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How to Get Smudge Marks Off Cymbals

Cymbals are an essential part of a drum kit. Typically, there are at least a few cymbals, including a crash, a ride and a high hat. Because cymbals are made from metal (copper), they're prone to fingerprints when handled. Whether your hands are dry or not, the oils on your fingers will stick to the cymbals. While some drummers argue that removing the fingerprints isn't essential, others like to remove them. Fortunately, this can be done fairly quickly with a commercial cymbal cleaner.

Things You'll Need

  • Old towel
  • Electrical tape (optional)
  • Commercial cymbal cleaner
  • 2 cloths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay an old towel on the floor or other flat surface.

    • 2

      Remove the lug nut holding the cymbal in place. Remove the cymbal from its stand.

    • 3

      Lay the cymbal on the towel.

    • 4

      Cover the drum logo with electrical tape if you want to keep it in tact.

    • 5

      Apply commercial cymbal cleaner to a cloth according to label instructions. Rub the cymbal with the cloth, following the pattern of the grain. Do one small section at a time, removing the cleaner with a dry cloth as you go. This is to prevent the cleaner from sitting on the cymbal for too long.

    • 6

      Repeat the Step 5 until all fingerprints are gone from the cymbal. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for remaining cymbals.

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