A way to polish a tarnished cymbal

[@morganyoungisplayingdrums]

Wow! Other than all these armchair critics telling you HOW it should be done, this is the BEST result of the cleaning of an A series cymbal I've seen yet. Well done mate.

[@joedurham2077]

I've been looking around youtube for videos on how to clean my cymbals. This is by far the best I've found after 20 minutes!

[@jakebutler5614]

Haha everyone worried about their logos. You don't worry about logos when you have 50's Zildjians.

[@hq72hotmale]

🤣

[@ralphbenites1312]

What a difference. Just the basic tools looks simple to do great job on the cymbals 👍

[@pctips4all]

I got the mag and aluminum polish and going to do my 70’s 22” ride this weekend. That cymbal of yours is beautiful now! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@dontcommentme]

Cool video, great idea with the sander! Question for fellow drummers: Why is the logo so important? Are you going to play your cymbal or sell it? Bottom line: Shiny cymbals look good at shows, logos look good on Ebay.

[@mikemagee77]

Totally man! Really doesn't matter!!! My thoughts exactly!

[@Jordmund]

Amen :-)

[@chriswebb383]

I just like my logo...that's why

[@AndrewEwing1995]

It helps to keep what cymbal is which so you don't up mix up a sabian for a zildjian. It just helps to identify what cymbal is what.

[@dye182]

Andy E. I would actually argue the fact of mixing them up zildjians and Sabian both have laser etchings it’d be better to say you wouldn’t want to mix up a projection crash and a fast crash or whatever model. Not brand wise.

[@rodrigodrummer2010]

Hi, i am watching now and I think this is the best Way for cleaning chymbals! Thanks 🤘🏻

[@702ringo1]

Honestly, this is exactly how I’ve been polishing my Zildjian cymbals for the last 35 years. Only thing is I just use brasso and nothing else. I like a mirror finish off of mine and it takes about an hour. 30 minutes per side. Just don’t press on it, cause that creates heat and that will damage the symbols. And I forgot to mention, my symbols are 35 years old, I’ve never broken one and they’re the original cymbals I bought back in the day. 🥁

[@richardblack6569]

I was about the friek out when I saw you get the sander out ,but that's one top-notch tip 👍

[@jaskowick]

I tried this, dude's a genius. A palm sander doesn't have enough power to heat the cymbal, mine still felt cool after polishing. I have a set of Zildjian A's and they have never looked better. I agree with all of you guys about power polishing because the heat will ruin the metal, but this does work well.

[@mikeschumacher9715]

Bar Keepers friend for me. Have to say, when you popped that palm sander out, you freaked me out. But it got better with the towel. Long standing argument; to polish or not to polish. To use abrasives to not use abrasives. All up to personal preferences. I look at it this way. If the manufacturers products all have abrasives in them, then what are the pro drum techs on the road doing? Letting them "age"? I polish!

[@horowizard]

Finally, someone with the good sense to use Polish and it obviously shows. I don't get these people messing around with Lemons, Ketchup, Vinegar and Coca-Cola. They end up with Cymbals that look like such crap!

[@drumminump]

I did this today with Paiste cymbal cleaner (which I have used for years) and this process works 100% better than just elbow grease! The sander puts just enough pressure to get in the grooves but it doesn't heat up the metal. I also used the stainless steel polish spray at the end and it does look like a mirrored/brilliant finish.

[@Drumtome]

It would be cool to see you do a before and after sound difference.

[@davidbrockett1]

Just tried this and works perfect dont even need to use brasso first

[@chrispeterson3391]

I found a great, quick method. Use only on old dirty cymbals as it may change the brilliance of the color or shine. ** On newer average dirty cymbals... skip the vinegar and just use water with the "barkeepers friend" ** Method: Spray distilled vinegar evenly over cymbal. Quickly sprinkle "barkeepers friend" on top and work around with soft brush quickly and evenly. (Quickly means get the powder worked into the vinegar and spread around within 5 seconds of dropping the powder / easy to do with a dish brush) Brush in circles around the cymbal for 5 seconds.... then let sit 10 seconds with even milky paste coating entire cymbal. Rinse thoroughly and then clean with dish soap and rinse again. Dry off with paper towels. FYI... I followed up using a light clean with Brasso polish. I used on mid tier very dirty cymbals with nasty tops. It made a big difference.

