I've got a near 100 year old Rudolph Wurlitzer 4 x16&1/8 snare with a brass shell and wood hoops. I've been told cymbal polish works well for maintaining the brass shell but nothing for the hoops. They have a little heat damage to them, but not too much. Any ideas are very much appreciated. Also, best way to maintain the gut snares? they're still intact and I don't want them breaking either, Thank you.
Motey
I've got a near 100 year old Rudolph Wurlitzer 4 x16&1/8 snare with a brass shell and wood hoops. I've been told cymbal polish works well for maintaining the brass shell but nothing for the hoops. They have a little heat damage to them, but not too much. Any ideas are very much appreciated. Also, best way to maintain the gut snares? they're still intact and I don't want them breaking either, Thank you.Motey
Hi Motey,
Unless the shell is completely green, consider leaving it as is after a rub down with a lightly damp cloth to remove any loose dirt and grime. Once you go and polish off the patina, it will take another 100 years to grow back and a lot of collectors would much prefer a drum of that era in 'as found' condition as opposed to polished to a like-new luster. If you really want it looking like new, cymbal polish will work but the raw brass will begin tarnishing again sooner than later unless you lacquer it.
As for the wooden hoops, apply some lemon oil with a cloth and let it be. The oil re-hydrates the wood and shines it up a bit while the excess soon evaporate away.
This is just my two cents coming from more of a preservationist standpoint!
-Lee
Love to see a picture of that one!
Thanks Perclee,
a friend of mine had already polished it up so I was hoping it wasn't dumb to let him to do that. so it's polished but I'll make sure to get some lemon oil in the wood to help keep it stable. Thanks for the advice.
