Does cleaning and polishing cymbals improve the sound quality of drums?

Question

I meant the sound quality of the cymbals... this is a question my Dad asked me to put on here so I have no idea what I'm talking about. I'm sending all the answers to him though so overlook that minor mistake I made in the title.

Answer 1

That is a very simple question. Clean cymbals have a brighter sound, dirty cymbals have a darker sound. It just depends on what sound you like best. Many cymbal manufacturers make a dark sounding cymbal like the Zildjian K series and a brighter sounding cymbal like the Sabian brilliants. It is simply a matter of preference, there is no right or wrong.

Answer 2

http://drumdojo.com/tech/cymbal%20clean.htm says
"There are two schools on this subject: The "clean" group and the "don't clean" group. The "clean" group cleans their cymbals because they like the way a clean cymbal sounds; bright and shimmery. People in the "don't clean" group don't clean their cymbals because they like the way a green cymbal sounds; dark and earthy without a lot of overtones. If you're in the "don't clean" group you can skip this section, or read if you're inquisitive. One thing I do suggest, though, to non-cleaners: With each new cymbal you buy, it might be enlightening to at least try cleaning it once, after it's become somewhat green. Each cymbal is different. You might find that a certain cymbal really does sound better when it's clean. If you hate the way it sounds after cleaning it, bury it in the back yard for a while and you'll have your old green sound back. ...."

http://www.playrecord.net/resource/articles/cymbal-cleaning-better-sound.php says "I don't know that many drummer's that clean their cymbals but if you ask me, its the only way to get the sound they were made for. Many people believe that cleaning a cymbal can take the metal away, well in a way this is true, but its only the oxidised metal (that’s the dark green stuff on a neglected cymbal) you are taking off which is exactly what you want to be doing. If you're after a dark tone with no high's, not cleaning your cymbals will get the desired effect, but if crisp shimmering brightness is what you demand from your cymbals, then keeping them shiny and new will see you right. .."

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=88286&src=3SOSWXXA says "To clean or not to clean, this is the question for many drummers when it comes to their cymbals. Some players believe that a certain amount of grime and grit and smoky residue adds to the character of the cymbal. No doubt a certain barroom neglect may give your cymbals a certain roadhouse ambience. But for those who are interested in extending the life of their cymbals and keeping them shining like disks of pure sonic gold under the stage lights, here are some helpful tips..."

Answer 3

get the right types of cleaning stuffs and it'll improve the sound quality of the CYMBALS.

Answer 4

No...But it makes them look pretty

Oh Yeah,,,Cymbals are not drums

Answer 5

Having dusty musical equipment not only is unattractive, but it will dull your sound as well. Only clean your symbols with that is appropriate for that type of metal.