＜Percussion Instrument maintenance＞
Percussions are often used in a bad condition.
Drums have a consumable head (skin) stretched over the instrument's shell (body). These two have a relationship similar to that of a stringed instrument and its strings. No matter how great a Stradivarius or Amati is, it will not sound with old strings. Drum shells can be used for a long time if they do not deform, but the head needs to be replaced regularly (about once a year for a snare drum) or the tone will deteriorate. In cases where the head is stretched tightly, such as in marching band snare drums, some replace it about once every six months.
Snare drum heads cost about US$20-40 each and can be easily replaced.
As timpani heads get older, it becomes more difficult to tune them. In the case of pedal-type timpani, the balance between the tension of the head and the strength of the spring of the instrument is lost, and the pedal does not stop where player want it to, or it moves every time player hit the head.
It is common to see the strings that suspend the soundboard of keyboard percussion(xylophones, marimbas, etc.) stretched, or the metal fittings that support the soundboard deformed. I think deformed metal fittings can easily be repaired, but if the soundboard itself is worn or cracked it will need to be replaced before it can be used.
Also, instruments that have been used for many years and the pitch is no longer correct cannot be used in an ensemble. The pitch of a glockenspiel gets gradually lower as it is used.
Please be careful about where you store instruments with wooden shells, such as snare drums, bass drums, xylophones, and marimbas, and keep them out of direct sunlight.
Percussion sticks and mallets are also consumables. Although it may be a budget issue, always be careful to use items in good condition.