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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

How To Clean Cymbals

By Amy Nutt

Are you looking for information on how to clean your cymbals without necessarily making them rust? Are you wondering what solutions to use in cleaning the grime off the cymbals? Then you should read this article. Drummers have different tastes and this is the reason you often find some cymbals looking new and shiny while others look old and used.

These all depend on the choice of the drummers. Some drummers like the cymbal looking used and grimy thus giving the impression that it is often frequently used while others hate to see the cymbals dirty and grimy. The look of a new cymbal often excites people like this and gets them itching for the sticks. The truth is that whether cleaned or not, cymbals give off the same sound although some drummers say when it is not clean, and use over a certain period, it give off a "warm" sound.

Apart from this, some drummers worry that their cymbals will have problems being cleaned. Clean cymbals may sometimes give off better sound. But dirt on some kinds of cymbals are known to help reduce their brash sounds. Each drummer really has his preferences. But, if you do not belong to the group of people who feel that dirty cymbals are the "thing", then here's how to clean the cymbal using different methods:

1. Clean with gentle soaps. Most gentle soaps are far better at cleaning the cymbal than more potent solutions. However, the soaps aren't just enough to clean the cymbals and it isn't advisable to use just about any clean cloth. Cymbal cleaners are preferably the best because of their ability to add some shine to the cymbal making it look new in the process. Cymbal cleaners are easily available at any drums or music equipment shop.

2. Avoid cleaning with water as cymbals made of copper tend to turn green when water is consistently used to clean them. Besides water takes off the shine leaving it exposed to rust and corrosion.

3. A combination of vinegar and lemon can help get rid of all the tar. Lemon has always been known as an astringent and has a lot of cleaning ability. To do this, divide a lemon into 2, squeeze one half onto whole surface of the cymbal and use the other to rub the lemon around. If you have a pot cleaner, apply this and rub on the lemon. This will bring out the shine. You can do this for the 2 surfaces. Then apply the vinegar. If you want to keep the label of the cymbal, avoid applying the vinegar to the point and wash off with warm water. Do not leave to air dry. Dry them properly with cotton materials.

4. If you do not like any of these, why not buy the cymbal brand's cream or liquid. These were produced specifically for the cymbals and work like magic all the time, leaving them clean and looking new. The only downside to this is that it could be a bit pricey. - 18423

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Authorized Download Services For Online Films

By Oscar Mills

The Internet has spawned a surplus of copyright violations owing to the straightforwardness of downloading and information passing. Music, movies and games are all most often protected by copyright and you could be putting yourself and your computer at peril for many troubles. For years the industries were resistant to creating above-board processes to download this information. However, now you can get above-board downloads at a number of sites.

You can still find the "free" sites that allow you to download bootleg copies of movies, games and music by using P2P file sharing services. Even if the risk of being caught is improbable, is it prudent to take the chance when there are loads of permissible download services obtainable currently that you can opt from?

The officially permitted sites are in general set up as a membership site. You pay your membership charge upfront and they proffer you the option to download all of the movies that you want for free. The initial membership fee pays the royalty fees that are due to the copyright possessor. These sites most often utilize a special software program that adds up the total payable to the copyright possessor.

The movies that these absolutely permissible sites proffer are licensed to download. They have received a license to sell the picture from the copyright possessor and they in turn reimburse back a fee to the copyright owner.

These sites usually have a great collection of movies that can be downloaded for screening or even streamed right away to the server. On occasion they also present software that will allow you to transfer the download to a DVD so that you can view the picture from your TV set.

Downloading a complete motion picture as a rule takes some time. The rate is dependent upon your Internet connection and your computer. It is feasible to download with a dial-up but it takes more time and you risk a disconnection. No matter what speed you have, you may want to consider downloading when you are going to be away from your computer as it can take quite a bit of time.

But the technology is always improving and downloading may be the very best method to get the motion picture that you want just when you want it. You will possess the show after the download and needless to say, there are no overdue cost or waiting for the motion picture to be in stock.

Before deciding, make sure that you shop around at the countless sites and see that they are officially authorized and they offer the benefits you want such as a big choice, virus guard for your processor and a reasonable membership bill. - 18423

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What To Look For When Hiring A DJ For Your Special Event

By Lawrence Walker with George Best

Whether you are planning a wedding or a corporate event, one of the most important aspects to you and your guests enjoying the event is the entertainment. Many entertainment options for special events are available, but a professional DJ who offers a range of services can be one of the best choices when you know how to select the right DJ for your particular needs.

We have found during our time performing DJ services in the San Antonio area that many people get so overwhelmed when planning their event, that their choice in entertainment often is decided solely by who offers the best price. This can be a big mistake, as the lowest price option may be completely unsuitable for your event. While a fast-talking "go-getter" type may seem like a reasonable choice, it pays to be a bit cautious in who you hire to avoid a situation in which your entertainment is completely inappropriate for your event.

As a part of our San Antonio DJ experiences, we have developed a list of criteria that people should consider when seeking to hire a DJ. The following are some tips for helping to distinguish a true professional, who is likely to do a good job for you and make your event fun and entertaining for your guests, from a "hobbyist" who is more concerned with his or her own entertainment and making a few bucks as a bonus.

