Believe it or not, drums require care and maintenance just like a car or pool. The fact is drums can be expensive; that’s why you’ll want to make them last as long as possible and keep them in good working condition. Read our tips below for ideal drum maintenance to learn how to properly care for your drum set and keep it sounding its best!
Donts
Don’t store or place drums close to heat.
Heat can be detrimental to drums. The high temps can cause the wood to crack and dry. That’s why it’s best to store your drum set in a controlled environment away from the heat and humidity. Storing it too close to a heater or even the inside of a car can be bad for the quality of the drums in the long run. Likewise, extremely damp environments can also have a negative effect on drums, causing the wood to swell and potentially ruin the head. For best drum care, find a temperate, climate controlled place to store your drums instead.
Don’t forget to tune it.
No matter how many drum lessons you’ve taken, it’s easy to forget that tuning a drum is one of the most basic, yet critical elements to good drum tone. Ideally, drums should be tuned before every drum lesson, practice session, and especially before a gig. Without a properly tuned drum, no amount of practice, mad skills, or talent will matter!
Don’t use abrasive cleaners.
While cleaning your drum kit is important, you should never use abrasive cleaners on drums. The reality is many heavy duty cleaners are too harsh for the delicate parts of a drum kit, and can permanently damage the finish of drums. Instead of a chemically-filled cleaner, use water and a little soap to get your drums looking shiny and new.
Dos
Do lubricate stands, bearing edges, and pedals.
To keep all the parts of your drum set running smoothly, you’ll want to lubricate them from time to time. Parts that would benefit the most from lubrication are snare stands, bearing edges and pedals. Many drummers also like to lubricate their lugs.
Do regular inspect drum heads.
For most drummers, the drum skins or heads are the first things to show signs of wear and tear because they’re used so frequently. To keep your drum in tip-top shape, you’ll want to regularly inspect your drum heads to check for any signs of dents or tearing. Even without significant damage, a drum head should be changed approximately every six months simply due to the tension weakening over time.
Do invest in a drum dust cover.
If you’re a serious drummer who plays shows around Phoenix, Scottsdale or elsewhere, you might want to invest in a drum cover to keep your drum set looking spiffy in between gigs and practices. Most drum dust covers are water resistant and will help protect your drum kit against dust, dirt, and moisture.
For more drum care cleaning and maintenance tips, plus info on our awesome drum lessons and other types of music lessons, contact Scottsdale Music Academy today!