How to Mount Crash Cymbal on Drum Set

Each drummer’s set up is personal and comfortable to themselves and where you mount the crash cymbal is certainly an individual preference. For beginner’s, however, here are some more traditional options for mounting and placing a crash cymbal around your drum set.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Crash cymbal
• Cymbal stand
• Felts
• Wing nuts
• Washers

1. Choose your cymbal stand. There are many brands, but there are typically two types of cymbal stands. The first is referred to as a “straight” cymbal stand. This is a tripod stand with a telescoping tube section straight out from the center, leading to the cymbal mount at the top. The other is a “boom” cymbal stand in which an angled arm comes out from the top of the tube section. The cymbal mount is at the end of the arm.
2. Protect the cymbals with felt. When placing the cymbal on the stand, place felt beneath the cymbal and on top of the cymbal. The felts not only protect the cymbal, but limit its range of motion for easier playability. Also, consider using a nylon or rubber sleeve on the cymbal mount to protect the cymbal from “keyholing.”
3. Place the crash cymbal to allow easy access. The most traditional placement for the crash cymbal stand is to the drummer’s left between the first tom and the hi-hat cymbal. This placement allows easy access to be played by both the right and left stick.
4. Adjust the height and angle of the crash cymbal for optimal sound and durability. The crash cymbal should be at a natural height where you’re not straining to reach it or where it interferes with any other part of the drum kit. The crash cymbal should have at least a slight angle to it so the stick hits the bow of the cymbal.

Tips & Warnings

• If mounting more than one crash cymbal, position the second cymbal on the other side of the drum set from the first crash cymbal. This allows for right and left stick patterns as well as better stereo spread when cymbals are crashed together.
• If the cymbal angle is too flat, the stick can hit the edge of the cymbal at an angle. This may more easily crack the cymbal.