Brass is not used for hoops, it's too soft. If they are brass, then its brass plated.
A similar process used for chrome. Nickel is the base used for chrome plating.
If you've noticed, brass cymbals have a coating of lacquer as a final process. If you remove that layer, your inviting oxidation to corrode the brass.
Study your chemistry, you'll get it. Just don't blow anything up.
