What is the main purpose of Trick USA Trick Cymbal Polish?

The main purpose is to clean and restore the finish of cymbals to a like-new shine. It removes oxidation, dirt, and fingerprints that accumulate during regular use.

Can I use this polish on other metals besides cymbals?

Yes, according to the manufacturer, the polish is suitable for use on chrome, aluminium, brass, and copper. This makes it useful for cleaning drum hardware and other metal instruments.

Is this polish safe for all cymbal finishes?

It is highly recommended for standard and brilliant finish cymbals. Users should always test a small, inconspicuous area first, especially on cymbals with special coatings or logos, as cleaners can sometimes remove ink.

How does this compare to Groove Juice?

While both are intended for cymbals, Trick Cymbal Polish is specifically noted for its ability to restore a 'like-new' shine to the finish. Groove Juice is a liquid cleaner often used for quick removal of surface dirt.

Will this polish change the sound of my cymbals?

Removing heavy layers of grime can theoretically allow the cymbal to vibrate more freely, potentially brightening the tone. However, its primary intended effect is aesthetic rather than acoustic.

How much does Trick Cymbal Polish typically cost?

The product typically retails for approximately £11.00. This makes it an affordable maintenance option for most drummers.

Can I use this on a saxophone?

While it is safe for brass, saxophones often have a delicate lacquer coating. Products like the BG Tenor Sax Microfibre and Silk Cleaning Swab are better suited for internal woodwind maintenance, whereas this polish is for raw or plated metal surfaces.

Is a cloth included with the polish?

The polish is usually sold as a standalone bottle. It is recommended to use a high-quality cloth, such as a BAM Microfibre Cleaning Cloth, to apply and buff the product for the best results.

Can I use this to clean my guitar?

This product is designed for metals like brass and chrome; it is not intended for guitar wood or lacquer. For guitars, a specific product like Ernie Ball 4223 Guitar Polish should be used instead.

How often should I polish my cymbals?

This depends on how often you play and how much you sweat. Many drummers polish their cymbals every few months to prevent deep oxidation, while others only do so for special performances.

Does this polish remove deep scratches?

No, the polish is designed to restore shine and remove surface tarnish. It cannot repair physical gouges or cracks in the metal of the cymbal.

Is Trick USA a reputable brand for drum care?

Yes, Trick USA is a well-known manufacturer in the drumming community. Their cymbal polish is highly recommended by drummers for its effectiveness in restoring metal finishes.

Gear article

Trick USA Trick Cymbal Polish

The Trick USA Trick Cymbal Polish is a specialist maintenance solution designed to restore the aesthetic finish of percussion instruments and various metal surfaces. Developed by Trick USA, it is formulated to return dull or oxidised cymbals to a like-new shine while remaining compatible with a range of non-porous metals including chrome and brass.

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Overview

Trick USA Trick Cymbal Polish is a dedicated cleaning agent intended for the upkeep of professional drum hardware and percussion. Cymbals, typically made from bronze alloys, are susceptible to tarnishing, fingerprints, and stick marks over time. This polish is engineered to penetrate these surface contaminants and restore the original factory lustre of the metal.

Beyond its primary use for cymbals, the manufacturer specifies that the formula is effective on a variety of other metallic surfaces. This versatility allows drummers to use a single product for cleaning cymbal sets as well as auxiliary hardware components such as chrome-plated stands or brass-shell snare drums.

Functionality and Application

The polish works by chemically and mechanically lifting oxidation from the surface of the metal. When applied, it targets the dulling effects caused by sweat, oils, and environmental exposure.

Key features include: * Multi-metal Compatibility: Safe for use on aluminium, copper, brass, and chrome. * Restorative Properties: Designed to bring old or neglected cymbals back to a 'like-new' aesthetic. * Ease of Use: Formulated for straightforward application and buffing.

Sound and Character

While primarily a cosmetic product, the use of Trick Cymbal Polish can have a subtle impact on the performance of a cymbal. By removing heavy layers of dirt, grime, and oxidation, the polish allows the metal to vibrate more freely, potentially restoring some of the high-end shimmer that may have been muffled by debris. Visually, the product is characterised by its ability to provide a high-gloss finish without damaging the structural integrity of the instrument.

Intended Users

This product is best suited for drummers who prefer the look of 'brilliant' finish cymbals and wish to maintain their gear's showroom appearance. It is an essential tool for touring professionals and studio musicians who need their equipment to look pristine under stage lighting or for promotional photography. Additionally, it serves as a utility cleaner for percussionists who own a mix of brass and copper instruments.

Comparison to Alternatives

In the wider market of instrument maintenance, Trick Cymbal Polish sits alongside specialized cleaners like Groove Juice. While Groove Juice is a popular 8oz spray-on cleaner often used for quick maintenance, Trick's formula is highly recommended for its restorative 'like-new' shine capabilities.

Compared to general instrument care products, such as Ernie Ball 4223 Guitar Polish or Yamaha Pad Cleaning Paper, the Trick USA formula is significantly more abrasive/targeted towards metal oxidation rather than delicate lacquer or wood finishes. It differs from general-purpose maintenance tools like the Acc-Sees Velvet Brush or BAM Microfibre cloths, as it is a chemical agent rather than a dry mechanical cleaning tool.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of Trick USA Trick Cymbal Polish?: The main purpose is to clean and restore the finish of cymbals to a like-new shine. It removes oxidation, dirt, and fingerprints that accumulate during regular use.
Can I use this polish on other metals besides cymbals?: Yes, according to the manufacturer, the polish is suitable for use on chrome, aluminium, brass, and copper. This makes it useful for cleaning drum hardware and other metal instruments.
Is this polish safe for all cymbal finishes?: It is highly recommended for standard and brilliant finish cymbals. Users should always test a small, inconspicuous area first, especially on cymbals with special coatings or logos, as cleaners can sometimes remove ink.
How does this compare to Groove Juice?: While both are intended for cymbals, Trick Cymbal Polish is specifically noted for its ability to restore a 'like-new' shine to the finish. Groove Juice is a liquid cleaner often used for quick removal of surface dirt.
Will this polish change the sound of my cymbals?: Removing heavy layers of grime can theoretically allow the cymbal to vibrate more freely, potentially brightening the tone. However, its primary intended effect is aesthetic rather than acoustic.
How much does Trick Cymbal Polish typically cost?: The product typically retails for approximately £11.00. This makes it an affordable maintenance option for most drummers.
Can I use this on a saxophone?: While it is safe for brass, saxophones often have a delicate lacquer coating. Products like the BG Tenor Sax Microfibre and Silk Cleaning Swab are better suited for internal woodwind maintenance, whereas this polish is for raw or plated metal surfaces.
Is a cloth included with the polish?: The polish is usually sold as a standalone bottle. It is recommended to use a high-quality cloth, such as a BAM Microfibre Cleaning Cloth, to apply and buff the product for the best results.
Can I use this to clean my guitar?: This product is designed for metals like brass and chrome; it is not intended for guitar wood or lacquer. For guitars, a specific product like Ernie Ball 4223 Guitar Polish should be used instead.
How often should I polish my cymbals?: This depends on how often you play and how much you sweat. Many drummers polish their cymbals every few months to prevent deep oxidation, while others only do so for special performances.
Does this polish remove deep scratches?: No, the polish is designed to restore shine and remove surface tarnish. It cannot repair physical gouges or cracks in the metal of the cymbal.
Is Trick USA a reputable brand for drum care?: Yes, Trick USA is a well-known manufacturer in the drumming community. Their cymbal polish is highly recommended by drummers for its effectiveness in restoring metal finishes.