Being a great drummer involves a lot of aspects that go beyond just being a good performer. As a drummer, you need to properly maintain your drum set. It’s not just about making sure the instrument looks good on stage but rather preserving its sound quality and durability.
With some simple care and maintenance, I can help ensure that my drum sets are always in great condition and ready to produce the best music possible.
So let’s clean and tune our drum set properly so we can keep drumming for years to come!
After playing for a while now. I have learned the importance of maintaining my drum set to keep it in optimal condition. A well-maintained drum set not only sounds better but also extends the life of the instrument.
One key aspect of drum maintenance is keeping the hardware working smoothly. Over time dust and dirt can accumulate on stands, pedals and other metal parts. This causes stiffness or difficulty to adjust. If you regularly wipe down the hardware with a soft cloth you will ensure that every part remains easy to use.
In addition to hardware, keeping the cymbals clean is a crucial aspect of drum care. Cymbals can accumulate fingerprints, dust and other debris that can affect their sound. To keep my cymbals sounding their best I always use a soft lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any remains.
This not only keeps my cymbals looking shiny but also helps them sound clear and resonant. If you want to learn more about cymbal cleaning check my guide here.
If you really want to keep your drum kit in optimal conditions you need to regularly tune each drum. Properly tuned drums produce better sound, are more enjoyable to play and can help prevent potential issues. For example, a drumhead that is too tight may cause damage to both the head and the drum shell.
By regularly checking the tension of each drumhead you can avoid these problems and play confidently knowing that your drum set is in the best possible shape.
In my experience, taking care of a drum set is an essential part of being a responsible musician. By dedicating time and effort to maintaining the instrument’s hardware, cymbals and tuning I ensure that my drum set is in great shape.
Among the most important points of your checklist, you should add bearing edges maintenance.
These are the points of contact between the drum shell and the drumhead. This part is crucial because it influences the drum’s tone and sustain.
First, I remove the drum head and inspect the bearing edges for any signs of damage or unevenness. A smooth and clean edge is essential for ensuring proper contact between the drum head and the shell. This will result in better resonance and depth of tone.
If necessary, I use a fine sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. After that a cloth or brush is perfect for cleaning away any dust or debris that may have accumulated around the edges.
It is also essential to protect the bearing edges from moisture. Moisture can warp the wood and lead to compromise its tone and overall performance. I always store my drums in a dry and temperature-controlled environment.
Drum hardware and chrome hoops play a significant role in the overall appearance of a drum set. To maintain their lustre and protect them from rust and corrosion it’s essential to clean and polish them regularly.
I start by unscrewing the tension rods and removing the hoops from the drum shells. Then, using a microfiber cloth I gently wipe down each piece of hardware to remove any dust and grime.
For stubborn dirt or rust, you can use a specialized metal cleaner like Autosol Shine & Metal Polish that can be used in small amounts and be sure to follow the product’s instructions.
After cleaning I use a non-abrasive metal polish to restore shine and create a protective barrier against future oxidation.
Lastly, I reassemble the drum set, ensuring that all tension rods and other hardware components are placed perfectly.
Moving forward the next step is to take care of my drum heads. They play a significant role in the tonal sound of my drum set. Maintaining them can be a daunting task but with the right techniques my drum heads last longer and perform better.
First, I make sure to regularly inspect the drum heads for any signs of wear and tear. This includes checking the coating that can get worn down after extended use.
If I notice that the coating is no longer even or that there are significant areas of damage, I replace the drum head.
To make sure that my set is sounding as good as possible I always tune them. Using a drum key I tighten the tension rods in a diagonal pattern, moving in a criss-cross manner around each drum head.
This ensures even tension and prevents any one side from becoming overly tight. I also pay special attention to the shape of my drum heads.
To protect the drum heads I avoid over-tightening them. This can cause unnecessary strain on the heads and lead to premature wear. On the other hand, I also avoid having them too loose. This can lead to a poor and flabby sound.
Taking care of the cymbals is crucial. Not only does it keep them looking clean and shiny but it also helps preserve their tonal qualities. In this section, I will show you how I clean and tune my cymbals.
To clean my cymbals, I start by removing them from the stands. This allows me to access their entire surface and avoid any accidental damage.
Next, I use a soft and lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any dust, dirt, or fingerprints. For more persistent marks I wet the cloth with a little water and apply some cymbal cleaner specifically designed for this purpose.
It’s essential not to use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Those can damage the cymbal’s finish and affect its sound.
Once the cymbals are clean I let them air dry completely. After they are fully dry, I carefully reattach them to their stands, ensuring there are two felt pieces on each stand, one underneath and one on top of the cymbal.
Now let’s focus on the hardware of the drum set. This includes the lugs, tension rods, and screws, stands and pedals. Do these steps and you will end with a properly functioning drum set that looks its best.
The first step is regular cleaning and polishing. This not only keeps the hardware looking shiny and new but also prevents the buildup of dirt and grime that could affect the use.
I usually use a soft cloth and a gentle metal cleaner to remove any dirt or fingerprints, for more relentless areas, I may opt for a specialist hardware polish.
