advice from it, but in my perticulare situation I'm not sure what to do. I've just received my mail order used Camber 2 20" ride. It doesn't sound wuite what I was expecting from the few vids and reveiws I found, and I think the insane curosion on the bottom is to blame. (I'd take a picture for you, but my phone is dead at the moment) So my first question is, will removing the curosions restore it to it's naturale sound, or is it already too late? My next question is what is the best salution for removing curosions? I plan on trying out the half lemon and vinigar tonight, but if that doesn't work then what sould I do? I would like to keap my logo, and don't mind if the cymbal is spotless, I just want to get rid of the chunks of green and red rust. I also bleave the curosion has taken some of the finish off, will cleaning it do more harm than worth?

[markthemark]

what would happen if I put my cymbal in the dish washer? I don't plan on doing this, but just out of curiousity would this work, or ruin the cymbal?

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

what would happen if I put my cymbal in the dish washer? I don't plan on doing this, but just out of curiousity would this work, or ruin the cymbal?

No idea. I can honestly say it's the first time I've ever heard the question posed.

Off you go.......report your findings back to us.

[Doctor Dirt]

The last time I heard a Camber cymbal was in the 50s and if I remember right that thing might have its best sound happening WITH the curosion!!! Now if that company started a complete turn around years ago I'm in for it but that last time I looked they were the cheapest thing to sit on top of a cymbal stand. Any help here??? Doc /no offense!

[tamadrm]

what would happen if I put my cymbal in the dish washer? I don't plan on doing this, but just out of curiousity would this work, or ruin the cymbal?

Well if you want to put that cymbal in the dishwasher,you have the right one for it,because it probably can't sound any worse than it already does.

Kidding....try the vinegar and lemon,if it dosen't work just add a little olive oil and lettuce and you can have a salad.....still kidding

Bar keepers friend or Noxon will work also,and the're a lot cheaper than specialized cymbal polish.Be sure to ulse lots of warm water when you rinse,wear gloves,and dry them completely.

Steve B

[markthemark]

The last time I heard a Camber cymbal was in the 50s and if I remember right that thing might have its best sound happening WITH the curosion!!! Now if that company started a complete turn around years ago I'm in for it but that last time I looked they were the cheapest thing to sit on top of a cymbal stand. Any help here??? Doc /no offense!
Well ea itd pretty cheap, it actualy has a better sound than people give it credit. I wasn't expecting much when I bought a cymbal for $30 including shipping.

[markthemark]

Oh my Gawd lemon+vinigar=genius. So much cleaner, unfortunately as I feared the curosion has taken the cymbal down to the brass, so cleaning it exposed said bronze, si now Im looking at coating it to prevent future curosion. Sounds WAY better now though, and looks 20 times nicer with out the dirt and green rust. The Camber really doesn't have that bad of a sound.

[tamadrm]

Oh my Gawd lemon+vinigar=genius. So much cleaner, unfortunately as I feared the curosion has taken the cymbal down to the brass, so cleaning it exposed said bronze, si now Im looking at coating it to prevent future curosion. Sounds WAY better now though, and looks 20 times nicer with out the dirt and green rust. The Camber really doesn't have that bad of a sound.

???????? That cymbal is either brass,or bronze...it can't be both.For that money,it probably brass.

Steve B

[markthemark]

???????? That cymbal is either brass,or bronze...it can't be both.For that money,it probably brass.

Steve B

Lol, sorry it was early in the morning for me. U r correct, I beleive it's brass.

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Lol, sorry it was early in the morning for me. U r correct, I beleive it's brass.

A quick Google search tells me they are brass.......not the best sign for a cymbal, IMHO.
A trumpet is made of brass......a cymbal is made from bronze.

Have you bought that 2002 yet? Get that on board and there'll be no more talk of brass cymbals, I assure you. In fact after playing a 2002, I doubt you'll ever think of Camber again.......and I definitely don't think you'll ever say "the Camber really doesn't have that bad of a sound", again. :-)

[markthemark]

A quick Google search tells me they are brass.......not the best sign for a cymbal, IMHO.
A trumpet is made of brass......a cymbal is made from bronze.

Have you bought that 2002 yet? Get that on board and there'll be no more talk of brass cymbals, I assure you. In fact after playing a 2002, I doubt you'll ever think of Camber again.......and I definitely don't think you'll ever say "the Camber really doesn't have that bad of a sound", again. :-)

Lol no Ill probably pick it up this weekend. I'll pro ably studd the Camber after that, most of the discusions I found tell me it will brake after a month or so, so Im a lil weiry to.

[Montos]

i just tried this a few weeks ago.... take a lemon, cut it in half, and then squeeze it and rub it around the cymbal.
then take a damp cloth and wipe the cymbal properly.... worked really well, didn't take my logos off.....
make sure to wipe the cymbal properly though....

You can use Ketshup also it works very good and no logo off !!!

[RSWMTB]

I'd love to peruse the 441 posts in this thread, but I have to tap out and ask:

Has anyone in here used TarnX on their cymbals?


