Drum sets are not only expensive but also hold significant sentimental value for many musicians. Properly storing a drum set long-term is crucial to ensure that it retains its quality and remains in good condition.
In this guide, we will provide you with some practical steps to help you store your drum set long-term and keep it safe from potential damage. Whether you’re a professional drummer or a hobbyist, these tips will help you preserve your drum set for years to come.
Preparing Your Drum Set for Storage
Cleaning the Drums
Before storing your drum set, it is crucial to clean it thoroughly. Remove all drumheads, cymbals, and hardware, and clean each piece with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the drumheads and hardware.
Disassembling the Drum Set
Disassembling the drum set makes it easier to pack and store each component. Remove all hardware, cymbals, and drumheads, and store them separately. Label each piece to make it easier to reassemble later.
Packing the Drums
When packing the drums, wrap them in a soft cloth or bubble wrap to prevent scratches and damage. Pack the drums in sturdy boxes and label them for easy identification during unpacking.
Choosing the Right Storage Space
Climate-controlled Storage
A climate-controlled storage space helps maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. It prevents warping, cracking, or discoloration of the drum set, especially if the storage period is long.
Dry and Cool Place
The storage space should be dry and cool, away from any heat source or direct sunlight. High temperatures and humidity levels can damage the drum set, affecting its sound quality and overall condition.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can cause discoloration, warping, and cracking of the drum set. It’s essential to store your drum set in a shaded area to avoid any direct sunlight.
Storing the Drum Set
Positioning the Drums
When storing the drums, position them carefully to avoid any pressure or stress on the hardware or drumheads. Place them upright, with the drumheads facing upwards.
Covering the Drums
Cover the drums with a soft cloth or plastic cover to prevent any dust or dirt from settling on them. Avoid using airtight covers that can trap moisture and humidity inside, leading to damage.
Securing the Storage Space
Secure the storage space by locking it and ensuring that it is inaccessible to unauthorized personnel. It is also crucial to check the storage space regularly for any signs of damage or pest infestations.
Maintenance During Storage
Checking the Drums Periodically
Even if you’ve taken all the necessary steps to prepare and store your drum set, it’s still important to check on it periodically to ensure that everything is still in good condition. Depending on the length of time your drums will be in storage, you may want to check them every few weeks or every few months.
During these check-ins, take a close look at each drum to ensure that there are no signs of damage or wear. Check the hardware for rust or other signs of corrosion, and make sure that any covers or padding are still in place and in good condition.
Adjusting Humidity Levels
Humidity can have a significant impact on the condition of your drum set, so it’s important to monitor and adjust humidity levels as needed. If the air in your storage space is too dry, it can cause the drum heads to crack or warp. On the other hand, if the air is too humid, it can cause the hardware to rust or corrode.
To maintain the ideal humidity levels for your drum set, you may want to invest in a hygrometer or other monitoring device. If you notice that the humidity levels are too high or too low, you can adjust them by adding or removing moisture from the space. This may involve using a dehumidifier or a humidifier, depending on the climate in your area.
Preventing Pest Infestations
Pests like mice and insects can cause serious damage to your drum set, so it’s important to take steps to prevent infestations. This may involve using traps or other pest control measures, but it can also involve taking simple preventative measures.
For example, you may want to avoid storing food or other attractants in the same area as your drum set. You may also want to seal any cracks or holes in the storage space to prevent pests from entering.
Unpacking the Drum Set
Taking Out the Drums
When you’re ready to use your drum set again, the first step is to carefully unpack it from storage. This may involve removing any covers or padding and carefully lifting each drum out of its storage container. Be sure to handle the drums carefully to avoid causing any damage.
Reassembling the Drum Set
Once you’ve removed all the drums from storage, it’s time to reassemble the drum set. This may involve attaching hardware like cymbal stands and pedal mounts, as well as reattaching drum heads and tuning the drums. Take your time and make sure that everything is securely attached and in the correct position.
Tuning the Drums
Finally, it’s time to tune your drums. Depending on how long they’ve been in storage, the drum heads may need to be replaced or re-tuned. Take your time and make small adjustments as needed to get each drum sounding just right.
Conclusion
Proper storage of your drum set is crucial to ensuring its longevity and maintaining its quality. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can avoid common mistakes and prevent damage to your drums during long-term storage.
Remember to clean and pack your drums carefully, choose a suitable storage space, and perform regular maintenance checks to keep your drum set in top condition. With the right care and attention, your drum set can provide you with years of enjoyment and inspiration. So take good care of your drums, and let the beat go on!
