How to Preserve Handmade Percussion Instruments
Preserving handmade percussion instruments It's a commitment to history, culture, and sound quality. In Brazil, where music pulses with regional rhythms, each drum, tambourine, or atabaque carries ancestral manufacturing techniques.
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But what happens when the humidity of the Northeast dries out leather or when the salt from the coast corrodes metal? A lack of care can permanently silence irreplaceable instruments.
A study by the Brazilian Institute of Cultural Heritage (2024) showed that 60% of damage to traditional pieces stems from a lack of knowledge about storage. The solution? Combining ancestral knowledge and modern methods.
Imagine a centuries-old alfaia, used in maracatus, losing its tuning due to neglect. Or a metal agogô, rusting prematurely. These scenarios are avoidable with precise techniques and constant attention.
In this guide, we'll explore everything from the most sensitive materials to advanced restoration methods, always focusing on authentic preservation.
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The Science Behind Conservation: Why Does Each Material Require a Unique Treatment?
Handmade instruments are made from organic and inorganic materials, each reacting differently to the environment.
Leather, wood, and metal have different needs, and ignoring these particularities is the first step toward degradation.
Animal leather, used in tambourines and bass drums, loses elasticity over time. If exposed to direct sunlight, it dries out and cracks.
Wood, such as that of the berimbau or atabaque, suffers from sudden changes in humidity, causing it to warp or crack.
Metals found in bells and gongs oxidize when exposed to moisture and mineral salts. An agogô stored near the sea can have its lifespan reduced by half.
Here, the analogy is clear: treat a handmade instrument like a delicate plant. It needs the right environment, adequate watering, and protection from pests like fungus and rust.
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A practical example? The bass drum, common in samba. If its skin isn't moisturized regularly, it loses its tension and characteristic bass. The solution? Almond oil applied every three months.
Materials and Their Vulnerabilities: How to Protect Each Component?
Natural Leather: Hydration and Protection Against Fungi
Rawhide, used in instruments such as implements and war chests, absorbs moisture from the air. In dry climates, it dries out; in humid places, it can grow mold.
Applying linseed oil or leather polish prevents cracking. Never use petroleum-based products, as they break down the natural fibers.
In cases of mold, a cloth with diluted white vinegar removes the spores without damaging the material. Then, leave the instrument in a ventilated place for 24 hours.
Hardwoods: Avoiding Cracks and Warping
Woods such as mahogany and cedar are common in atabaques and drums. They expand and contract depending on the humidity in the air.
To prevent cracking, keep the instrument away from direct air conditioning. If the humidity is below 40%, use a humidifier.
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Water-based varnishes are the most suitable for maintenance, as they do not completely seal the wood, allowing it to “breathe”.
Metals: Fighting Oxidation Without Losing Shine
Brass, bronze, and copper darken over time. For safe cleaning, use white (fluoride-free) toothpaste or metal-specific solutions.
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Avoid sandpaper or steel wool, as they scratch the material. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of carnauba wax to protect against further damage.
Deep Cleansing Techniques: What Can and Cannot Be Used?
Many musicians make the mistake of using household cleaning products on their instruments. Bleach, for example, destroys leather and corrodes metal.
For surface dust, a dry microfiber cloth is sufficient. For stubborn dirt, diluted isopropyl alcohol (70%) removes residue without damaging the surface.
Nationally renowned luthier Carlos Vergara warns: “Always clean in the direction of the grain, never against it. Excessive friction wears the material prematurely.”
A common mistake? Using mineral oil on leather. It penetrates quickly, but in the long run, it weakens the material. Opt for vegetable oils, such as linseed oil.
Smart Storage: Where and How to Store Your Instrument?
Airtight cases are a trap. They accumulate condensation, creating a perfect environment for fungi. Ideally, cases with passive ventilation and silica gel bags are ideal.
Instruments like berimbaus should be hung, not laid flat. Constant pressure on one point can warp the wood.
To preserve handmade percussion instruments With tensioned leather, such as tambourines, loosen the tuning pegs before storing. This relieves pressure and prevents warping.
Impact of the Brazilian Climate: How to Adapt to the Regions?
In the Northeast, the heat dries out leather in weeks. In the South, the damp cold accelerates the growth of mold. On the coast, salt quickly corrodes metals.
In Salvador, where relative humidity exceeds 80%, wooden instruments swell. The solution? Use dehumidifiers in storage areas.
A worrying fact: research by UFBA revealed that 40% of the atabaques in Candomblé terreiros suffer damage due to excess humidity.
When to Restore and When to Preserve: The Line Between Repair and Conservation
Aggressive restorations erase historical marks. An old drum with natural wear and tear shouldn't be sanded or repainted, just stabilized.
A dry leather head needs to be replaced to maintain sound quality. The key is to balance minimal intervention with effectiveness.
Read also: 7 Tips for Preserving Your Musical Instrument
Rhetorical question: Would you repaint a Tarsila do Amaral painting to "revitalize" it? Handmade instruments follow the same logic.
Example: Jackson's Tambourine of the Tambourine
His original instrument, now housed in the Museu do Forró, underwent a minimalist restoration. The team used beeswax to moisturize the leather without altering the original timbre.
This case proves that preserve handmade percussion instruments demands respect for the historical process.
Future of Conservation: Technology and Tradition in Harmony
Built-in humidity sensors already alert to critical variations. Research into nanocellulose promises self-healing varnishes.
But nothing replaces the knowledge of master luthiers. Technology should serve tradition, not erase it.
Conclusion: An Act of Cultural Resistance
Preserving handmade percussion instruments It's more than just preserving objects—it's preserving memories. Every bit of care extends the life of pieces that tell stories.
Start today: examine your instrument, identify any risks, and take action. The sound of the future depends on the choices made today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use petroleum jelly to moisturize drum leather?
No. Petroleum jelly is derived from petroleum and accelerates degradation. Use vegetable oils, such as flaxseed or almond.
2. How to prevent mold on stored instruments?
Silica gel bags and natural ventilation are essential. Avoid damp, enclosed spaces.
3. Can I sand an atabaque with stains?
No. Sanding removes historical layers. Consult a professional restorer.
4. What is the best way to clean a rusty agogo?
Use white toothpaste or a metal-specific solution. Never use sandpaper.
5. Should I loosen the tambourine's tuning pegs when storing it?
Yes. This relieves tension on the leather, preventing cracking.
