![]() ![]() *** Gifts for Drummers & All Musicians! ***. ![]() Quick Navigation Cymbals / Cymbal Chat Top I used Brasso a long time ago.The problem with stuff like Brasso is the ammonia,(and it's basic design is for cleaning decorative art,doorknobs,vases etc.)it actually breaks down the Bronze over time.Not so bad on a relatively new cymbal but older ones have had their lacquer thinned down or removed to varying degrees and then the ammonia is contacting the Bronze,can have an acidic effect,thats not necessarily noticeable to the eye,but it does effect the overall sound over time.Brasso's label says do not use on lacquered surfaces,which is what cymbals have,at least to start with,and using the wrong cleaner will remove your pies protection.LOGOS wiping off during cleaning is usually a sign your protective coat is gone or close to gone and/ or your using the wrong type of cleaner which is stripping the lacquer off.A simple thing to remember is Tarnish is to Bronze as Rust is to Steel.The easier your pies get dirty and the harder it is to keep them clean,means the lacquer is fading/gone.I've stripped cymbals bare,and just breathing on them makes a dark spot that can't be removed without cleaner.Thus the need for a protective coating.Please don't get me wrong,I dig and understand the Patina/aged look and sound,but there are those of us who dig clean and shiny.Info can't hurt,only help. Hello All,Just wanted to share some knowledge on cymbal cleaning,as well as a method to re-do lost Logos.First find out,if you don't already know,what type of cymbals you have.High end are B20 Bell Bronze,these are from casts,and are generally in the ballpark of a 80% copper-20% Tin composition.The rest are generally stamped from sheets and are B8-B12,and are usually a copper-zinc type of composition.Second-Remember that our cymbals have some sort of Lacquer Protective Finish on them to guard from oxidation/tarnishing etc.Almost all manufacturers apply one,but with the exception of Paiste,are not meant to last long.Paiste applies a long lasting Lacquer type protectant,and that is why it is best to only use their specific cleaning products,because others would harm the protective finish.Third- use a cleaner made for copper or bronze,and one that does not have ammonia in it or abrasives.Just check the label at the store or online for the ingredients.Some use solvents ,others jewelers rouge which is super fine abrasive and in my experience is the only type of abrasive you should use on cymbals.Fourth-Clean per product instructions.Fifth-If Logos are an issue,make your own stencil from an existing cymbals logo,or you can purchase one if yours pies are Sabian.Use a Metallic Leafing Pen which can be found all over,and comes in a Gold Or Copper.IMO much better than Marker,and allows you to free hand your labeling for a custom look,if you wish.It is also more durable than anything else I've tried,and it won't effect sound.Sixth-I've discovered a protective aerosol spray finish called ProtectaClear by Everbrite.Extremely long lasting and durable as Heck,and does not effect sound in the slightest way.Apply this only after you have thoroughly cleaned/polished and you are completely satisfied with your cymbals appearance.Do your research and use your best judgement based on your needs.We drummers are a neglected bunch when it comes to finding info on caring for our instrument(s).Hopefully I've helped out somehow in closing the info gap we've all run into.Peace ![]()
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