[@UnitCrane514]

Wow, finally a decent way to get my cymbals look good now! Thanks for this

[@videocast3655]

I have a 18" ride and 16" crash, and 20" sizzler and 2 15" hi hat Zildgians that are over 50 yrs old that came with my Rogers Power tone kit. I have used Brasso mostly and many other cleaner /polishers over the years and recently barkeepers friend and the symbols never cracked never lost any metal that is any where near noticable and still sound as good and mostly better than anything Ive heard out there. only thing I do differently here, is I wash them with dawn dish soap to get any residue that the other chemicals may leave behind.

[@tobiyarbrough5239]

Barkeepers Friend. Nuff said.

[@TJ-eq6dl]

Is that ok for natural cymbals?

[@futilitymusic]

Natural cymbal?

[@Timbales1979]

Matthew Curran He means natural finish vs brilliant.

[@B-a-t-m-a-n]

@@TJ-eq6dl I use it on my Paiste 2002. Just avoid the labels.

[@mikejefcoat4820]

You can use Pledge Specialty Surfaces. I am a professional car detailer. The most important thing is to make sure on the last removal step or polishing step is to make sure you polish until there is virtually no black residue coming off onto polishing pad or cloth. You are removing oxidation. Then apply a light coat of the Pledge Special Surfaces polish. It is a good Idea to apply the Pledge after a few rounds of playing. It takes about 1 min to cover 5 cymbals keeps them shiny for long time.

[@AndrewEwing1995]

When it comes to drums and cymbals its all preferences to the drummers ear and what they like to hear. Some drummers loves dead sounding drums on their toms and some like to ring a bit while with cymbals some like drier tones while some like brighter sounds. Like I said it is all preferences and what they like to hear on their kits.

[@m42037]

Modern drummer's like the dead sounds that's why they don't use Ludwig and Paiste like Bonham with that deep big sound

[@B-a-t-m-a-n]

You ought to give Brasso more of a fair shot. I seriously doubt the instructions say to rub it lovingly on whatever you're polishing. Rub it along the grooves with a terry cloth towel and let it dry. THEN take your buffer/sander to it and change the cloth over to a clean spot really often. You might consider doing the cymbal in quarters so you can do a more thorough job. Nice job there!

[@themaddaddy9515]

ive just finished cleaning my cymbals with brasso and they sound sweet as a nut.... going to try your method out on my old paiste....

[@Xtremecarfan10188]

Tips: 1). This method should only be used if cymbals are older and tarnished. Using on newer cymbals are pointless. 2.) Sand along the lines of the grooves of the cymbal to have minimal removal and not to distort the sound. Cymbal makes spend millions in research on getting very precise acoustics. 3.) Going off of #2, don't do this method to often. You're essentially removing a layer each time. After about the 5th time or so of polish, I can imagine a cymbal won't even sound like what it was intended from the makers anymore. 4.)Meguiars Quick Wax in the spray bottle. Use it after doing this and wipe using clean cloth. Keeps little protective layer over cymbal for 2 weeks, then you can just reapply. Just keep cleaning using the quik wax. It's not harmful, I clean my Fender Jazz Bass with it. Works wonders! Btw I forgot to add what are my personal experiences after cleaning. The tone is brighter, usually the sustain on crashes and rides are longer. The ping on especially on the ride is much more prominent but with more wash too. I love ping, but I dislike too much wash. I need a dry ride.

[@tdawgee]

Beautiful job, i Like Clean Cymbals Too !! Thanks For The Info

[@YYTdrummer]

I've you continued to watch you would have noticed he didn't use any actual sandpaper. He simply used the sander with a soft plush towel to buff the cymbal. I certainly wouldn't recommend doing this to old K's or anything but for 80's A Zildjians or other B20 cymbals that are simply tarnished there's nothing wrong with this method.

