CLEANING CYMBALS

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by Matt-a-tat-tat

i was always told that there's no need to put anything on cymbals except your breath and a good non abrasive cloth. the manufacturers put a coating on the cymbal to protect it and any cleaning goop would remove this coating. am i wrong? now older soiled cymbals i guess . . . i don't put anything on my cymbals. i wipe them down all the time. i once ruined a very nice paiste putting polish on it so i just use a cloth and maybe a little water. but i'm religious about keeping them clean.

Some companies spray some kind of thin film coating on their cymbals to keep them shiny longer. Paiste is well known for this. Other companies do not mostly the Turkish ones so the patina process starts up as soon as you start handling them. Let them age if shiny looking cymbals is not your main desire and again as already said a few times dish soap and water and some elbow grease and a few paper towels for me thats all if needed. Keep the corrosive cleaners that take away the patina and an actual part of the cymbal in the process away from me.

[skidney]

Originally Posted by Matt-a-tat-tat

i was always told that there's no need to put anything on cymbals except your breath and a good non abrasive cloth. the manufacturers put a coating on the cymbal to protect it and any cleaning goop would remove this coating. am i wrong? now older soiled cymbals i guess . . . i don't put anything on my cymbals. i wipe them down all the time. i once ruined a very nice paiste putting polish on it so i just use a cloth and maybe a little water. but i'm religious about keeping them clean.

Hello.
Some cymbals have coatings on them using a heavily acidic or abrasive cleaner can take the finish off. Some have this coating to prevent Patina so the cymbal looks new for a longer time. Some have a coating to give the cymbal a different look, like the Pastie color sounds. Cymbals with coatings of any sort should have special precautions taken while cleaning and often don’t need to be cleaned as often under normal use. I took an older Sabian I have with a protective style coating and did my normal cleaning and it looks ugly but sounds the same. If you have a cymbal with a coating on it I would recommend just work and dish or hand soap. No harsh cleaners or abrasive cleaners. Also do not use an automated buffer to clean these unless you are really experienced with them as you can buff off the finish as well.

[skidney]

Patina can be good or bad. When it builds even and is a consistent color nothing beats the look. But when it is blotchy, inconsistent, or has green buildup on it for me it’s got to go. The most recent batch of vintage As I got had been stuck in a closet on their side laying against each other in a damp basement and had a great amount green crusty spots and just overall bad buildup. There was nothing consistent with them any natural beauty. They looked like they had been just neglected. In this case I wanted to clean them and start a natural patina even if it takes years to build it up. I think the amount of actual cymbal that removed with Brasso is less than minimal. Sometime this week I will weigh a heavy 22 or 24 inch cymbal that is 100% clean then clean it with Brasso a few times, clean the residue off with acetone and buff it very well to make sure there is no residue from anything and weigh it again. I know there is a rubbing compound section to it but I think it primarily works via chemical reaction as an anti oxidizer.
Patina= good
grime = bad

[Stixxs]

Specifically the finish or coating that's mentioned here would that be typically on Zildjian "A" & "K" CUSTOM'S???

I'd sure like to clean a few of my K's and keep the labels foe a potential re-sale. ;-)

[Kevinm]

With 40 plus years of being part of the cymbal cleaning dilema, think I have used about everything.
Back to Brasso, then use dish detergent with a sponge to finish the cleaning, wipe dry then I use turtle wax clear spray on wax it's called ice. Wipe it off, leaves no residue has such a fine film, you will not notice a thing, and prolongs the cymbal look.

[leftsideludwig]

I hope this helps someone...

Soap & water, and buffing with a soft clean cloth wasn't getting rid of some fingerprints, smudges, and other light ickiness on my cymbals.

I figured I needed a stronger cleaner and a tougher cloth to scrub with, but didn't want to put scary chemicals on the cymbals or scratch the metal.

So I worked some toothpaste into the cymbal using a cymbal felt.

I'd say it did the job!! The cymbal felt is abrasive enough to get into the lathing grooves where all that dirt is hiding. But it isn't abrasive enough to scratch the metal. It's also small enough to manipulate easily and very strong so it didn't fall apart. I bet I can even still use it on a cymbal stand after it dries out.

[Cymbalrider]

so far without the mess and fuss, the best deal is to use something like Groove Juice on a regular basis, then they will always have that natural look to them

[riddle]

Hey Guys, i just bought my sabian b8 its not a high ranged cymbal but i was just wondering how i should get the stick marks off ma crash. I kinda hit it too hard and there are marks all over them (hihats too)
i got my cymbals just a week ago how should i clean them off without using any hard stuff? i read that polishers like brasso will ruin the whole thing and im considering paiste or sabian cymbals cleaners. Groove juice looks cool. Any suggestions? i only use a wet cloth and soap but the marks didnt wanna come off. its still shiny though.

PS: i use tama japanese oak drumsticks, thinkin of changing it to nylon tips. Thanks guys!

[FunkyJazzer]

Well, firstly, Nylon tips are a NO GO for me. I just don't see the point of them apart from durability. Sound-wise I don't like the bright ride/hi-hat sounds. You will really struggle to get the nylon stick marks off without really scrubbing and potentially taking the finish off your cymbals.

Sabian cymbal cleaner is great, nice and mild. I used it on my old Pro Sonix cymbals, B8 chinese, and all my HHX stuff now and it's brilliant.

Lloyd.

[Ironcobra]

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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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

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 . . .

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]

Originally Posted by ironcobra

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... = (

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by Paul Quin

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]

Originally Posted by medeskisoul

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]

Originally Posted by Steamer

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]

Originally Posted by m1ck

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]

Originally Posted by GRUNTERSDAD

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]

Originally Posted by GRUNTERSDAD

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?