The first hallmark of a professional is insurance. The DJ should carry his or her own liability insurance. It is unusual for the insurance to be important in terms of a liability claim arising from a situation at your event, but the fact that the DJ has insurance indicated that he or she is serious about doing business in a professional manner.

Another indicator that a DJ is serious about his or her business is being a member of one or more national and/or regional DJ professional associations. Besides it being an indicator of professionalism, a DJ who is active in his or her associations also has contacts with other DJs who could fill in if an emergency arises and the DJ is unable to make it to your event.

Professional equipment is another sign of a good DJ. A serious DJ will be proud of his or her equipment and will be happy to discuss it with you. In addition to having professional-grade equipment in good condition, it is important that the DJ has backup equipment on hand at your event. Even the best equipment can break down without warning, so it's very important that the DJ have backups for all of his critical equipment.

Lastly, it is important to consider the personality and appearance of a DJ you are considering hiring. If the DJ shows up for your initial meeting without a professional appearance and demeanor, he or she may not be a good choice. Ultimately, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not you feel you have a "meeting of the minds" when interviewing a DJ. It is important to feel confident that the DJ is going to work with you to give you what you want, and not ignore your wishes in favor of "doing their own thing". - 18423

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The Ultimate Box Set For A Legend

By Patrick Daniels

There has been a lot of hype, when it comes to Michael Jackson, his fabulous career and his untimely death. Since his death there have been many new releases coming onto the market, that honor his music and his greatest career hits, but my absolute favorite is one that has been around for a while now. Michael Jackson Ultimate Collection CD Set, is a 5 disc set, that has a mix of music from Jackson's earlier years to some of his newer releases. It is the best collection out there, for all those looking to honor the memory of the "King of Pop".

This CD set covers hits from back when he was with the Jackson 5, plus his more recent hits and everything in between. The five CD boxed set includes the following titles:

Disc 1: This is a 19 track disc that honors the earlier years of Jackson. Some of the popular titles among the tracks include: ABC, Ill Be There, Ben, Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground), Off the Wall and Shes Out of my Life.

Disc 2: There are a total of 11 tracks on this disc that include some hits from his early solo years. There are many tracks that made a large impact on the music world, on disc two. some of these tracks include; Thriller, PYT, Billie Jean, We Are the World, and Beat It.

Disc 3: Disc three has a total of 14 tracks, which again, are some of the greatest in his career. A few of the tracks that you will be hearing from disc three include; Bad, Black or White, Dangerous, Dirty Diana and Man in the Mirror.

Disc 4: On this disc you will find an additional 13 hits including Butterflies, You Are Not Alone, and The Way You Love Me.

Disc 5: This disc is the greatest out of the box set. It has 16 videos of amazing hits including the live video of Thriller, Man in the Mirror, Heal the World, Human Nature, and Wanna Be Startin Somethin.

There is no reason to look to some of the new releases on the shelf, when this boxed set covers just about every hit Michael Jackson ever had, plus incredible video footage as well. By far the most incredible CD set you will ever own. Jacko will live on in the hearts, minds, and ears of millions from now until the end of time. Finally peace without torment and Michael Jackson is finally the music legend that he had always hoped to be. - 18423

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The History Of The Gibson Flying V

By James Shanty

If you imagine a rock guitarist, the V shaped guitars made by Gibson immediately spring to mind. The image of a heavy metal guitarist, thrashing away at his axe is an emotive image shared across the whole world.

The Gibson Flying V is certainly one of the rock guitars that will go down in history as being one of the most unique designs ever. Originally built and launched by the guitar company back in 1958 and then relaunched in 1967, the mahogany bodied flying V took the world of rock by storm.

Although Gibson still make and sell the Flying V today under the name of the Tribal V (complete with tattoo patterns) it is the older and more famous models that are highly collectible. The older models, made in the 50's are referred to as the V Factor, but the guitars made in the late 60's are the most sought after.

The V has been used by so many different rock gods in its time that it is hard to think of just one performer who stands out from the crowd. The Foo Fighters, ZZ Top, Marc Bolan and T-Rex used the flying V design and Jimi Hendrix loved the model so much he even worked with the Gibson people to make his own signature model, designing and making the paisley image that adorns the guitar himself.

If you were to go out and buy a brand new model today, the Tribal V would be the one to look for. Gibson have only manufactured this as a limited edition run of 350 units, so finding one may be difficult. Not impossible though if you check out good local shops and places like eBay. If you want the real deal, you will be looking for the older models from the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the V was at the height of its popularity.

The Gibson Tribal V is a newer, more up to date version of the older model with all new components and electronics. The modern, youth tribal tattoo markings and graphics make it stand out from the crowd too.

Even Ibanez was so taken with the guitar that they tried to release their own version too, but came up against the might of the Gibson lawyers and had to change their plans. In later years, other manufacturers were allowed to copy the design though and make their own versions.

The impact of the flying V will still be felt in hundreds of years from now. The design, build quality and kudos surrounding the most popular guitar of the 60's will never die. Those who have played a V will tell you - it changes lives. - 18423

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