[@jeffbarnes19fg76]

My Zildjian A customs are about 12 years old and need some TLC. Would this technique work on the brilliant finish?

[@tonyberry6617]

I'm going to use this method this week. I have older Zildjian cymbals. They are a "HOT-MESS!" I play at church. Hope this works well. I'll let you know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rogmedina8360]

thanks, a lot of great ideas.

[@stephe.222]

First off- thanks for this video and the inspiration. I used the same sander, same towel, but with Paiste cleaner (which is good stuff, give it a try). I like patina, and I like the toned down dark quality that patina lends. Buuut, there's patina and then there's crap looking cymbals! Sometimes you come across a used cymbal that goes beyond patina into well, grot. I got an old A Medium ride looking gorgeous with this technique, a nice buttery glow just like new. Everyone who's all "never rub across tonal grooves" is off the mark... that might be a factor if you were using something capable of altering the lathing, but you're not. These cleaners/polishers are taking off a micro-microscopic film of metal off, not making structural changes here. If you were going to fully restore a cymbal with sanding, coarse through fine grit, then you'd want to stay with the grooves. I can't vouch for abrasives like Bartenders Friend but for Paiste cleaner or Mothers- you can stop worrying about yer tonal grooves.

[@SrJimbo_1718]

Hey bro, cool tip! How old was that cymbal? Did the sound change notably? Let me tell you I have a 18” Avedis Medium thin ride and a pair of 14” New Beat HiHats, I think they’re from the 70’s or so. They’re pretty tarnished don’t look good but sound amazing. I’ve been thinking of polishing them, but I’m a little afraid the sound could change, what would your advice be? Thanks in advance!

[@MeTuLHeD]

The sound definitely will change. They will be brighter. Probably closer to what they sounded like when new. Patina-ed cymbals take on a mellower darker sound. It will be subtle. But it will change.

[@monroefive-o40]

Don't forget, Your taking off material so the cymbal will get thinner. After a few cleanings like that they will crack. If you have an old set of cymbals, clean them by hand so you take off less material. You want them to last a long time!

[@m42037]

@@monroefive-o40 Ok "Danno book em, I mean clean em

[@danieladamczyk08]

Holy shit that is more shiny than it was brand new.

[@JeminiMedia]

Thanks for the tip bro, been meaning to try this with a 60/70's Zildjian Avedis 22" ride I got when I got the Sonor 3007. I'll do an audio comparison to see if there is any difference.

[@leviszendro]

hello...great video but i have tried exactly the same method as you did above except not using the Mag and Alu polish. I've used Brasso...have tried Silvo and also the Peel product. The cymbal is definitely more shiny and loads of black stuff came off however all the black marks, patches and dirty drops stayed on the cymbal...could you please advise why...would be awesome...cheers...( or is it because i did not used the Mother Mag and Alu polish? is that really so good? )

[@l6o6z6]

Hey mate just a question do you just rub the lemon over the cymbal or are talking actual juice? Like on a rag or sprayed through a squirty battle? Cheers for any feedback..

[@forcenturiestube]

that looks AMAZING. im looking to finish up some old Camber C4000's. where should i get this stuff?

[@MetalDeath96]

i use brasso on all my cymbals and they polish up perfectly so i'm not sure how your not getting good results from it

[@ericmay2d2]

Dam thats a good one

[@danlc95]

If you had a circular 5" da sander, and a fine foam waxing pad, that would work too. Make sure it's variable speed, so you can keep the pad action low. Lake Country CCS, and Chemical Guys Hex Logic pads are great.

[@KaTubers]

Cool a transfer sticker will do for the logo replacement

[@halseyballistic]

Outstanding!

[@timjjs]

Touche, that got me thinking.

[@NYTROOPA]

@JeminiMedia I think you will find it slightly brighter. Maybe a little more wash and sustain also. Not a huge difference though. Should be interesting with a Ride though, alot bigger.

