How to tie crash cymbal straps

Materials Needed

Crash cymbals
Cymbal straps (preferably leather or nylon)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Strap

Start by laying out the strap flat. If you are using a new leather strap, it might require a little bending or manipulation to soften it up, as leather straps have a “memory” and can retain certain shapes or stiffness when new.

Step 2: Threading the Strap

Insert the end of the strap through the hole at the top of the cymbal. Pull it through until you have an equal length of strap on each side of the cymbal. This ensures that the cymbal hangs balanced when held.

Step 3: Creating the Loop

Take the ends of the strap and cross them over each other, forming a loop. The size of the loop should be enough to comfortably fit your hand through. This loop is where you will insert your hand to hold the cymbal.

Step 4: Securing the Knot

To secure the strap, take one end of the strap and thread it under the other end, then pull it through the loop you just created. This is similar to the first step in tying a standard shoelace knot.

Step 5: Tightening and Adjusting

Pull both ends of the strap to tighten the knot at the base of the loop. Adjust the tightness so that when your hand is in the loop, the strap fits snugly but not too tightly around your wrist. The cymbal should hang securely and feel like an extension of your arm.

Step 6: Final Check

Insert your hand through the loop and hold the cymbal in the “ride” position (with the cymbal perpendicular to the ground). The straps should not slip or loosen, and the cymbal should remain stable and comfortable in your hand.

Additional Tips

Strap Material: Leather straps are more common and can retain the hand positioning better after they are broken in. Nylon straps, while not requiring a break-in period, may fray with regular use.
Testing the Knot: After tying the knot, it’s a good practice to test the stability by mimicking playing motions to ensure the cymbal does not slip or the knot does not loosen1.
Maintenance: Regularly check the condition of the straps for any signs of wear or damage, and replace them if necessary to avoid any performance mishaps.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your crash cymbals are securely tied and ready for use in any performance or practice session.