Lee Flier Posted April 7, 2001 Share Posted April 7, 2001 ... but I've got bird shit on my cymbals! Yep that's right, a bird flew into my studio and was pretty scared and, uhhh... did his business on my drum kit. I wiped it off immediately, but there are a couple of green spots on my cymbals now. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif How do I fix this? --Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cymbals Posted April 7, 2001 Share Posted April 7, 2001 Try this: 1)Zildjian cymbal cleaner, steel wool and elbow grease. Repeat. 2)or, replace the cymbal cleaner with some slightly diluted silverware cleaner. Decrease/eliminate dilution if needed. I've had to do some major cleaning to old cymbals. It's amazing what a good cleaning can do. Good luck, and let me know how it goes. -Cymbals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djarrett Posted April 8, 2001 Share Posted April 8, 2001 Well, Lee ... that *is* a new one! You are actually suffering from an acid spot on your cymbal, much like birdie-do can leave on your car finish. The acid from the feces has eaten into the protective finish that the cymbals are coated with at the factory. Not a huge deal, but I have a different solution than cymbal cleaner. I have found in my years of drumming that the best way to keep your cymbals tarnish free is wiping them down after *every* gig with a clean soft cloth. The very best cleaner I have ever found for cymbals is Carnuba car wax and preferably the spray bottle Meguiar's "Quik Wax" or Classic's aerosol carnuba wax. In today's production process, in the final stage after the cymbal has been lightly buffed, ... a clear protective coating is added. What this coating is varies with manufacturer, but with most, it is a clear lacquer. The wax just maintains the factory fresh lustor without damaging the logos or art on the cymbal. The carnuba is a light cleaner as well, but in no way harsh like most cymbal polishes. Once you use a harsh polish, the protective coating is usually removed or damaged and you will have to polish the cymbal regularly from then on. Try a light spot clean with this car wax, actually great for your car too! Keep in mind that this cleaning process I describe is a regular maintainence program for clean or nearly clean ... or new cymbals. For heavily tarnished cymbals, there is no product that will replace good ole' elbow grease! I hope this helps! May I also recommend screens for your windows! DJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Flier Posted April 9, 2001 Author Share Posted April 9, 2001 LOL Dendy... well the windows in my studio don't open at all. The bird got in through the door! My studio is in the basement and the door leads out to the back yard, and sometimes if I'm not playing I'll open the door and let some air in (and let the dog out). I've had birds get in there before that way, and a couple of times I've even had bats! When the bats have gotten in they swoop right up the stairs and into the house! It's hell trying to get them out... one time I didn't find one till three days later when he started screeching because my cat had it cornered. I put him in a coffee can and let him go out the window. Sheeeesh... next I'll be asking how to get guano off my drums! Anyway, does this wax treatment actually get rid of the discoloration or do I need some kind of brass cleaner to do that? Whatever I end up using, I'll do the wax thing afterward, that's a great tip. --Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djarrett Posted April 9, 2001 Share Posted April 9, 2001 >Anyway, does this wax treatment actually get rid of the discoloration or do I need some kind of brass cleaner to do that? Whatever I end up using, I'll do the wax thing afterward, that's a great tip. --Lee < Hey, Lee: This depends on whether your cymbals have ever had a cleaner used on them. If they have never had cymbal or brass cleaner on them, do not start using it! This wax has a very mild completely non-abrasive cleaner in it. It should take away the discoloration. If your cymbals have had cleaner on them, then I would try the wax first and if that does not do the trick, use cymbal cleaner. I do not recommend brass cleaners that are harsh like "brasso." Bats in the Belfry eh Lee? DJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrg music Posted April 10, 2001 Share Posted April 10, 2001 Lee wrote: >>... but I've got bird shit on my cymbals! Yep that's right, a bird flew into my studio and was pretty scared and, uhhh... did his business on my drum kit. I wiped it off immediately, but there are a couple of green spots on my cymbals now. How do I fix this? --Lee >>>> Oh Lee you poor old thing!! ROFL, I am sorry but thanks for the best laugh I've had all week. I am truly sorry to hear hear about your 'green spots' I do hope they get better!! http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Love and best wishes for an early end to your spots Simon http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif ...remember there is absolutely no point in talking about someone behind their back unless they get to hear about it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosespappy Posted April 10, 2001 Share Posted April 10, 2001 If the carnuba doesn't quite take the spot, and you still have the original lacquer finish, a piece of 1600 grit wet or dry sand paper LIGHTLY w/ H2O followed by a good buffing w/ the wax on a terry towl might. That is funny... I had a red squirrel crawl into an old guitar I had at a campsite once. Stayed put until I picked it up in an attempt to dazzle a young lassie with my prowess, not sure if I spilled my beer or peed my pants.(they were both warm!) Funny post, I needed that! rosespappy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted April 11, 2001 Share Posted April 11, 2001 A stray cat got into my basement once and took a leak in my Rickenbacker case (which happened to be open, and we all KNOW how cats are with things like guitar cases). Took FOREVER to get the smell out. (Sings a'la Brian Setzer): "Black and orange stray cat pissing in my case" "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebonn Posted April 11, 2001 Share Posted April 11, 2001 My girlfriend sent me to the DR to get rid of green spots but told the DR to leave the warts! This may be totally wrong but I think I would try some fine sand paper and try to buff it out. www.blairsdevillestudios.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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