Splash cymbal is a crucial component within cymbal sets— that’s a fact! However, they are one of the cymbals often overlooked by beginners. Sporting a sizing around 8” up to 10”, a splash cymbal provides kits with more crash flavor.
You may like to read: Best Low Volume Cymbals Review— Rich Cymbal Voice minus the Noise
Furthermore, a splash cymbal usually delivers a fast and cutting but bright crash sound. In a nutshell, we can equate a splash cymbal into a small crash cymbal. Therefore, I collected 9 excellent splash cymbals to elevate your fills, chops, and beat accents!
Things to Consider Before Buying a Splash Cymbal— A Buyer’s Guide
When buying splash cymbals, buyers should first look into the various things to consider. Consequently, ensuring that the splash they are buying provides the best performance. Therefore, I designed this buyer’s guide to help you narrow down your options when buying a splash cymbal.
Cymbal Size
As stated, the standard size for splash cymbals ranges from 8” up to 10”. However, buyers can also find smaller cymbal sizes around 4” perfect for a compact or portable drumkit. However, I still recommend beginners to get the standard 8” to 10” splash cymbal size.
Material
Similar to a standard hi-hat construction, a splash cymbal also utilizes various materials. I highly recommend beginners and buyers on a budget to buy brass cymbals. Conversely, for professionals who want the best performance and sound possible, the B20 Bronze is the best choice. Lastly, if you’re looking for a cymbal that delivers a balance between performance and price, then the B8 Bronze is for you!
Splash Type
Before investing money on a splash cymbal, buyers should also look into the cymbal’s splash type. Here are the different splash cymbals you can get:
- Traditional- medium cymbals with no visible taper.
- Rock splash- heavier construction and a slight taper ideal for high-volume playing.
- China splash- heavy 10” splash cymbal with little to no taper.
- Salsa splash- frequently utilized alongside timbales.
- Thin splash- features a pronounced taper, allowing drummers to utilize them as a crash cymbal.
3 of the Best Affordable Splash Cymbals
Meinl Cymbals 8” Splash Cymbal – HCS
Brand: Meinl
Type: Brass Splash Cymbal
Perfect for drummers looking for the cheapest splash with a decent performance, the Meinl HCS delivers! Featuring a brass construction, the Meinl HCS Splash delivers a bright and cutting tone with short sustain. Thus, making the Meinl HCS Splash an excellent cymbal for a full and round sound.
Furthermore, the utilization of the MS63 brass material allows the cymbal to withstand the impact of drumsticks. In addition, the HCS Splash produces a crisp and clean bright sound, making it excellent for all genres of music. Therefore, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly splash cymbal, then you should give the Meinl HCS a shot.
Specification:
- 8” cymbal size
- MS63 Brass material
- Traditional Finish
- Thin cymbal weight
- Crisp and clean bright sound
Pros:
- Perfect for beginners and students looking for practice splash cymbals.
- Delivers bright and cutting tones perfect for most musical genres.
- The cheapest splash cymbal within this list.
- Comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons:
- The cymbal’s sound cannot compete with other “authentic-sounding” splashes in the market.
Sabian SBR 10″ Splash
Brand: Sabian
Type: Brass Splash Cymbal
If you’re looking for an affordable splash that delivers a decent dynamic range, then this is the one for you! Firstly, the Sabian SBR 10” Splash features a durable brass cymbal construction. Thus, providing users with a fast and glassy response that rivals other products within its price range.
Secondly, the SBR offers a controlled dynamic range that comes with a clear punch, making it extremely versatile. Lastly, the SBR features deep large-peen hammering combined with pinpoint lathing, producing a biting and cutting tone.
Specification:
- Sabian special formula Brass material
- 10” cymbal size
- Deep, large-peen hammering
- Pinpoint lathing
- Bright-sounding bell
Pros:
- Provides a decent dynamic range within a budget-friendly price point.
- Packs incredible punch and clarity, allowing it to easily cut within a mix.
- Perfect for beginners looking for a decent-sounding entry-level splash.
- Great value for its price.
Cons:
- Although the cymbal is responsive, it still lacks the tone to compete against bronze cymbals.
Zildjian Planet Z 10″ Splash
Brand: Zildjian
Type: Nickel-Silver Splash Cymbal
The Planet Z series encapsulates the world-renowned Zildjian sound within a durable brass construction. Therefore, the Planet Z Splash delivers a bright and responsive sound ideal for both beginner practice and performance. In addition, this splash offers a cutting projection for live performances and a more focused sound for recording sessions.
