Should you clean your cymbals or leave them untouched in hopes of keeping that raw, natural sound? In this post/video, I’ll debunk some common myths about polishing cymbals and share my personal take on why keeping them clean might not affect the sound as much as you think. Based on my experience.
Stick around to find out what might work best for your setup and style!
Hey developing beat masters!
Today’s topic is one of the most debated questions among drummers: Should you polish your cymbals? You’ve probably heard a ton of opinions, from ‘cleaning ruins the sound’ to ‘keep them shiny for a clean stage look.’ But what’s the truth? I’ve been drumming for years, and I’ll share my real-world experience with cleaning cymbals, plus some tips for getting it right without damaging your gear. Let’s dive in!
When it comes to cleaning cymbals, there’s no shortage of opinions, and honestly, many of them contradict each other. Let me walk you through some common arguments and share what I’ve found to be true.
Common Opinions About Cleaning Cymbals.
- ‘Cleaning changes the sound of your cymbals.’
Many drummers claim that cymbals lose their original tone after cleaning. Personally, I’ve never noticed a significant difference. If anything, the idea that cleaning affects the sound is more psychological than practical reality-based. - ‘It depends on the look you’re going for.’
This one I can agree with. If you’re in a band with a polished stage presence, shiny cymbals can complement the overall aesthetic. On the other hand, if you’re in a grungier or funkier band, the raw, unpolished look might fit better. But in all honesty, I have always been more concerned with the sound than I have the look of a cymbal. - ‘Dirty cymbals sound better.’
Some say that the buildup of dirt and oils dulls the highs, giving cymbals a warmer sound. In my experience, I’ve actually noticed the opposite after cleaning. Any dullness I initially perceived was purely psychological—the sound quickly felt just as vibrant as before.
My Personal Take on Cleaning Cymbals
I’ve always kept a clean kit and cymbals. Every 3-6 months, I’d strip down my entire kit, cleaning every piece of chrome and giving my cymbals a good polish. As I mentioned in the Kickstart Toolkit.
For cleaning, I’ve used products like Brasso or Brilliantine, despite warnings against harsh abrasives. Here’s the thing: I’ve never had an issue. My cymbals have always sounded great to me. I played Zildjian K cymbals which were high-quality cymbals. I cleaned and polished them often and they always sounded great.
When cleaning, I’ve found that using a soft cloth to apply and polish works best. Just be sure to remove the product quickly to avoid it drying into the cymbal grooves. However, a little elbow grease and circular polishing motions around the circumference of the cymbal go a long way to removing any dried residue.
What’s the Real Impact?
Let’s address the myth that cleaning removes a microscopic layer of metal and ruins the sound. If this happens at all, it’s so negligible that it doesn’t affect the tone. What I’ve learned is that the sound of your cymbals depends far more on how you play them than on whether they’re polished or not.
At the end of the day, the decision comes down to personal preference. Do you want shiny cymbals for a clean look, or do you prefer the natural patina that builds up over time? Either way, keeping them clean won’t harm their sound—and it might even make it easier to maintain them, as well as their value in the long run.
They say that you get out of something whatever you put in. In that, by cleaning and keeping my cymbals clean, I always treat them with more respect. And therefore I thought about the sound each time I struck them. And they always sounded awesome. Psychological or not, this mental trick worked for me.
So, should you polish your cymbals? The answer depends on your style and preferences, but one thing’s for sure—it won’t ruin your sound.
Now that we’ve covered cymbal maintenance, let’s move on to another practical drumming challenge. In my next post/video, I’ll be tackling How to Stop Your Bass Drum and Hi-Hat Pedals From Creeping. If you’ve ever struggled with your pedals sliding away mid-song, you won’t want to miss this one.
Thanks for being here. Don’t forget to checkout some of the other posts here at thedrumcoach.com.
