Uncategorized

The Best Splash Cymbals

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Splash cymbals are essential for adding accents and quick bursts of sound to any drum kit. Their bright, fast decay makes them perfect for a variety of musical genres. Selecting the right splash cymbal can significantly enhance your drumming dynamics and overall musical expression.

No. 1
SABIAN 10" SBR Splash Cymbal
  • Small thin splash is fast and punchy
  • Smartly priced, SBr Brass is in a class of its own
  • SBr makes your first step into cymbals an easy one
No. 2
Meinl Cymbals Splash Cymbal for Drums, 8" HCS — MADE IN GERMANY
  • MAJOR UPGRADE FROM "STOCK" STARTER CYMBALS: these are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets; Meinl HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players
  • WHY IT MATTERS: playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play; plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent, or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals
  • WHAT'S IN THE BOX: includes one 8" splash cymbal; this splash has a bright tone and lighting-fast sustain for quick accents where larger crash cymbals would be too much; it's the perfect filler cymbal to play in unique spots during grooves or fills
  • DRIVING THE SOUND: made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy for a clean, bright, and crisp tone; substantial thickness with well-formed surface grooves and hammer marks give you a defined sound without clangy or ear-piercing overtones
  • CATCH UP QUICK: HCS exceeds expectations because Meinl brings experience crafting cymbals since 1951; we make HCS and other lines in our German factory, and our top-of-the-line professional Byzance cymbals are hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze
  • ZOOM IN: the surface shimmers and shines under light, which is a bonus if you like your kit to look beautiful; HCS cymbals also feature the same logo treatment as our professional lines, including a small laser engraved logo and serial number
  • OF NOTE: you can find any sound in the seemingly never-ending selection of cymbal types in the HCS line; all essentials in multiple sizes are covered along with effects cymbals that let you expand your sound with variety
  • THE BOTTOM LINE: this is a German made, top-quality entry level cymbal that resembles more high-end models with its crisp, bright tone and musical feel; it has a long lifespan, even for hard hitters, and fits any musical style
No. 3
Zildjian A0210 8" A Splash Cymbal
  • Bright crash sound applicable for any musical situation
  • Short, explosive splash sound
  • Produces a pure, bright tone
  • Very brief sustain with little overtones
  • Classic bright, expressive A Zildjian sound
SaleNo. 4
SABIAN 12" B8X Splash Cymbal
  • Extremely fast and bright, ideal for punchy accents
  • Natural finish, pure Bronze model that cuts
  • An ideal introduction to Bronze cymbals
  • Protected by SABIAN Two-Year Warranty
No. 5
RANMING Drum Set Mounting Clamp Cymbal Stand Extension Arm L Cymbal Clamp for 8-12 Inch Splash...
  • Universal Cymbal Clamp: RANMING drum set mounting clamp can clamp drum racks with a maximum diameter of 33mm, can connect drum arms, drum tubes, drum poles and other drum accessories. The cymbal extension clamp is easy to operate and can easily clamp the...
  • Sturdy & Stable: The thickened knob of the cymbal arm clamp can easily clamp the rack, and the 1.38in thickened pad reduces vibration to avoid frequent adjustment of the cymbal arm position during long-term practice. The cymbal extension mount and...
  • A Perfect Supplement to the Drum Set: The drum set can be equipped with multiple drum set extension clamp to experience the diversity of percussion, without the need to equip multiple large cymbal stands. It saves space and is a perfect supplement to the...
  • Adjustable Angle: Ranming drum set clamp adopts an adjustable device, and the wing nut is easy to tighten, which can easily fix the cymbal position. Gear design, easy to pull out and adjust the angle and length of the cymbal arm
  • Applicable Length: The L-shaped bracket arm length is 6.3 inches and 5.5 inches respectively. The adjustable length can adapt to various percussion atmospheres and rhythms
  • Product Includes: 1 L-shaped cymbal arm, 1 cymbal clamp
No. 6
Meinl Cymbals HCS-FX HCS Cymbal Box Set Effects Pack with 10" Splash, 12" China, Plus a FREE Cymbal Stacker...
  • MAJOR UPGRADE FROM "STOCK" STARTER CYMBALS: these are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets; Meinl HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players
  • WHY IT MATTERS: playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play; plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent, or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals
  • WHAT'S IN THE BOX: 10" splash, 12" china, plus a FREE Meinl cymbal stacker attachment; the stacker threads onto any cymbal stand to mount both cymbals on one stand
  • DRIVING THE SOUND: made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy for a clean, bright, and crisp tone; substantial thickness with well-formed surface grooves and hammer marks give you a defined sound without clangy or ear-piercing overtones
  • CATCH UP QUICK: HCS exceeds expectations because Meinl brings experience crafting cymbals since 1951; we make HCS and other lines in our German factory, and our top-of-the-line professional Byzance cymbals are hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze
  • ZOOM IN: the surface shimmers and shines under light, which is a bonus if you like your kit to look beautiful; HCS cymbals also feature the same logo treatment as our professional lines, including a small laser engraved logo and serial number
  • OF NOTE: you can find any sound in the seemingly never-ending selection of cymbal types in the HCS line; all essentials in multiple sizes are covered along with effects cymbals that let you expand your sound with variety
  • THE BOTTOM LINE: these are German made, top-quality entry level cymbals that resemble more high-end models with their crisp, bright tone and musical feel; they have a long lifespan, even for hard hitters, and fit any musical style
No. 7
Classics Custom Dark 8" Splash Cymbal for Drum Set — MADE IN GERMANY — B12 Bronze, 2-YEAR WARRANTY
  • MADE IN GERMANY: Classics Custom Dark cymbals are made at the Meinl Cymbal factory in Gutenstetten, Germany; they're formed with high-tech German engineering for consistent dark tone, powerful feel, and durability across all models
  • WHY IT MATTERS: these cymbals will make your kit sound and look professional; plus, the big assortment makes it easy to find your voice whether it's just one piece or a matching complete set
  • WHAT'S IN THE BOX: one 8" splash cymbal; the Classics Custom Dark splash is a heavier rock splash that speaks up with dark tone and a slightly dry, fast decay; it has a cutting attack on the front end without piercing or glassy overtones
  • DRIVING THE SOUND: made of durable B12 bronze alloy weighted and shaped for loud volume; extra hammering and additional lathing dial-in overtones to give the cymbals a dark, but crisp sound and controlled decay
  • THE UPSIDE FOR YOU: you'll be heard next to distortion charged guitar amps or in wide-open, large rooms without sounding crazy bright or ringy
  • ONE BIG THING: the great-looking dark finish is part of the cymbal making process—not just a coating that can wear off—so it will last a lifetime; bands of extra lathing expose the natural bronze
  • BEST FOR: rock, metal, fusion, worship; ALSO GREAT FOR: high-energy pop, R&B, funk
  • THE TAKEAWAY: Classics Custom Dark is for you if you like powerful cymbals with darker undertones, crisp attack, and a quick decay; their expert German craftsmanship is built to last
No. 8
Foraineam 2 Pieces 8-Inch Splash Cymbal Classic Drums Cymbals Percussion Instrument Golden Practice Drum...
  • Package includes 2 pieces splash cymbals. 8" small thin splash delivers an immediate cutting and bright response, perfect for crisp, quick and punchy accents
  • Durable brass alloy crafted with unmatched sound quality, sonically superior for entry-level cymbal price
  • Recommended for any style of music a beginner may be getting into while exploring their sound
  • These cymbals will make it easy for your first step into cymbals
  • Everything a drummer looks for in a splash cymbal, well-suited to place anywhere on your drum kit or percussion set up to incorporate into any style of music playing
No. 9
Zildjian I Family Splash Cymbal (ILH10S)
  • Taking its name from Ilham – the Turkish word for inspiration
  • Crafted from B8 alloy
  • thinner weights that deliver washier and more emotive sounds
No. 10
ULUOBO 10 inch Splash Cymbal, Pratice Splash Cymbal (Gold)
  • 🎶Designed for Beginners — Splash cymbal is designed for beginner and student, unique to this price range, you are definitely worth to try!
  • 🎶Great Quality — Cymbal is well built, musicians using a durable stainless steel alloy that maintains its tone while holding up to the brunt of drum sticks.
  • 🎶Durability — The stainless steel material to ensure durability, making it less likely to break.
  • 🎶Can Be Used for — East cymbals are made for new players who are learning their way around the drum set, you can find these to be an outstanding affordable solution to outfit their lesson sets with in a classroom.
  • 🎶Package Includes — The splash cymbal set includes a 10" splash cymbal.