[@finaldrumer]

I squeeze half of a lemon over a cymbal and then rub the lemon in circles over the cymbal, spreading the juice over it. After a couple of minutes you'll notice the difference, wash the cymbal with cool water and remove the water as fast as you can, leaving the cymbal completely dry. There're some tutorials on youtube, just search for them (:

[@djindapocket5143]

What if i dont have that tool u used

[@Jordmund]

Looks amazing. Im going to try on my Zildjian ZHT. They are not exactly "vintage", but they are dirty as hell (mainly from fingerprints) I hope this will brighten them up and make them look good. (From both sides). ...Cause rusty dry cymbal is one thing. But dirty fingerprinted cymbal is another :-D My advice? Wipe them after playing to get rid of fingerprints, it will help. Trust me :-)

[@saulhudson302]

Yeah came out good the cymbal but who is gonna clean cymbals after a gig ?

[@rodriguesrugery]

does's this tip make the cymbal get older more easily or get weak according to the use of it??

[@mikeschumacher9715]

I have heard that Brasso has a chemical that will make the base metals in cymbals brittle, making them more apt to crack. There are commercial products you can use and for a fast clean, use powder or liquid Bar Keepers Friend.

[@supraman100]

This sort of hard cleaning will flatten the tonal grooves and change the sound of the cymbal. If you prefer shininess over sound, go for it.

[@matthewcortes3786]

I understand the logic of your argument. But I dont think a fabric cloth will change the tonal grooves on a metal surface. Maybe sand paper or something or maybe if your the hulk.

[@paulmaringelli5536]

Polishing in the wrong direction. You are supposed to go in the direction of the grooves. Also aluminum polish is not good to use on bronze.

[@RUSSELL826]

is there anything you can put on the cymbal to keep it like you made it

[@danlc95]

For Zildjian and Sabian cast cymbals, I use Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner.

[@crism515]

I own a buffer, and honestly i think the towel with sander method does a better job tbh

[@shmicknick7972]

Do i also do the same with the bottom of the cymbal?

[@aanjinn]

Will these method remove the coat protection on cymbals?

[@MrDjshortij]

My cymbal has a dull yellow color to it will this theory still work.?

[@rrrw.01]

Does this make you say bye bye to your logos?

[@MrH1tler]

thanks dude :) works well

[@TheMightyKinkle]

REMEMBER TO TURN YOUR SPEAKERS DOWN AFTERWARDS

[@abethedrummer]

after you do this once it isn't tarnished anymore as long as you take care of it and after that point you can just use cymbal cleaners like groove juice and you will keep the grooves

[@Thebiggestbeast111]

Silverstein - SOS. From their newest album Short Songs.

[@NYTROOPA]

@SoulnRasen The first is Mouse on the Keys - Spectres de Mouse the second Silverstein- SOS

[@SzymonWeiss]

Would you let me know what music is this? Or anyone?

[@tonyberry6617]

This method worked very good. Wish I knew how to put a picture of them on here. They look beautiful. Thank you very much for that tip. Need your cymbals cleaned.........send them to me. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@allmetaliswelcome]

what if you dont wanna take off the logo's?

[@isaincudrumming]

genius!

[@nadir6661]

Whats the tune on the backround?

[@Norvind-YT]

Thanks :D

[@Manofmanytallets]

does brasso damage cymbals

[@splaijsen]

Didn`t you transform your cymbal from a natural finish to a brilliant? I mean that what you did is moore than cleaning. Wouldn`t you agree?

[@Hendradibali]

i personally wouldn't do that - using brasso and that kind of things kinda 'eat' the metal's surface at some degree, cymbals especially lathed one has been treated as what it is (on the traditional finish) , by saying this....after polishing (using above method) sound might changed...just my 2 cents

[@matthewclements9319]

I have that cymbal man

[@mickavellian]

Ever measure range,sustain, decay or calibrate a cymbal before and after polishing ? I LOVE sparkling cymbals but sure as hell ANY cleaning done to them will affect the tonality , it may make it better but its not the same cymbal. Charlie Watts travels with this dinasour of a crash cymbal ( 16") that was made for him i Instambul . The thing looks like cow shit flattened out but the timber and sustain on it was amazing . Of course in his word he will never clean it.

