29 replies to this topic

[BillHughesIII]

I am sorry to start another thread, but I looked and I haven't seen one with my situation. I used groove juice on my cymbals this morning following the directions to a T. I have pretty much neglected my cymbals for years. Actually my whole kit is to the point that restoration would cost as much as a new kit. So I am trying to get my cymbals clean and some look like the pictures attached. I am not sure how to get them fully clean. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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[melteddrummer]

Hi Bill,

Welcome to OLD. I can't help you I'm afraid, as I don't clean my cymbals at all. I just wanted to say hello.

I'm sure someone will be along to answer your question soon.

Andy.

[YELLOW_TOAD]

"Cleaning Your Cymbal" threads over the years have probably left most newcomers confused and even afraid to use certain products.

Some people love clean cymbals, some prefer the old look. Some like the sound of their cymbals uncleaned over time, others believe cymbals sound better when clean.

There are many different products to use......that will have excellent results. Some spray on and wipe off, some are creams that you rub on the rub off, some only take a few minutes, others take more time to polish than others.

Some cymbals have different finishes - even special finishes that can be taken off if not cleaned properly - or with a cleaner that's too aggressive.

Then there's the LOGO's...some don't care if they stay on...other like to keep their logos on. To each his own.

I've used a couple things over the years (40 years) to clean my cymbals.

1 - Never-Dull - It's a cotton type fabric soaked in a cleaner. You rub it on, then buff it off. Works well. It will take logos off - so work around them. Figure around 5-10 minutes cleaning time for each cymbal. And do it outside....the vapors are strong.

$8 a can.
http://www.acehardwa...999&cagpspn=pla

2. Flitz. I had a problem with some cymbals several years ago. I called the manufacturer - they told me to use Flitz metal polish - and NOT THEIR OWN brand of cymbal cleaner. It's like a toothpaste....smears on - then you rub it off. Works wonderfully. Figure around 5-10 minutes cleaning time for each cymbal. And do it outside...again...the vapors are strong.

$8/9 a tube.
http://tinyurl.com/8u6tnva

3. Bar Keepers Friend. - This stuff is a cleanser powder, but it's not that abrasive. If your gentle with it, you can clean your cymbals with a garden hose, sponge, and a little sprinkle of this stuff. It's fast, and there's no buffing needed afterwards.

I can clean my whole setup (10 cymbals or so) in less than 3- minutes. I just dry them off with a towel. Presto.
$3 a can
http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/

They also make a soft polish...but I've not used it yet.

FWIW

[BillHughesIII]

Thanks Yellow_Toad, I will look into some of those. Groove Juice worked great for getting some of the dull look off, but I think a stronger product is needed for some of these. Forutunately for me, I do not mind losing the logos. They are of no significant importance.

[YELLOW_TOAD]

Thanks Yellow_Toad, I will look into some of those. Groove Juice worked great for getting some of the dull look off, but I think a stronger product is needed for some of these. Forutunately for me, I do not mind losing the logos. They are of no significant importance.

I really am happy with Bar Keepers Friend.

I've used EVERYTHING out there...if at least not some form of it...whether it's Groove Juice, Zildjian Cymbal Cleaner. Revereware Copper Cleaner, Brasso...you name it...all kinds of stuff over the years.

I was originally introduced to Bar Keepers Friend by someone as a suggestion to clean my glass top stove. Upon using it...I realized when I used it how well it worked...and that, even though it was a cleanser powder, that it didn't leave any scratches. Of course...glass is much harder than metal, but none the less...I tried it on a small, cracked cymbal that I had laying around.

I was extremely pleased and very satisfied with the results. Not only that....it only took a few minutes, and as mentioned - I only needed a small sponge and a clean towel to dry them off. I soon after cleaned ALL of my cymbals in no time.

What used to be a couple hour task, that was messy, smelly, and took a lot of "elbow" grease - is now a 20 minute project that I can do before a gig.



(Did I mention it's only 3 bucks a can? ? ? ? )

[YELLOW_TOAD]

I Made this real quick yesterday.....It's a little difficult to hear - and Windows Movie Maker wouldn't let me adust the volume any louder.

You'll get the idea....even if you can't hear.



Bar Keepers Friend works really well, and quickly on cymbals.

[Nate Brown]

Great vid, and great idea! I forgot you started that new sales gig with Barkeeper's Friend.

[BillHughesIII]

Holy Carp! I cannot believe how well that works! I am heading out to get some of that tonight for sure. I've tried plain soap and water but it still doesn't get all the crud off.

[Nate Brown]

Let us know how it works out for you! And, welcome to OLD!

[BillHughesIII]

Thanks for the welcome guys, I hope to find lots of good conversation and information here. I will report back after my attempt with bar keepers friend.