Furthermore, Zildjian designed the Planet Z Splash with an attack that punches through a mix that decays almost instantaneously. Finally, the Planet Z Splash features all-American craftsmanship featuring their widely-known Exclusive Zildjian Alloy.
Specification:
- 10” cymbal size
- Exclusive Zildjian Silver-Nickel Alloy
- Traditional Finish
- Crafted in the USA
- Quick and focused tone
Pros:
- Suitable for beginners looking for a decent practice splash cymbal.
- Produces an explosive projection that cuts well within live performances.
- Delivers a responsive and focused sound perfect for recording.
- Ideal for quick beat accents.
Cons:
- I do not recommend this for drummers who want a clean-sounding splash cymbal.
3 of the Best Mid-level Splash Cymbals on a Budget
Paiste PST X Swiss Splash Cymbal 10 Inch
Brand: Paiste
Type: B8 Bronze and Brass Splash Cymbal
The PST X Splash combines CuSn8 Bronze and MS63 Brass/Aluminum; consequently, delivering an explosive projection and trashy sound. In addition, the PST X Swiss Splash features a perforated surface, providing drummers with a lighter and more exotic sound.
Furthermore, the PST X’s construction and materials widen its utility within a drumkit. Moreover, making them an excellent splash cymbal for live playing and recording sessions for almost all musical styles and genres!
Specification:
- 10” cymbal size
- CuSn8 Bronze and MS63 Brass/Aluminum Material
- Machine lathing
- Thin cymbal weight
- Brilliant finish
Pros:
- Excellent for both live performances and studio recordings.
- Allows users to utilize the cymbal in any style and volume level.
- Delivers a dirty and explosive tone.
- Perfect for drummers looking for an additional trash sound to compliment their China cymbal.
Cons:
- The perforated surface may easily crack under constant hard hits over time.
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark 8″ Splash Cymbal
Brand: Meinl
Type: B10 Bronze Splash Cymbal
Perfect for heavy metal and rock drummers, the Classics Custom Dark delivers a cutting tone that punches against high-gain guitars. Moreover, this splash cymbal produces an explosive projection without any hint of overtones. In addition, the Classics Custom Dark Splash offers an incredible front-end attack without a glassy sustain.
Furthermore, the Classics Custom Dark features extra-deep hammering improves the cymbal’s warmth and dryness. Consequently, leading to an intense attack that goes well within heavy and aggressive music such as metal. Finally, Meinl’s utilization of the B10 Bronze alloy provides the cymbal with excellent projection and clarity needed for all settings.
Specification:
- 8” cymbal size
- Dark cymbal finish
- B10 Bronze material
- Extra-deep hammering
- Medium cymbal weight
Pros:
- Perfect for heavy metal and rock drumming.
- Delivers a better tone and performance than brass cymbals.
- Suitable for both recording and live performances.
- Easily cuts through high-gain guitars and basses within a mix.
Cons:
- Not ideal for genres that require a cleaner splash such as jazz and blues.
Zildjian Gen16 Buffed Bronze 12″ Splash Cymbal
Brand: Zildjian
Type: Low-volume Splash Cymbal
Practicing within a neighborhood or a household can be quite a chore. As we know, some neighbors and housemates find drum sound annoying, especially the sound of an acoustic drumkit. Therefore, I introduce to you the Zildjian Gen16 Splash, a low-volume splash cymbal for practice and unplugged live performances.
Firstly, the Zildjian Gen16 features a perforated surface design that effectively lowers the overall noise the cymbal makes up to 70%. Secondly, despite its lower noise output, the Gen16 cymbal still features an authentic cymbal response. Lastly, Zildjian’s utilization of buffed bronze materials offers better sound and performance compared to Zildjian’s nickel-plated cymbals.
Specification:
- Perforated surface design
- 12” cymbal size
- Reduced Volume Cymbal Design
- Buffed Bronze material
- 2-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Pros:
- Effectively lowers the cymbal’s sound pressure level down to 70%.
- Excellent for indoor practicing and unplugged performances.
- Minimizes the occurrence of ear fatigue after hours of practice.
- Delivers an authentic cymbal response in every hit.
Cons:
- I wouldn’t recommend this splash cymbal for recording sessions.
