Drum Kit Maintenance Tips from the Pros

Followed the pros’ drum set buyers guide and purchased the best drum set in the world? When you have spent a thousand bucks on your dream drum set, it is only logical that you take care of it so you can play with it for a long time. There are simple tips you can follow to maintain the quality of your drum kit. Professional drummers score us in on the top ways to care for drum sets.

Stay Away from Heat

Keep your drum set away from direct heat as it could crack the wood. Heat sources such as a heater, under the sun, or in the car can all destroy your expensive drum set fast. You may store your drum kit in a case or cupboard away from heat. Keep it in dry places and leave a damp cloth inside when it gets too humid outside. Too much heat can cause the drum skin to split from the pins holding it in place.

Freshen Up Nylon Cymbals

These tend to wear down and expose the cymbal to raw metal. You may notice small cracks appear surrounding the hole of the cymbal. You may want to spray the cymbal with Windex to remove surface grime. You can also put on cymbal polish on the scuffed or heavily tarnished areas. It may take 2-3 applications of polish to cover the entire surface of the cymbal. Windex is good for cleaning off the polish then you can proceed with car wax to deter fingerprints on your cymbal. If your drum kit features Paiste cymbals, make sure to buy a Paiste brand cleaner specially made for it. Using other cleaners can damage the special coating on this type of cymbal.

Change the Drum Skins Often

This is one of the regular maintenance care a drum kit needs. The skin is the part of the drum you strike the most. A weaker skin is susceptible to denting and can even get punctured when you hit it hard. You may also experience a slight rebound for your stick with a weaker drum skin. In general, it is recommended that drum skins be changed every 6 months. However, if you can spot dents, cracks or bumps, it may be time to change the drum skin. If you see stick marks but there is no damage, your drum skin is still fine. However, if you can see that a hole is already forming where your beater hits the bass drum head, go ahead and replace the drum skin. You can also use lanolin-based softeners to keep the drum skin in good condition.

Change the Snare Drum Heads Regularly Too

Snare drum heads need replacement more often than tom heads. It makes sense since most drummers play the snare more often and hit harder than the tom heads. Check the middle of the snare head to see if it is weaker there. You can also try to take the snare off and hit the center of the drum then listen for short or muffled sounds. Check for damage or bending as well as cracks in the shell or edge deformities. You may also rub a bit of candle wax around the bearing edges but remove all lumps of wax before fitting the head.

Clean Your Drum Set Often

Chrome on your drum set can be damaged by moisture. If you play in a cold place or move your drum kit from a cold to warm setting, it is important to wipe away condensation as it forms. Prevent rust by keeping your drum kit dirt-free and moisture-free. You can also use metal polish to keep it rust-free. Make sure that no one uses abrasive tools like scouring pads and steel wool to clean the drum kit. Don’t forget to apply a coat of polish to the fittings and shell as well. It is also important to clean the shell as dirt accumulates in this area and can affect acoustic quality. Clean the shell with a soft cotton fabric metal so as not to leave unsightly marks and scratches.

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