[@johnvalencia9927]

Well what do you think these cymbals looked and sounded like when new in 1969? Green and tarnished? Obviously not.

[@Dubnot]

The mouse on the keys song in the background? Did anyone else notice that?

[@JackNorrisPCR]

Yes mouse on the keys!

[@AttilaThebung]

How long ago did you do it?

[@NYTROOPA]

@allmetaliswelcome For my other cymbals I don't use the Brasso and polish around the logo. Then By hand i get as close to the logo as I can. This can leave a little unpolished spot in between the lettering. I suppose you could tape the logo also, but it would be tough to get it exactly on the logo. I'm thinking of using clear coat nail polish on the logo to see if that would protect them for the short time the logo is being buffed.

[@moo_im_a_cow]

what song is dis ?

[@ericstearns170]

Just so you know, quality cymbals are made of bronze, not brass, other than that; Good job!

[@moisescorrea1390]

Top the best.....

[@Dmoney2times51]

Now add the A Custom logo on it and pretend its a A Custom

[@bizzjoe]

I usually use the tip of my Langer ...

[@moo_im_a_cow]

@NYTROOPA thanks bro :)

[@MrSlowpoke-jn9lv]

Well done. Just to much like work for me. It’s easier just to buy new cymbals lol. (IM KIDDING)

[@finaldrumer]

Brasso is a metal polish, so it wil remove layers from your cymbal. After time you will eventually get a completely flat cymbal, in other words, you are removing the grooves because you are POLISHING! It will sound like shit at some point, I already tried Brasso on some old cymbals as I was a kid back then, and now I can see the damage it made, they are completely flat, no grooves at all. I use lemon juice on my cymbals, it's way easier to use and doesnt remove logos.

[@MarcondesNunesdeMorais]

Perfeito muito bom

[@mikekelly7679]

Then when you play next gig with clean cymbals the dumb guitar player looks at it and grabs it. That's when you keep a stick in your hand so you can whack their hand.

[@OutrunExile]

I don't understand why people care so much about logos. If you know what the cymbals are, then you shouldn't care if you're not reselling them.

[@abethedrummer]

you shouldn't and don't have to polish brilliant cymbals, they have smooth grooves so it is easy to get the dirt out with spray cleaner or lemon juice like you said

[@Kymmi28]

In my experience, using brasso removes the paint brand on the cymbal...

[@sgtpepper1138]

+Kymmi28 That's what he was trying to do. I personally like my logos on, but the outcome sure brought that cymbal back to life.

[@Kymmi28]

True :)

[@mtndewman1022]

a customs didnt come out until the 90s....

[@TechDecker390]

ok who skeeted on my cymbal

[@monkfry]

Tyler Davis Even 6 years ago I would have replied something like “Damn, I haven’t heard skeet since the 9th grade”. Just another dolt commenting here lol.

[@jarethhammet3661]

the logo's gone...

[@dogbuggy32]

a great drummer I meet down the road gave me a tip ill give you bar keepers friend they sell it every where it's a powered cleaner like Ajax's works GREAT on the zildjians

[@SweetArion]

+dogbuggy32 Zildjians only?

[@oscarbelmar3182]

El brasso es un muy fuerte ...usen crema para platillos

[@robinhoodwasasocialist.1401]

That took off a lot of bronze

[@scottvelardo700]

That cymbal is shamefully and embarrassingly dirty but it is not tarnished. Tarnish is green. It is to copper as rust is to steel. Under the dirt on this cymbal was the original factory clearcoat, keeping the metal protected. At the end of the project, cymbal is nice and shiny, but it is also now unprotected and will soon tarnish for real. 😢

[@sticksbass]

i dont bother but works good.

[@nojnoj3069]

BAR KEEPER'S MATE from Home Bargains....Cost = £1.95p......Enough to clean 20+ cymbals.........THE BEST!!......It takes less than 5 minutes per cymbal...... Enough said.

[@dxb8086]

See how fucked up the hole is? That happens when you don't use sleeves. Metal on metal is a cymbal-killer.