Best Splash Cymbals of 2026
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Splash cymbals are a popular choice among drummers due to their unique sound and versatility. These cymbals are typically smaller in size than other types of cymbals and produce a quick, bright sound that adds texture and accent to a drum kit. They are commonly used to create intricate drum patterns, add emphasis to specific beats, or to create a dramatic effect during a performance. Splash cymbals are available in a variety of sizes and materials, including bronze, brass, and nickel silver, allowing drummers to choose the perfect sound for their playing style.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Splash Cymbals
WUHAN 6-Inch Splash Cymbal
This hand-crafted 6-inch Splash Cymbal by Wuhan boasts quality construction and distinctive tonalities. Its unique sound is perfect for adding a splash of flavor to your drum kit.
Meinl HCS 8" Splash Cymbal for Drum Set
The Meinl HCS 8" Splash Cymbal creates cutting and bright response with a short sustain, fitting to accent any sound. The splash sound is warm and balanced, making it easy to blend with other cymbals or open up new ideas. The durable brass alloy creates a musical tone fit for all musical styles. The cymbal is versatile for any skill level, from beginners to professionals, and comes with a total of sounds unique to this price range. It is made in Germany with 100% renewable energy.
Meinl Cymbals 3-Piece Smack Stack Cymbal Pack with Holes 10", 12", 14" — HCS Traditional Finish Brass for Drum Set — Made in Germany, 2-Year Warranty (HCS024SM)
Upgrade your drum set with the Meinl Smack Stack Cymbal Pack. These German-made cymbals are a major improvement from the cheap starter cymbals that often come with drum sets. With a clean, bright, and crisp tone, the MS63 brass alloy gives these cymbals a defined sound without any annoying overtones. The hole cut-outs and wavy shape create a drier attack with more trash and slosh, adding complexity to your drumming. The 3-piece pack consists of 10", 12", and 14" cymbal discs that fit on one cymbal stand. They blend well with any type of cymbal, making them versatile for any musical style. With their top-quality construction, long lifespan, and musical feel, these cymbals are perfect for beginner and intermediate drummers.
Meinl Cymbals HCS 10" Splash Cymbal
The Meinl Cymbals HCS 10" Splash Cymbal creates short cymbal bursts with a cutting and bright response that blends perfectly with any other cymbal. It produces a warm, balanced tone and fits anywhere in your kit. It is a solid, musical and reliable fit for practice setups or for use in your main kit to find new sounds, and is also perfect for beginners due to its ultra-clean sounds that let you hear every note with clarity. The HCS cymbals are made in Germany with 100% renewable energy and offer all the cymbal types and sizes found in professional setups, making it easy to build up your drum set with a uniform sound.
SABIAN 10" SBr Splash Cymbal
The SABIAN 10" SBr Splash Cymbal is a small and thin cymbal that produces a fast and punchy sound. It is smartly priced and made of SBr Brass, which is a unique class of its own. This cymbal is perfect for those who are new to playing the drum kit and looking for an easy first step into cymbals.
WUHAN WUSP 10" Splash Cymbal
The WUHAN WUSP 10-Inch Splash Cymbal is a versatile and essential addition to any drummer's kit. With its thin, crisp, and quick sound, this splash cymbal delivers the perfect accent for various musical applications. Whether you're playing jazz, rock, or any other genre, the 10-inch size of this Wuhan splash cymbal makes it suitable for all-purpose use. The thin construction allows for a quick response, adding a touch of brilliance to your playing. With everything a drummer looks for in a splash cymbal, the WUHAN WUSP 10-Inch Splash Cymbal is a must-have for any drummer looking to enhance their sound.
Stagg 6-Inch Medium Splash Cymbal
This 6-inch splash cymbal by Stagg is a great addition to your percussion instruments. The package dimensions are 4.318 x 10.668 x 13.716 cm, making it easy to store and transport. Its medium weight provides a balanced sound that complements any drum set. This cymbal falls under the splash cymbal category, making it perfect for quick and tight accents.
Zildjian 10" Splash Cymbal
The Zildjian 10" A Zildjian Splash is a high-quality splash cymbal with a bright crash sound, short explosive splash sound, and a pure, bright tone. It produces very brief sustain with little overtones and features the classic bright and expressive A Zildjian sound. This splash cymbal is suitable for any musical situation and is classified under the Splash Cymbals category.
Meinl 12" Trash Splash Cymbal
The Meinl Trash Splash Cymbal is a versatile and powerful cymbal that delivers a unique sound. With its hole cut outs, this 12" cymbal produces a dry sound, making it perfect for adding trashy accents to your music. Whether used on its own or in a cymbal stack configuration, the Trash Splash Cymbal offers a range of possibilities. Its brilliant finish and fully lathed surfaces contribute to its shimmering and cutting sound. Designed for power players, this cymbal opens up with explosive energy at loud dynamics, making it ideal for rock and metal styles. Made from B12 bronze alloy, it offers a reliable and punchy sound that cuts through dense mixes. Not only does it sound great, but its stunning mirror-like finish adds a touch of elegance to your drum kit. Plus, it is made in Germany with 100% renewable energy, ensuring both quality and sustainability.
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark 8" Splash Cymbal
The Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark 8" Splash Cymbal is a great choice for rock, metal, and fusion players who want a dark and heavy rock splash with no high pitch overtones. With its highly specialized finishing process and extra deep hammering, this cymbal delivers shadowy tones and plenty of volume. Made from B12 bronze alloy, this splash cymbal is perfect for power players who seek an energetic drive at loud dynamics. Plus, it is made in Germany with 100% renewable energy and features a dark finish that lasts a lifetime of playing and traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a splash cymbal worth it?
A splash cymbal is worth it if you are looking for a cymbal with a quieter, higher-pitched sound, faster attack, and shorter decay compared to crash cymbals. Splash cymbals have a sharper and brighter sound, while crash cymbals have a fuller sound. The pitch of a splash cymbal depends on its size, with larger cymbals having a lower pitch.
2. What is the difference between splash and china cymbals?
The main difference between splash and china cymbals is their sound and purpose. China cymbals are loud, explosive, and have a short duration of sound, making them ideal for strong accents. On the other hand, splash cymbals are quieter, more subtle, and have a thin sound with a short duration, making them suitable for subtle accents.
3. What is the point of a splash cymbal?
The purpose of a splash cymbal is to provide a short and often highly syncopated accent. Despite their small size, splash cymbals are hit relatively hard to produce a quick attack and decay. They are commonly used in drumming to add a distinct accent to the music.
During our splash cymbal research, we found 24 splash cymbal products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,483 customer reviews through our big data system to write the splash cymbals list. We found that most customers choose splash cymbals with an average price of $59.63.
The splash cymbals are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of splash cymbals, including WUHAN, Meinl Cymbals, Sabian, Stagg, Zildjian. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 445 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.