Really green vintage cymbal

[mat343121]

So i got this eak 20" ride, its really dirty, sounds really good to me and Im afraid that if I clean it, higher frquencies may pop out and make it less warm/woody and less dry. It got heavy patina and oxydation. And got this brillant one that I hesitate to clean too. I think it would not affect the sound too much on the crash..

Should I clean or keep them as is?

 

[DWSlingerland45]

I don't clean cymbals as a general rule but I do clean them if they're green. Try bar keepers Friend LIQUID polish and a soft cloth try to stay away from the logos if possible. That should get the oxidation off with no damage. Walmart should carry the BKF

 

[D. B. Cooper]

I love clean cymbals. Kind of against the grain around these parts, but I enjoy cleaning them.
The logos will go bye bye if you apply chemicals to them.
Nice looking cymbal!

 

[Nacci]

For me the patina on a cymbal is gold. I think there is a difference between dirt and the green oxidation on Bronze. I wouldn't touch that cymbal.

 

[shiek_yerbouti]

Maybe just some soap and water to remove any loose grime. That should leave the patina intact. The cymbal sound will brighten if you remove the patina. Removing the dirt might brighten sound a bit as well.

 

[mbettis]

If you dig the way it sounds, I suggest not messing with it. Just play it.

Matt

 

[Fat Drummer]

This choice is 100% dependent on sound. I'm right down the middle on this... Like DB, I personally LIKE the sound of clean cymbals (I also enjoy the process and time spent cleaning them), but as Matt and the Shiek said, if you clean it WILL change the sound. So it's all down to what you like in the overall sound. If you like them now, don't mess with them, as cleaning will certainly brighten them up.

 

[Pounder]

If you clean it I suggest Paiste cymbal cleaner. Even Barkeepers friend is abrasive. However it will brighten the cymbal sound if you clean it. And the value will not increase, because many vintage cymbal collectors want the patina left alone.

However if you plan on keeping it regardless, it will brighten the sound of it.

I have rarely cleaned a cymbal, it was generally only if the cymbal was practically new or if I wanted the sound to be brighter. Some people are more hung up on the look of it; I'm only interested in the sound.

 

[Bongo Brad]

The cymbal looks good to me. The dirty sock & cajon on the other hand....

 

[hardbat]

If it sounds good, don't clean it. Back 30 years ago I had an old K that sounded great, and not so good after I cleaned it. After that experience, I've never cleaned a cymbal that sounded good.

 

[Tama CW]

I'd leave it. Even if you clean it abrasively, I think most of the stains will remain where it was once green. And that will look even worse. nothing wrong with green spots.

 

[mat343121]

Thanks ! I'll defenitely keep the ride this way

 

[Skyrm]

If you dig the way it sounds, I suggest not messing with it. Just play it.

Matt

This. The man knows cymbals!