In a cymbal mounting arrangement including a cymbal rod having a threaded distal end for receiving and supporting a cymbal thereover, an improvement including a quick-release locking device for retaining the cymbal on the rod. The locking device includes an elongated body having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough sized for close slidable engagement over the distal end of the cymbal rod. The locking device also includes a spring biased release arm pivotally connected within a cavity formed into the side of the body about a transverse pivot axis. The release arm is configured having thread-engaging teeth at a proximal end thereof which biasingly engage against a limited number of threads of the distal end of the cymbal rod. An upper distal end of the release arm, when pivoted toward said body, releases the teeth from engagement with the threads of the distal end of the cymbal rod, allowing the locking device to be repositioned along the distal end of the cymbal rod or removed therefrom.