Although you would not change the oil every 3,000 miles, instruments are like cars where they require some routine maintenance to keep them in performance ready shape and sounding their best. In our teaching studios we often have drums, guitars, basses, amps, and keyboards that come in with minor problems that could have been prevented with some minor maintenance.
Here are a few simple things to consider for your drum set to keep it sounding great and trouble free.
1. CHANGE YOUR DRUMHEADS. Drum heads are often neglected and go for months, and sometimes even years, before they are changed. If the heads have small dings (we call them dimples) then they are in need of changing. Of course, drum heads with splits in the ply’s or heads that no longer tune up need replacing as well.
2. TIGHTEN TUNING LUGS. We often have drums come in with very loose tuning rods or are missing them all together. As you play the drum the vibrations will cause the tuning rods to become loose and eventually fall out. Regular tuning will prevent this.
3. ARE YOUR DRUMSTICKS CAUSING DAMAGE? Drum sticks literally take a beating and this can cause damage to your drum heads and cymbals. Sticks that have broken, cracked or chipped tips sticks need to be replaced. This also goes for sticks that are splintered or being “eaten away” on the shaft from been hit on the edge of hihats or cymbals. The balance of the stick will be different and it needs to be replaced.
4. CLEAN YOUR DRUMS. A simple dusting will do once every week or two. This will keep the finish looking great and prevent the chrome from dulling.
5. GREASE THE TUNING RODS. If you really ant to do some good cleaning then take your tuning rods out and put a small dap of lubricant on the ends. This will keep them free from rust, dust and grim and make them turn smoothly when tuning.
If you have some tips or tricks that have worked for you in the past, or if you have any questions about proper care of your instrument let us know. email hidden; JavaScript is required
