Great Drum Handling Techniques For The Care Of Your Drumset


by Thaddeus Johnson - Date: 2006-12-07 - Word Count: 509 Share This!

Drum handling is the most important step in preserving the life of your drumset. There is nothing better than having a drum kit that is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes as well as delivering great tones. It does not matter how old or new the drums may be. An old and tired drumkit can practically look brand new with some minor changes. Let's not forget the tonal qualities that can be enhanced with a few adjustments.

Getting that clean look

Starting with the drum set, there are things that can be accomplished in getting that clean look. First, depending on how new the drums are, it may be just a matter of dusting off the drums with a soft cloth. For a more thorough cleaning, clean all chrome and drum shells with a mild solution of soapy water and rub until clean. To give them luster, wipe with a mild polish for a clean shine available at a local hardware store.

Cymbals can be cleaned with a cymbal polish-cleaner or glass cleaner and cloth. After cleaning, wipe with a cymbal protector to repel fingerprints and sweat. Use a mild solution of the soapy water also for the drum hardware and cymbal stands. Occasionally lubricate the bass drum and high-hat pedals to alleviate any squeaking noises.

Tonal qualities

To achieve great tonal qualities, check both top and bottom drum heads or batter heads, for indentations from drum sticks and cracks from over tightening. Check to see if the drum head is right for the style of music to be played and tuned appropriately. There are many choices of heads to choose from.

Storage and transportation

Storage and transportation of drums is probably the most crucial aspect of protecting the instruments. Exposure to extreme cold or heat can damage the drum shell. Drum cases provide great protection from these elements. Though drum cases can be expensive, depending on the brand and quantity, it's worth the money spent. If cost is an issue, covering the drumkit with thick and heavy blankets will work well. The drum set can receive unwanted dents and scratches if not properly handled. Again, drum cases provide the best protection.

Care must be taken with cymbals and cymbal stands. For cymbals, there are choices of hard and soft cases. The hard case made of durable plastic material is suited best for protection. The soft case is great but has less absorption to shocks. There are cymbal stand cases available but do not provide much protection from scratches. A way to get around this, either with a cymbal stand case or duffle/sports bag, is to separate each piece of cymbal and drum hardware from each other with carpet pieces, blanket, or any lightweight material that will prevent metal to metal contact.

Take pride

Take pride in the ownership of your drumkit by giving it the care and protection that it needs. Everything from drum sticks to drum cases, they all must be maintained. These simple techniques are what every drummer should know to prolong the life of their drum kit and be able to enjoy many hours of drumming.


Related Tags: drum set, drum, drum sticks, drum handling, drumset, handling, drum kit, cymbal

About the author:

Thaddeus W. Johnson is a writer, professional drummer and drum teacher who enjoys providing tips and valuable information for online shoppers of drum related products and topics such as drum handling, great woods for drum kits, and drum sticks.

C 2006 Thaddeus W Johnson

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