Cleaning and keeping

Use a dry fabric and eventually a little bit of remover on the wood body, external plates and tuning hoops hooks.
ATTENTION: Remover in excess causes the opposite effect.

Tuning

The correct tuning is essential for the correct keeping.

a) Chose a point of reference (the logo, for example) and start to tune from it, one hook after the other, after that, take care to give the same number of rounds in all hooks, not to force one plate more than the other.
Try the tuning and if necessary complete it following the same patterns:
" Hook after hook,
" The same number of rounds in each hook

b) Do not try a high tuning during the first days. The head is too resistant and needs to be manipulated. The tuning has to happen little by little not to force the tension points of the instrument;

c) Loose the tuning after playing. It's essential for further damages not happen.(when the instrument is tuned the direction of the hoop which holds the head follows the same side of the body of the instrument. When loosing the tuning this hoop returns to the initial position and like that, doesn't get close of the body, forcing the plates, hooks and the wood body. It can cause breaking and rashes. Besides that, the head returns and it's durability increases);

d) Always look for specialized help and a good teacher to assist you in every step of learning and use of the instrument.

Head conservation

The BAUER PERCUSSION heads are pre-treated and don't need special products for their maintenance.

a) Products such as dendê oils, moisturizers, wax and grease are harmful to the heads and not recommended by the manufacturer because promote excessive moist causing the break of the pores connection during the tuning process. It can make the head bad;

b) To loose the tuning after playing increases the durability because the heads don't remain tensed;

c) The heads shouldn't be exposed to the sun light and excessive humidity of the air. In case they get wet by accident, you should dry them away from the sun before tuning or playing. (Taking all these cares, the heads are going to last for at least four years);

d) The head can be cleaned of the sweat of your hands with a cotton with alcohol. This shouldn't be a daily habit but an eventual one.

General cares

The congas should be kept when they are not being used in appropriate cases to protect them from the sun, humidity, scratches and punches as well.
Taking all the described cares and looking for professional help every time you have a doubt, you will guarantee the maintenance of your instruments.


How to fix the drumheads of your bongo and conga

1. Choose the head verifying if there is holes, rashes or any kind of imperfection.

2. Drawn it in clean water over night so in the next morning it is smooth enough to work with.

3. Use a dry piece of fabric to dry the head taking all the water excess of and at the same clean it.

4. On a table, identify the straight side of the drum head leaving it upside.

5. Put the intern hoop on the center of the head.

6. Put the tuning hoop on the intern hoop and begin to run the head under the tuning hoop.

7. Even if the head is a little loose, put her on the top of the instrument carefully so it doesn't fall apart.

8. Begin to put the hooks on the open part of the hoop.

9. Pull the heads with a pair of pliers to straight the wrinkles.

10.Pull the hooks equally so the head starts to get a shape.

11. Always correct the wrinkles of the head pulling them with a pair of pliers.

12. Alternate the steps 9 and 10 until you get approximately 1,5 cm of the top of the instrument until the tuning hoop.

13. With a good and sharped knife or blade carefully cut the leftovers of the edge of the heads always paying attention not to cut the part of the head which is set.

14. Let it dry away from the sun for at least three days, make sure the head is totally dry, including the intern part and mainly this part of the hoop.

15.After it is really dry use a sandpaper making round movements to make the finishing and give a soft texture when touching.

16. Your head is ready. Now you must be patient to tune it.

This is the best way to set a natural drumhead.

Other questions about how keeping your instruments? Please feel free to emails us at: sac@bauerpercussion.com.br.