Instrument Care

Despite appearances to the contary, most musical instruments are quite fragile and are very expensive to repair or replace. Please follow the following guidlines when using them, in order to extend their lifespans and keep repair (and thus hiring) costs down.

Wheels

Many of our larger instruments (e.g. Timpani, Bass Drums, Xylophones etc.) have casters on their wheels. Replacing and repairing them is easily the most time-consuming task for the Instrument Manager and C.M.P. Percussionists. Please remember that these wheels are designed for use indoors only and that these instruments should always be carried, transported on a trolley or taken in a vehical when moving them around outdoors. Please also remember to unlock all the wheels before moving them, otherwise the rubber is scraped off by the brake. This causes a flat-spot on the wheel which can easily shake an instrument's frame appart.

Cymbals

Cymbals should always be stored and carried horizonally (in the same way one would transport a pizza). When assembling or disassembling stands, the cymbals should not be rested on the floor but either placed on a cloth or in the cymbal case.

Timpani

All our timpani have a guide on the top of their fabric covers and the wooden head-protectors.

Timpani should never be moved by lifting or pulling at the rim (the counter-hoop) but rather by holding onto the frame (for pedal timpani) or the bottom of the screws, (for tap-tune timpani). Please also make sure that the wheel locks are unlocked before moving and carry the timpani when taking them outdoors.

The wooden skin-protectors should be kept on the timpani when they are not in use. Before returning a timpani, please tune it to the note indicated

Woodwind

Please thoroughly dry the instruments before returning them.