3 of the Best Premium Splash Cymbals for Beginners and Professionals Alike
Zildjian 10″ A Zildjian Splash
Brand: Zildjian
Type: B20 Bronze Splash Cymbal
The Zildjian A-series Splash delivers a short full-bodied crash that widens the voice of your existing cymbal arsenal. Moreover, the A Splash features Zildjian’s secret alloy formula, producing a bright natural tone sought-after by drummers worldwide.
Furthermore, the Zildjian A-series is one of the best premium cymbals in the market today. Therefore, if you want the best splash performance and feel possible, then you can’t go wrong with the Zildjian A-series Splash.
Specification:
- 10” cymbal size
- Traditional Finish
- Cast B20 Bronze material
- Paper-thin weight
- Bright and full cymbal sound
Pros:
- Produces a bright crash sound which allows the cymbal to easily cut within any genre.
- Delivers an incredible-sounding sustain while minimizing overtones.
- Utilizes the same 380-year-old Zildjian alloy formula used in high-end Zildjian cymbals.
- Considered as the world’s standard for high-end cymbals.
Cons:
- I don’t think this cymbal would fit modern metal music.
Meinl Cymbals Byzance 10″ Dual Splash
Brand: Meinl
Type: B20 Bronze Splash Cymbal
Utilizing a hand-hammered B20 Bronze Alloy, the Meinl Byzance Dual Splash delivers a trashy sound and quick response. In addition, the Byzance Dual Splash’s response offers a cushioned feel while dishing out an incredible attack. Therefore, if you’re looking for a premium splash for modern music, you can’t go wrong with the Byzance Dual Splash.
Furthermore, Meinl designed the Byzance Dual Splash with hammering and lathing combinations. Consequently, providing the cymbal with a smooth feel mixed with an earthy definition. Thus, resulting in an effortless sound that is versatile for every genre possible!
Specification:
- Thin cymbal weight
- 10” cymbal size
- B20 Bronze Material
- Mixed Splash Textures
- Raw cymbal finish
Pros:
- Delivers a quick response and a cushioned feel for a comfortable drumming experience.
- Extremely versatile, making the cymbal perfect for any musical genre.
- Produces an unparalleled trashy sound within its price point.
- The Byzance series offers incredible musicality that became a mainstay for both professionals and amateurs worldwide.
Cons:
- The cymbals sound incredible on their own; however, they lack the needed projection during live performances.
Sabian AAX Mini Chinese Cymbal
Brand: Sabian
Type: B20 Bronze Splash Cymbal
If you’re looking for a splash that delivers raw and powerful performance, then the AAX Mini Chinese is for you! Firstly, the AAX Mini Chinese utilizes premium B20 materials, providing high-level musicality.
Secondly, this construction provides the cymbal with a raw-edged attack and quick decay rate. Lastly, the Sabian AAX Mini Chinese provides users with a bright and aggressive sound. Consequently, making the cymbal ideal for multiple genres.
Specification:
- 12” cymbal size
- B20 Bronze material
- Thin cymbal weight
- Brilliant cymbal finish
- Bright and raw sound
Pros:
- Delivers a trashy sound without losing musicality and tone.
- Features premium-level Sabian specifications utilized by professionals such as Mike Portnoy.
- Suitable for cross-genre use, making them perfect for session drummers.
- Perfect for musical settings that need a modern bright-sound accent.
Cons:
- The cymbal’s splash size might be too large for those wanting a standard-sized cymbal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Splash Cymbals
What is a splash cymbal used for?
Similar to a crash cymbal, a splash cymbal is an excellent cymbal to accent beats, fills, and chops. In addition, a splash provides a kit with a wider color palette. Thus, adding to the overall effect capacity of drumkits.
What is the difference between a crash cymbal and a splash cymbal?
Although both crash and splash cymbals have almost the same function in a drumkit, they still have different sounds. As we know, splash cymbals produce a bright or trashy crash sound which is short and explosive. Conversely, a crash cymbal produces a loud and sharper crash due to its larger size.
Where do you put a splash cymbal?
A splash cymbal is a small cymbal in comparison to its bigger cousins such as the China and crash cymbals. Therefore, splash cymbals can easily mount on boom arms on a cymbal stand. In addition, this compact construction allows splash cymbals to mount on top of another cymbal’s clutch. As a result, saving space in the process.