Cleaning Cymbals, a question

ryder904 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 08:44 AM

Hi I just bought a K Crash/Ride, and it's covered with finger prints and was on clearance because it's been there for some years, and it's kind of dirty...

But I was wondering is water okay with cymbals? All my life I've been using cymbal polish for my cymbals, and I've seen some videos on youtube that they clean off the dirt with polish, then put it in like a tub of warm water, then wipe off.

I want to try this but I don't want to destroy this cymbal as it's still new (kinda), and I don't have any old cymbals cause I sell them on craigslist, any advice or tips on cleaning?

Thanks alot,
Ryder904

**Der Trommler** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 12:04 PM

There is some tin in cymbal alloy, so I personally would not dip it directly into water myself for fear that rust might form (this is not to say that you can't do this though). Now using a damp cloth like the polish instructions call for I will do, but I always make sure the cymbal is completely dry when I am done.

ryder904 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 02:31 PM

Ah, okay that makes more sense! I will do that tonight.

Can I run it under water and wipe with the water dropping down like this? (2:10)

YouTube - Dave's Cymbal Gravy

**Der Trommler** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 03:01 PM

Sure that looks harmless enough, he makes sure the cymbal is thoroughly dry when he is done which is all the concerns me really.

**Tainojim** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 11:46 AM

Bosphorus also makes cymbal wipes. I use them and got no down side on them. They're also log friendly.

Cymbal Swipes TM

Harry · #6 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 08:19 PM

Hi All

,

I use 1-Paiste cymbal cleaner and 2-Paiste cymbal protector.
I used -1+2- on my used cymbals, and -2- on my new ones.
Great Results!!
It is a bit expensive but the cymbals keep looking new and pick up very little finger smudges and stick marks.
Also, I would by it for the smell of the product only!!

Cheers and Happy Drumming,

Harry

tamazildjian · #7 (**permalink**) 12-26-2009, 12:40 PM

I have used the zildjian cymbal polish it works pretty good but i prefer not to clean my cymbals because of the way it sounds and the way it looks.

Howard from Arizona · #8 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 02:09 PM

Groove Juice is the way to go. Excellant product! Watch out for Sabian logos though. The Sabian logos will run off the cymbal as soon as the groove juice hits it. Zildjian and Paiste have zero issues with it for some reason....