Try using any kind of fishing knot, a Berkely knot is the best.........Soap Box

One reason is that brand new snare chord tends to have a breaking in period where it stretches. You could try those mylar strips or cut some of your own from an old drumhead...but I prefer regular brade snare chord because it tends to flex more.

By the way....I use a square not.

The problem with the slipping might be related to the gripper things at the throwoff end or at the butt end or both.

thanks for the replies guys!

I tried using a square knot at first but the cord was too slippery and the knot moved. The method I'm using doesnt involve the sorta vice-like things on the strainer and butt-end, my strainer is older so it simply has holes to put the cord through, as does the butt-end so essentially I have to tie the cord to itself. But! I tried to use whats called the Angler's knot--and it did the trick. I dont know much about the snare-aspect of drums yet, haha so Im learning in terms of the sound and how it relates to the snare tension. But thanks so much for the advice! We'll see how much this cord stretches.

A proper square knot won't slip, as it tightens against itself. You're probably doing a "granny" knot. I'm sure, on the net, you could find a picture of a proper square knot. That's all I use, and the snares haven't loosened in 40 yrs...

It's hard to explain, but if the right side string goes "over" on the first knot, the second time it should go "under"...

Guys!

Square knots are correct... and the BEST knot for snare cord for the reasons afore mentioned. So,

Here's the EASIEST WAY to make a proper square knot everytime:

RIGHT over LEFT... pull tight ... LEFT over RIGHT... done! These are all I have ever used on ALL my snare drums. They don't ever let go or slip. O-Lugs is correct though: NEW snare cord will stretch a tad... so ... after it does, put in a fresh square knot.

Tommyp

great--ill try it out! Thanks so much!