Gear article
Dunlop System 65 Cymbal & Drum Care Kit
The Dunlop System 65 Cymbal & Drum Care Kit is a comprehensive maintenance solution designed to keep percussion instruments in factory-new condition. It includes three specialised chemical formulas and a dual-textured cleaning mitt to remove water stains, finger-marks, and oxidation from drum shells, hardware, and cymbals.
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The Dunlop System 65 Cymbal & Drum Care Kit is a professional-grade maintenance package aimed at drummers who wish to preserve the aesthetic and structural integrity of their instruments. The kit consolidates several of Dunlop's popular cleaning agents into a single bundle, providing the necessary tools to handle both routine cleaning and more intensive restoration tasks. By addressing both the metal surfaces of cymbals and the finished surfaces of drum shells, it serves as a total care solution for the modern drum set.
Kit Components and Formulas
The kit features three distinct liquid formulas, each engineered for a specific purpose:
- 65 Drum Shell Polish and Cleaner: A formula designed for use on drum shells and chrome hardware. It is effective at removing grime and restoring a high-gloss finish without damaging the lacquer or wrap.
- 65 Cymbal Intensive Care: A more powerful formula intended for deep cleaning. It is specifically formulated to tackle heavy oxidation and stubborn stains on cymbal surfaces.
- 65 Cymbal Cleaner: A maintenance formula for regular use that helps remove daily fingerprints and dust, keeping the cymbal's surface bright and clean.
Additionally, the kit includes a Drum Cleaning Mitt. This accessory features a dual-texture design: a terrycloth side for polishing cymbals and a smoother, soft cloth side for delicate shell finishes and hardware.
Application and Use
Maintenance involves applying the appropriate formula using the included mitt. The terrycloth side of the mitt provides the necessary friction for working the cymbal cleaners into the metal's tonal grooves. For drum shells, the smoother side of the mitt is used to buff the polish, ensuring no scratches are introduced to the finish. The mitt also serves a secondary function as a barrier between the user's hands and the gear, preventing fresh oils and fingerprints from being deposited during handling.
Target Audience
This kit is suited for any drummer, from students to professionals, who wants to protect their investment. Because it addresses both wood (or synthetic shell) finishes and various metal alloys used in cymbal manufacturing, it is a versatile choice for touring musicians and studio drummers who require their kits to be visually pristine for performances and recordings.
Market Comparisons
While individual cleaners such as Groove Juice Cymbal Cleaner offer single-purpose solutions for metal surfaces, the Dunlop System 65 kit provides a broader scope of care by including shell-specific polish. Compared to generic instrument wipes like the Ernie Ball 4278 Wonder Wipe or basic microfibre cloths like the BAM Microfibre Cleaning Cloth, the Dunlop system offers more aggressive, liquid-based chemical cleaning necessary for removing established oxidation and deep-seated water stains.
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Frequently asked questions
- What products are included in the Dunlop System 65 Cymbal & Drum Care Kit?
- The kit includes three liquid formulas: 65 Drum Shell Polish and Cleaner, 65 Cymbal Intensive Care, and 65 Cymbal Cleaner. It also comes with a dual-textured Drum Cleaning Mitt and official care instructions.
- What is the primary purpose of the 65 Drum Shell Polish and Cleaner?
- This formula is designed to clean and restore the shine of drum shells and hardware. It effectively removes fingerprints and water marks while leaving a factory-new finish on the kit.
- How does the 65 Cymbal Intensive Care differ from the standard Cymbal Cleaner?
- The Intensive Care formula is a powerful liquid meant for restoring heavily oxidised or stained cymbals. The standard Cymbal Cleaner is better suited for regular maintenance and removing light surface marks.
- What are the two different textures on the cleaning mitt used for?
- The terrycloth side is designed for polishing and cleaning cymbals to help get into the grooves. The smoother soft side is designed for polishing drum shells and hardware without scratching the finish.
- Can the mitt be used to prevent fingerprints while handling gear?
- Yes, wearing or using the mitt while moving or setting up your kit helps keep skin oils and finger-marks off the surfaces of your drums and cymbals. This maintains the clean look for longer.
- Is this kit suitable for all types of drum shells?
- The Drum Shell Polish and Cleaner is generally safe for lacquered and wrapped shells. It is formulated to clean and polish without damaging the surface of standard drum kits.
- What kind of stains can these formulas remove?
- The formulas are designed to remove water stains, finger-marks, and general grime. The Intensive Care formula specifically targets the oxidation that occurs on metal cymbal surfaces.
- How much does the Dunlop System 65 Cymbal & Drum Care Kit typically cost?
- The kit is typically priced around £40 in the United Kingdom. This price includes all three cleaning formulas and the specialised cleaning mitt.
- Does the kit come with instructions?
- Yes, the manufacturer includes specific care instructions within the kit. These instructions guide the user on how to apply the three powerful formulas safely and effectively.
- How does this kit compare to products like Groove Juice?
- While Groove Juice is a popular specialist cymbal cleaner, the Dunlop kit provides a more comprehensive solution. It includes separate cleaners for both cymbals and drum shells, plus a dedicated applicator mitt.
- Can the Drum Shell Polish be used on hardware?
- Yes, the 65 Drum Shell Polish and Cleaner is safe and effective for use on metal drum hardware. It helps remove smudges and restores the shine to chrome or plated surfaces.
- Is the mitt washable?
- While the manufacturer description focuses on its dual-texture functionality, most cleaning mitts of this type are made of durable fabrics like terrycloth and soft polish cloth. Users should follow standard care for these materials to maintain their cleaning efficacy.
