I used Zildjian cleaning paste, it work with any cymbal type and brand. Do not forget get a microfiber clothes for the best result.

Same for me- standard Zildjian cleaning polish- removes logos after repeated use. I only polish the top sides of cymbals - I let the underside patina and retain its identifying logo.

What kind of cymbals are you planning on cleaning? and from what period? If they are collecticble vintage cymbals, like Old turkish K's you might want to consider not cleaning them at all. Cleaning patina off a great sounding vintage cymbal will most likely alter the sound and could decrease its value if you're planning to resell. If sound matters more than looks, and you love the sound as is, cleaning may not be your best option.

Yes Sir...I could not say it better...Never clean a vintage cymbal it will change the sound...I have alot of old "A's" and "K's" that i have never cleaned.When i do clean cymbals they are not more than 10 years old...Mikey

For me, you either clean a cymbal from the time you bought it or never clean it at all. The patina contributes to the sound, in my opinion; however, I always cleaned my cymbals when I had Turkish-style (i.e. Zils and Sabs) as I liked having shiny cymbals on-stage. I also would re-letter them. Needless to say there was no vintage value to my cymbals, but then again- there's no real value to '80s Zils and Sabs, yet.

With Paistes, the cleaning process is a bit trickier. If you have Colorsound cymbals, I like to clean them with soap and water and use Meguiar's spray-on car wax afterwards. If you have "natural" finish Paistes, use Paiste's own cymbal polish, as it won't remove the coating. But DO NOT USE PAISTE CYMBAL CLEANER ON COLORSOUND CYMBALS!!!!

I have what I guess would qualify as vintage cymbals. And yes, I am guilty of cleaning them.

All bought at Manny's in NYC.

18" Zildjian med ride bought new in 1965

22" Zildjian med ride bought new in 1966

18" Zildjian med crash bought new in 1967

(2) Zildjian 15" hats bought used in 1965. (Through the education I received on this very forum courtesy of Drumaholic, I learned they are trans-stamps.)

I didn't clean them at all until 1971. But, for all of 1971 I had them with me aboard a destroyer in the west and south pacific. Marine environments I felt were not especially conducive to cymbal health, particularly when playing alot on the main deck, 6 feet above the water. When they became heavily tarnished, and the very beginnings of green tinge appeared, I used what we had on board, Nevr-Dull and Brasso. Did it perhaps 3 or 4 times. It does indeed alter the tone of the cymbals, but it seems temporary.

I cleaned them again about 6 months ago, and armed with the knowlege gained on this forum about the evils of brass polish, I used Bar-Keepers Friend. Whoa! Great results, and MUCH easier to do! Made a milk shake consistency from the powder and water in a paper cup, sponged it on the cymbal, lighty rubbed, rinsed, and done! Cymbals gleamed again, and minimal tone change.

I would absolutley suggest Bar-Keepers Friend to clean B-20 cymbals. I don't know for sure how it would affect any ink stamps (I don't think it would be good for them) as my cymbals never had ink stamps. So tread carefully.

So, while I understand the concept of NOT cleaning vintage cymbals. Sometimes you just HAVE to. Since in my case that horse has already left the stable so to speak, it made the decision to clean them again 6 months ago easier. It wasn't like I was removing 45 years of patina. More like maybe 20. Besides, I like the way they look clean. I am however letting them tarnish up again cause I also like the way they look with an even patina.

I know, I know, pick one and stay with it eh?

Hey they're your cymbals to do with what you wish. My advice was general and there are always exceptions.

When I see a clean vintage cymbal for sale it sets off an immediate alarm. How was it cleaned? Was a damaging abrasive used? Were things like a signature under the bell removed as a result? Because there are questions regarding how the cymbals was cared for, and the sound may have been compromised, I am less likely to be interested in a shiny vintage cymbal. I certainly wouldn't pay top dollar for one.

I had an OLD set Paiste Sound Edge hi hats that looked like they been through a fire,almost black.If you're not worried about the wax coating I found the ultimate cleaner purly by accident,'Easy Off BAM'.I sprayed them old cymbals and now they look brand new.They must have different metal properties than a Zildjian. I sprayed the BAM onto an old A. Zildjian that I have and it did nothing.

..dont clean....simple as that...Violin