Last update on 2026-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Splash Cymbals

Understanding Splash Cymbal Sizes

Splash cymbals come in various diameters, typically ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches. Smaller splashes (6-8 inches) produce a higher-pitched, sharper accent, ideal for rapid-fire patterns. Medium splashes (9-10 inches) offer a fuller sound with a bit more sustain, suitable for general accenting. Larger splashes (11-12 inches) provide a louder, more resonant sound that can cut through a mix effectively, often used for more pronounced accents.

Material and Construction

Most splash cymbals are crafted from bronze alloys, with B20 bronze being a common choice for its rich, complex tone and durability. B8 bronze offers a brighter, more consistent sound, often found in more budget-friendly options. The cymbal's thickness also plays a role; thinner splashes respond faster and produce a trashier, more cutting sound, while thicker ones are louder and have more sustain. Look for well-formed bells and even lathing, which contribute to the cymbal's tonal clarity and responsiveness.

Sound Characteristics

When choosing a splash, consider its sonic profile. Some splashes are designed for a quick, trashy accent with minimal sustain, perfect for fast fills. Others offer a more musical, sustained tone that can blend better with other cymbals. Listen for clarity, responsiveness, and how well the cymbal cuts through a mix. Different series from manufacturers will offer distinct tonal qualities, so exploring these variations is key to finding the right fit for your drumming style.

Purpose and Genre Application

Think about where you'll primarily be using the splash cymbal. For jazz or lighter acoustic music, a smaller, more delicate splash might be appropriate. Rock and metal drummers might prefer a louder, more cutting splash to add punctuation to powerful beats. Versatile drummers may opt for a couple of different sizes to cover a wider range of musical situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a splash cymbal?
A splash cymbal is primarily used for adding quick, accentuating sounds to a drum kit. Its bright, short sustain allows it to cut through the mix for emphasis without lingering too long.
How does cymbal size affect its sound?
Smaller splashes (6-8 inches) are higher-pitched and sharper, while larger ones (10-12 inches) are lower-pitched and fuller. The size directly influences the pitch and sustain of the accent.
What is the difference between B20 and B8 bronze cymbals?
B20 bronze is known for its complex, warm, and often darker tonal qualities, typically found in professional-grade cymbals. B8 bronze tends to be brighter, more consistent, and often more affordable, making it a good choice for beginners.
Should I get a thin or thick splash cymbal?
Thin splashes are more responsive, produce a trashier sound, and decay quickly, ideal for fast accents. Thicker splashes are louder, have more sustain, and can offer a more controlled, musical tone.
Can I use a splash cymbal for any music genre?
While versatile, certain splashes are better suited for specific genres. Lighter, faster splashes work well for jazz and acoustic music, while louder, more cutting ones are often preferred in rock and metal.