Hi. We're starting our drumline workshops for drumline next year at my high school and our instruments REALLY need to be cleaned. I saw the post about how to clean marimbas, but how would you suggest cleaning a vibraphone? Thanks.

Since metal bars are not as delicate as rosewood, you don't have to be quite as cautious. However, I would start with water, then soap & water or some kind of water-based, non-abrasive cleaner (e.g. 409), as necessary. Be very careful of any metal cleaners -- if you must go that far, be sure to check the label first for warnings regarding aluminum.

WM

Holly,

It sounds like your bars are in rough shape. For such heavy cleaning, I'd suggest a product called Mothers Mag Wheel Polish. Doug DeMorrow recommended this to me years ago specifically for vibraphone bars. I've used it on my vibraphone (and a set of DeMorrow orchestra bells) several times over the years, and it has worked fabulously - with no signs of abrasion, as far as I can see.

For less intensive cleaning of vibraphone bars, I've used mineral spirits with good results.