70s Supraphonic question
 

Just picked up a pointy Blue/Olive badge one that shined up great - no pitting at all, just an occasional tiny scratch here and there.

Would you use a metal polish on the inside of the shell too or leave it alone. There's no rust there either.

Thanks.

Re: 70s Supraphonic question
 

Personally, I would leave the inside alone. I've had dozens of metal-shell snare drums over the years and never felt the need to polish the inside. Let's see what others have to say about this.

-Mark

Re: 70s Supraphonic question
 

Thanks Mark, I agree.

Re: 70s Supraphonic question
 

The interior isn't polished by the manufacturer, so I wouldn't bother to do it either.
I think the wipe-down during periodic head changes is suffcient. If you really feel compelled to do something you may consider a wax, but I don't think that will really help prevent any issues if that is a concern.

Re: 70s Supraphonic question
 

I agree with the others, as well. I have collected Supraphonics, and have never messed with the interior. It won't rust or tarnish. And if there is a date stamp on the inside, you don't want to accidentally wipe it off.

As far as the exterior goes, I like to use eyeglass cleaner and eyeglass microfiber cloths to remove fingerprints, sweat, etc., and brighten the chrome. Other cloths and cleaners can leave small light scratches on the chrome plate.

Acne? Well, acne happens despite one's best efforts. Some Supraphonics have very few "bubbles," while most have at least moderate acne. Some people have said that heat and humidity play a role in the amount of acne, but I'm not convinced that's true. I think the differences in the amount of acne has more to do with which subcontractor prepared the shells for the chrome plating.

As we have learned, chromium and aluminum hate each other, and aluminum will corrode if it comes in contact with the chrome. The aluminum shell is coated with layers of nickel and copper before the chrome plate is applied. Any imperfections or "thin-ness" in these protective layers will allow the aluminum and chrome to attack each other, resulting in the aluminum corroding and "pushing" the chrome plate off. Ouch.

Regards, mb

Re: 70s Supraphonic question
 

Thank you, great advice.