To prevent rust and corrosion I make sure that all metal parts are kept dry, especially after playing in humid environments or transporting the drum set in wet conditions.
Another important aspect is making sure that the lugs, tension rods, and screws are all functioning properly. I regularly examine these components to identify any loose or damaged parts.
Lubricating tension rods and screws is also a good idea for smooth function and preventing them from seizing or stripping. I carefully apply a small amount of lubricant, such as white lithium grease, to the threads, ensuring that they move smoothly and are secure.
Finally, I always remind myself to avoid over-tightening any hardware, as doing so can cause damage and strip threads.
In this section, I’ll share some tips on how to maintain your drum set by focusing on storage and protection.
First, it’s essential to find a suitable storage space for your drum set. The ideal location should be a dry and cool place with room temperature around 68°F (20°C) and humidity levels between 45% and 55% to prevent any damage caused by extreme temperature or moisture.
Additionally, avoid direct sunlight, this can cause warping and fading of your drums’ finish.
When storing your drum set, it’s crucial to cover each piece with a clean cloth or even better, use drum bags or cases designed for your specific drum type. These will offer additional protection against dust, scratches, and potential damage.
Before putting the drums away, I recommend letting the drumhead slightly loose to prevent unnecessary tension and reduce the risk of warping. But be sure to remember the original tension of your drumheads so it’s easier to retune them when it’s time to play again.
To protect the hardware from rust, it’s essential to keep the drum set in a clean and dry environment. Moisture is the main culprit behind rust and corrosion, so storing the drums in an area with proper ventilation can help prevent this issue.
Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid exposing the drum set to wet or humid conditions, as this could lead to mildew growth, which further contributes to rust formation.
Here are some practical steps I take to prevent rust and corrosion on my drum set:
I always make sure to use the most suitable products to ensure that I’m properly taking care of my investment.
One essential item for drum set maintenance is drum polish. Drum polish not only cleans the drum surfaces but also protects the shells from damage and fading.
There are various drum polish brands available on the market. However, I prefer the ones that are specifically designed for drums and are non-abrasive and ensure a gentle and effective cleaning without harming the drum’s finish.
Also, I always have a good cymbal cleaner on hand. There are numerous cymbal cleaners available, but it’s important to select one designed for cymbals to avoid damaging their delicate finishes. I usually opt for a cleaner with a formula that removes dirt, dust, and fingerprints without causing any harm to the cymbal’s surface like the Zildjian Brilliant Cymbal Cleaning Polish.
Aside from the drum polish and cymbal cleaner, I also keep some essential items to assist with the maintenance process. These include:
The lifespan of a drum set greatly depends on how well it is maintained and the quality of its construction. With proper care and maintenance, as outlined in the aforementioned article, a high-quality drum set can last for several decades. Regular cleaning, tuning, and protection of the drum set, as well as storing it in a suitable environment, can extend its lifespan significantly.
Drum sets do not inherently “go bad,” but they can suffer from wear and tear, dust and grime accumulation, or rust and corrosion if not properly maintained. Issues such as an uneven drumhead, a damaged bearing edge, or a rusty cymbal can degrade the sound quality and the overall performance of the drum set. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues and keep your drum set in optimal condition.
Storing drums stacked is not recommended, especially for long periods. This can lead to unnecessary tension on the drumheads and could potentially warp the shells over time. It’s also harder to maintain the correct humidity and temperature conditions for every drum in a stack. Instead, try to store each drum separately in a cool, dry place. If space is limited, consider using drum bags or cases that provide protection while stacked.
Yes, exposure to water or excessive moisture can cause significant damage to a drum set. Moisture can warp the wood of the drum shells and bearing edges, negatively affecting their tone and overall performance. It can also lead to rust and corrosion on the drum’s hardware. To prevent such damage, it’s crucial to store drums in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, and to ensure they are kept dry, especially after playing in humid conditions or transporting them in wet weather. Regularly cleaning and polishing the drum set can also help protect it from moisture.
In conclusion, maintaining your drum set is not just about preserving its aesthetic appeal. Its great to have a good looking kit but is even more important the sound quality, performance and longevity of the instrument.
As we saw the key elements of drum set maintenance involve regular cleaning and tuning, paying special attention to various parts like hardware, cymbals, drumheads and bearing edges.
Also, storing your drum set in a suitable environment plays a critical role in preventing damage from moisture, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight. Using the right products for drum set maintenance ensures that you’re not only cleaning the drum set effectively but also protecting it from potential damage.
Remember that a well-maintained drum set not only enhances your performance as a musician but is also a testament to your dedication and responsibility as a drummer.
So, keep your drum set in top condition and it will reward you with great music for many years to come!
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
Find useful lessons, tips and reviews for any drummer. From beginners to professionals there’s always something new to learn and improve. Join our Newsletter for exclusive advice!
11407 SW Amu St Suite #ABM436 Tualatin, OR 97062
There may be affiliate links on this website, which means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to our readers.
© All rights reserved Copyright 2024
Subscribe to our ninja mailing list and get a Free E-book!
Subscribe to our ninja mailing list and get a Free E-book!
