Items you\u2019ll need<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll need a few things to take care of your marching tenors. Sweetwater carries many of the items, but you may have to get a few things you can find at any local hardware store. Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning and polishing and won\u2019t leave any scratches behind, but if you don\u2019t have any available, you can use any cloth that\u2019s soft and nonabrasive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Microfiber cloth<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Marching tenor drum cover<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Marching tenor drum case<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- High-tension drum key<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Bearing edge conditioner<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Towels<\/strong><\/li>
- Drum polish or window cleaner<\/strong><\/li>
- White lithium grease<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Basic Care and Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No matter the time of year, you always need to perform basic care and maintenance to prolong the life of your marching tenors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drumheads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When replacing the drumheads, wipe down the bearing edge, the hoop, and inside the shell to remove any wood, dust, or stick tape collected within it. Many tenor players will use paraffin wax, beeswax, or Chapstick in a pinch, but we recommend applying bearing edge conditioner<\/a>. This helps ensure a smooth tuning process and keeps the tone lively. This is also an excellent time to inspect the bearing edges for any chips that may be present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Applying](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2024\/04\/Applying-bearing-edge-conditioner-to-tenor-drum-bearing-edge.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nApply bearing edge conditioner to the tenor drum bearing edge.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you replace marching tenor drumheads, place a small amount of white lithium grease on the tip of each tension rod (between four- and five threads\u2019 worth). This helps ensure the tension rods and the threads inside the lug are lubricated. Don\u2019t forget to wipe off any excess!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Apply](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2024\/04\/Apply-white-lithium-grease-to-the-tension-rod-tip.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nApply a small bit of white lithium grase to the tip of the tension rod<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How often should I change my marching tenor drumheads?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
One question commonly asked is how often someone should change their marching tenor drumheads. The answer is that it depends. You\u2019ll want to change them frequently if you\u2019re in a competitive corps or line. Keeping them fresh will ensure they sound great. If you\u2019re in high school and mainly play at football games and at parades, twice a season is usually fine (once at the beginning and once at the end).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, it comes down to budget. Tenor drumheads can be costly, making frequent changes more difficult for music programs with small budgets. If your program cannot afford multiple sets of tenor heads twice a year, it\u2019s still recommended to have one set of backups in case a head breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hardware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few simple tips that will keep your tenor drum hardware looking nice and prolong its life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down all the hardware.<\/li>
- If your drum has a wrap finish, use some drum polish to keep the shell nice and shiny. If you don\u2019t have any polish available, you can use standard window cleaner.<\/li>
- Play with proper technique and use the correct type of sticks.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Wiping](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2024\/04\/Wiping-down-tenor-drums-with-a-microfiber-cloth.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPolish and wipe down your tenor drums with a microfiber cloth<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In-season Care and Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The marching season can last a while. From competitions to parades and football games, you always need your tenors in top-quality condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Always use marching tenor drum cases<\/a>. Make sure they\u2019re secure when traveling.<\/li>
- Tenor drums have protective rubber at the bottom of each drum, so if you don\u2019t have a tenor drum stand<\/a>, at least make sure your drums are laying upright. Don\u2019t flip them on their sides or lay them face down, as that will cause scratching!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Weather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
TIP: <\/strong>If you have a hair dryer or if your location has large fans, set the drums in front of them to speed up the drying process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter what season you\u2019re playing, you will encounter the elements at some point. This can cause serious issues, so you must be prepared when that time comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tenor drums have protective rubber at the bottom of each drum, so if you don\u2019t have a tenor drum stand<\/a>, at least make sure your drums are laying upright. Don\u2019t flip them on their sides or lay them face down, as that will cause scratching!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Always use marching tenor drum cases<\/a>. Make sure they\u2019re secure when traveling.<\/li>
- Marching tenor drum cover<\/strong><\/a><\/li>