Sienna Rhodes
Cymbals are an essential component of a drum kit, and their sound is crucial to the overall sound of a band. Cymbals are made of bronze, and like all metals, they are susceptible to oxidation. This oxidation can be accelerated by exposure to humidity, sweat, and other environmental factors. The sound of a cymbal can change over time due to oxidation, but opinions vary on whether this affects the quality of the sound. Some people believe that oxidation gives cymbals character, while others think it may damage the instrument. Additionally, some drummers intentionally bury their cymbals to speed up the oxidation process and alter the sound, but the effectiveness of this technique is debated. Cymbal maintenance and storage practices can also influence oxidation levels and, consequently, the sound of the cymbal.
Does oxidation affect a cymbal's sound?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes of oxidation | Humidity, moisture, sweat |
| Preventing oxidation | Store cymbals in a bag, use a dehumidifier, cover with an old bedsheet |
| Cleaning oxidation | Lemon, non-scratch scrub sponge, hot water, dish soap, Groove Juice, bar keeper's friend, cymbal polish/cleaner |
| Effect on sound | Patina may slightly affect sound over time, but not as much as being hit repeatedly |
| Other effects | Cymbals may get darker, the actual molecular makeup of the metal changes |
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What You'll Learn
Cymbal cleaning products can cause oxidation
Some cymbal cleaning products contain mild acids that remove tarnish and oxidation. However, these products can also leave a dull "matte" finish that requires polishing to restore shine. It's important to note that the original texture and finish of the cymbal may not be regained even after polishing.
Additionally, cymbal cleaning products can remove the protective coating on cymbals, making them more susceptible to oxidation. For instance, one user reported that cleaning their cymbals caused them to oxidize faster because the protective wax was removed. Cymbal manufacturers, such as Paiste, apply protective coatings to prevent oxidation and make maintenance easier. Therefore, using cleaning products that remove this protective layer can inadvertently increase the risk of oxidation.
Furthermore, some cymbal cleaning products may not be compatible with certain types of alloys. For instance, B8 cymbals are more susceptible to corrosion due to the high amount of copper in their composition. Using the wrong cleaning product on these cymbals can accelerate oxidation and damage the cymbal.
To prevent oxidation caused by cleaning products, it is essential to follow the recommendations provided by cymbal manufacturers for specific cymbal brands and types. Additionally, using mild, non-abrasive cleaners and avoiding mechanical buffing tools can help reduce the risk of damaging the cymbal's finish and protective coating.
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Cymbal storage can affect oxidation
Cymbal storage can indeed affect oxidation. Cymbals are made from a mixture of copper and another metal, typically tin, to make an alloy called bronze. The oxidation of bronze usually occurs on its most superficial level, but exposure to chlorine can accelerate this process. Cymbals can turn green as the copper in the bronze alloy reacts with oxygen to form a green layer called patina. This process can be slowed down by storing cymbals in a cool, dry environment.
For example, if you live in a humid area like Florida, your cymbals may start to turn brown or green within a few months. In such cases, it is recommended to store the cymbals in airtight bags or use a dehumidifier in the storage room. Another option is to cover the cymbals with a large old bedsheet, which can help to extend the time before oxidation occurs.
On the other hand, some drummers prefer the sound of darker cymbals with patina and intentionally avoid polishing them to achieve an older sound. The patina acts as a high-pass filter, filling the small grooves created by pin-lathing, resulting in a more mellow and warmer sound compared to shiny new cymbals.
Additionally, the storage method can also impact the oxidation process. For instance, if your cymbals are usually stored in a cymbal bag or case and are now kept out in the open, the increased exposure to air may contribute to faster oxidation. Similarly, moving to a new location with higher humidity or closer to the ocean can introduce more moisture in the air, accelerating the formation of patina.
In summary, cymbal storage practices, including the choice of storage location, materials, and environmental conditions, can significantly influence the rate of oxidation and the development of patina on cymbals.
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Humidity and moisture affect oxidation
Cymbals are made of bronze, which is a metal that oxidizes on its most superficial level. While patina and oxidation can influence the sound of a cymbal, the change is slight compared to the effect of repeated bashing on the metal's molecular makeup. Cymbal companies even allow their plates to rest after they are made to enable the sound and physical integrity to settle in.
However, humidity and moisture can accelerate the oxidation of cymbals. For example, a drummer in Florida reported that their cymbals started to turn brown within three months, blaming the issue on the state's high humidity. Another user in the same thread observed that their cymbals were aging faster after moving into a new house, speculating that the music room might be holding moisture due to being sealed too tightly. Similarly, a third user noticed that their cymbals were developing patina and green oxidation faster than usual after moving into a new home. They attributed this to the cymbals being more exposed, as they were left out instead of being stored in a cymbal bag.
To mitigate the effects of humidity and moisture on cymbal oxidation, several solutions can be implemented:
- Storing cymbals in a bag or covered by other cymbals can reduce exposure and slow down the oxidation process.