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416KQgwbjeL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


A buddy of mine at work uses it on his cymbals and swears by it, but I wanted to put it out to a bunch of drummers to see if anyone has used it.


.

[babyboomer]

Quick Question: Is it normal for Brasso to turn blue when I use it to clean my cymbal?

Never use Brasso unless you are a masochist. I used it once in the 1960's on my Zildjians, which I still have and they still look new (OK, not shiney like a new penny but still shiney and brassy). My instructor, a professional jazz drummer showed me a quick and easy way to clean them:
1 - With rubber gloves use a toilet bowl cleaner with acid (today you could probably use vinegar and lemon juice) and sponge bathe.
2 - Immediately wash in the sink with dish washing liquid.
3 - Immediately towel dry.
4 - Immediately apply spray Pledge Furniture Polish with a cloth.

This whole process takes about 10 minutes for four cymbals and will protect the cymbals from fingerprints for years. Apply the Pledge about once a year.

[Skyking]

TARN-X turned my B 20 pies an odd yellow after 3 days. Don't do it.

[shambo]

Just cleaned mine this weekend. Lemon juice/vinegar for 2 minutes, rinsed them off, thorough dry and pledge. They look awesome. I keep going into my basement just to look at them for a few minutes. I figure the juice might be less harsh than a chemical-based cleaner...I could be wrong but this process worked really, really well for me.
47161

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I would think the pledge would fill the tonal grooves and deaden them some. I use soap and water and leave it at that.

[shambo]

I thought so too, but I played them tonight and they sound great. No change that I noticed. I definitely didn't put it on heavy and wiped them down a lot after application.

[Steve_tx]

Just cleaned mine this weekend. Lemon juice/vinegar for 2 minutes, rinsed them off, thorough dry and pledge. They look awesome. I keep going into my basement just to look at them for a few minutes. I figure the juice might be less harsh than a chemical-based cleaner...I could be wrong but this process worked really, really well for me.
47161

Your cymbals look great! How much lemon juice and how much vinegar, or what ratio of both do you use?

[shambo]

50-50 mixture in a dish...put a cymbal on a bath towel, soaked a paper towel in the "juice" and just kinda smeared it all around to soak it really well. Put some extra on the trouble spots. Didn't have to scrub anything. I let it set for about 2 minutes max then rinsed it off. Really cheap way to go...my wife had the vinegar in the pantry and I found a leftover lemon in the fridge. Have fun and hope it works as well for you as it did for me!

[Muckster]

Latest thing i tried was using Oxy-Clean. One scoop in a tub of very warm water fully dissolved. Let cymbal soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Work in with a wet cloth for tougher spots Then follow up with regular soap and water to ensure the Oxy film is removed.

I even cleand a 20" cymbal with just a cloth dipped in the Oxy-clean water since the cymbal was too big for the tub i was using and it worked really well. Just make sure the Oxy is fully dissolved.

The results are fantastic! By far the best method i have used for removing residue from stickers, duct tape etc... without using alot of elbow grease.

[maybelooking]

The lemon juice / vinegar mixture is AMAZING. just tried it. easiest thing ive ever used and cleaned them better than any polish or store bought product I have ever tried.

excellent idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[careerdrummer]

Check out this comparison of Avedis Zildjian Brilliant Thin Crashes 16″/40cm Cymbals. The first cymbal is extremely oxidized:

http://wp.me/pRlGU-35


Maybe you shouldn't clean your cymbals. Do they sound better now or when you bought them? Many drummers prefer a little grit built up - it can give the cymbals character.

Personally, I like to clean mine because I bought them for how they sounded when I forked out the $.
48045

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Check out this comparison of Avedis Zildjian Brilliant

You sure that's an A? I'm not convinced it's not a picture of a plate from the Titanic found abandoned on the ocean floor!! :-)

[NUTHA JASON]

I never clean mine - paiste doesn't easily tarnish and i don't like the sound of my cymbals when they are clean.
j

[tard]

Personally, I like to clean mine because I bought them for how they sounded when I forked out the $.

+1 on that, I spent a lot of time picking out the cymbals that I like the sound of and find they lose their crispness when they start to get dirty and tarnished.

[Slavo818]

I have a healthy supply of BRASSO i keep in my basement. In addition to doing wonders on my copper bar top it makes cymbals look brand new.

[JimmyTheMonkey]

I just read all 12 pages of this, and while there is a lot left to be decided (or never decided), here is one point I would like clarification on.

What creates the Patina? Is it dust, dirt etc? Do fingerprints create patina? I dont mind patina, and I understand the value of an aging cymbal. After all, you can always clean it off, but you can't put it back on.

My only concern is if fingerprints will corrode the cymbal. I have a Zildjian A sweet ride covered in finger prints. It if leads to patina and a dark sound, great. But if it's BAD for the cymbal (bad corrosion, eats away at the metal, etc), then I will attempt to clean with groove juice or something even less abrasive.

So, fingerprints, do they have any bad outcomes (other than just looking like fingerprints)?

[tamadrm]

Patina is a tarnish,caused by oxidation.Oxygen in the air you breathe is actually very corrosive to some materials.Bronze is one of them.

Steve B