- Using a dehumidifier in the room where cymbals are kept can help control the moisture levels in the air.
- Covering cymbals with a large old bed sheet will not stop oxidation but can help to slow it down by creating a barrier between the cymbals and the surrounding air.
- Applying a polish like Flitz Multi-Purpose Polish and Cleaner Paste can remove oxidation and restore the shine to cymbals. However, it is important to test such products on a small area first to ensure they do not adversely affect the cymbal's finish.
- Cymbals can be washed with dish soap and hot water to remove any oxidation or grime that has built up.
It is worth noting that while oxidation and humidity can influence the sound of a cymbal to some extent, other factors such as the accumulation of grime and the frequency of use also play a role in the overall sound and appearance of the cymbal.
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The sound of a cymbal can change due to oxidation
The sound of a cymbal can indeed change due to oxidation. Cymbals are made of metal alloys, which are subject to oxidation over time. This process can be accelerated by factors such as humidity, moisture, and exposure to certain chemicals like chlorine. The oxidation causes the formation of a patina, a thin layer of coating on the cymbal's surface, which can alter the sound by affecting the vibration and tone of the cymbal.
The impact of oxidation on the sound of a cymbal is a topic of discussion among drummers. Some believe that oxidation gives the cymbal a ""mellow" tone, making it less crisp and bright-sounding. This is because the patina fills up small grooves and hammering marks on the cymbal's surface, resulting in a more even sound profile. However, others prefer the sound of a new cymbal, which has brighter and more prominent overtones.
Additionally, the level of dirt or tarnish on a cymbal can also influence its sound. A cymbal that is heavily tarnished may produce a darker and mellower sound. Cleaning such a cymbal can result in a brighter and more sustained sound. However, it is important to note that aggressive cleaning methods and the use of harsh chemicals can remove protective coatings and alter the microscopic pores and indentations, leading to a more significant change in sound.
The act of playing the cymbal itself also contributes to the oxidation process. The repeated striking of the cymbal causes the molecular structure of the metal to change, leading to an "evening out" of the tone. Cymbal companies often allow their plates to rest after manufacturing to let the sound and physical integrity settle before releasing them into the market.
To mitigate the effects of oxidation, cymbal polishes can be used to create a protective layer, similar to how a car is undercoated to prevent rust. Additionally, storing cymbals in bags or using a dehumidifier in humid environments can help slow down the oxidation process. Ultimately, the preference for the sound and appearance of oxidized cymbals is subjective, and some experienced players believe that aged cymbals produce a better sound.
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Polishing cymbals can affect their sound
The sound of a cymbal is influenced by a variety of factors, including the cymbal's material composition, playing technique, and environmental conditions. While oxidation may not directly harm the sound of a cymbal, as some experienced players prefer the sound of aged cymbals, polishing can subtly alter its acoustic properties.
Polishing cymbals can impact their sound by removing the patina that forms on the metal surface over time. Patina acts as a high-pass filter, filling in the small grooves and affecting the way sound waves travel across the cymbal, resulting in a subtle change in tone. Removing the patina through polishing can restore the cymbal to its original sound, reducing the filtering effect of the patina.
The type of polish used and the aggressiveness of the cleaning process can also influence the sound of a cymbal. Some polishes may have an abrasive reaction, potentially damaging the tonal grooves and altering the intended acoustic properties. Additionally, polishing can remove protective coatings applied by manufacturers, causing the cymbals to tarnish more rapidly and potentially impacting their sound over time.
It is worth noting that the build-up of dirt and grime on cymbals can affect their sound, making them sound darker and duller. Cleaning and polishing can enhance the brightness and sustain of the cymbal, improving its overall sound. However, it is essential to choose the appropriate polish and cleaning method to avoid potential damage to the cymbal's surface and acoustic properties.
While the impact of polishing on a cymbal's sound may be subtle, it is essential for drummers to understand the potential consequences to make informed decisions about their instrument care. Cymbal manufacturers often provide specific care recommendations due to variations in alloy composition and finishes, which should be considered when deciding whether or not to polish cymbals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, oxidation can affect a cymbal's sound, but the difference is subtle. The patina caused by oxidation may slightly dull the sound and tone it down. However, some people prefer the sound of aged cymbals.
Cymbals can be prone to oxidation due to exposure to moisture and humidity. Living in a humid climate or storing cymbals in a room that tends to develop mould can accelerate the oxidation process.
To prevent oxidation, you can store your cymbals in a bag or use a dehumidifier in the storage room. You can also try covering them with a large bedsheet to slow down the oxidation process.
You can remove oxidation by cleaning your cymbals with hot water and dish soap or using a cymbal cleaner. Some recommended products include Zildjian's brilliant cymbal cleaner and Flitz Multi-Purpose Polish and Cleaner Paste.
Light oxidation, also known as patina, does not weaken cymbals. In fact, it forms an oxide barrier that protects the metal. However, severe oxidation, known as bronze disease, can cause erosion.
