AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 12" Splash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Paiste 12" Color Sound 900 Series Splash Cymbal ($95). Meinl 12" Classics Custom Trash Splash gives you the most for the money at $47. Sabian 12" AAX Aero Splash Cymbal leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 48 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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All 12" Splash CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Paiste 12" Color Sound 900 Series Splash Cymbal
12" 900 Color Sound Splash RED · Paiste
15 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Size12"
This little Paiste 900 Color Sound RED splash is a workhorse for drummers needing precise accents. It's got a snappy, bright tone that cuts through the mix—perfect for funk, pop, or anything where you need a quick, clean splash without a long wash. It's a solid, reliable option at a reasonable price.
Pros
- B8 bronze provides a bright, responsive sound with good durability.
- The red finish enhances the hammering marks, adding visual appeal.
- Short sustain makes it ideal for quick, articulate accents and complex rhythms.
Cons
- The B8 alloy isn't as complex as Paiste's higher-end bronze alloys.
- The bright sound might not be suitable for very dark or mellow musical styles.
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Zildjian 12" A Custom Splash Cymbal
12" A-Custom Splash · Zildjian
34 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size12"
This is a 12 inch splash cymbal from the A-Custom line. It has a fast attack and a short sustain, so it gives you a quick burst of sound that fades fast. It suits you if you want a small, quick accent that sounds musical without ringing on too long.
Pros
- Part of the A-Custom series, a line from Zildjian
- Brillant finish gives it a shiny, polished look
- Fast attack means it responds quickly when struck
Cons
- Short sustain means it is not the choice for long, ringing wash sounds
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$233 now$233€209 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 12" A Custom Splash Cymbal
12" K-Series Splash · Zildjian
34 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size12"
This is a 12 inch Zildjian K-Series splash cymbal with a brilliant finish. It is a small cymbal you can add to your kit for quick accents. Drummers such as Carter Beauford and Gregg Bissonette have played it, so it is a good pick if you want a splash from a well-known line.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's K-Series line, a known cymbal family
- Played by well-known drummers including Carter Beauford and Gregg Bissonette
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny look
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$245 now$245€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 12" Color Sound 900 Series Splash Cymbal
12" 900 Series Splash · Paiste
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size12"
This is a 12-inch splash cymbal from Paiste's 900 Series, made of B8 (2002) bronze. Its short sustain makes it a good pick if you want quick, precise accents rather than a long, washy crash. The dark finish brings out the hammer marks, so it looks as good as it plays.
Pros
- Made of B8 (2002) bronze, a stated alloy for this cymbal
- Short sustain gives precise accents for any musical style
- Special dark finish brings out the hammer marks
Cons
- Short sustain means it will not ring out for long washes
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Meinl 12" Classics Custom Dark Trash Splash Cymbal 2019
12" Classics Cust. Dark Splash · Meinl
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size12"
This is a 12-inch splash cymbal made from B12 bronze. It gives you a quick, explosive splash for crisp accents. If you play styles that need a lot of volume and an assertive sound, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Made from B12 bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Part of the Classics Custom Series
- Designed to give an explosive splash for crisp accents
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Meinl 12" Classics Custom Trash Splash
12" HCS Splash · Meinl
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size12"
This Meinl 12 inch splash is part of the HCS Series, a beginner line that mixes quality with good value. It responds fast, so it speaks quickly when you hit it. If you want a small cymbal to add accents to your kit, this one is a good match.
Pros
- Made from MS63 alloy, a bronze used in Meinl cymbals
- Part of the HCS Series, a beginner line that combines quality and value
- Fast responding splash that speaks quickly when struck
Cons
- At 12 inches, it is a small cymbal and suits accents rather than full-size use
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Meinl 12" Classics Custom Trash Splash
12" Classics Custom Splash · Meinl
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size12"
You get a 12 inch splash cymbal with a brillant surface and a clear, transparent tone. Its short decay means each hit fades fast, so it stands out as an accent. This one suits you if you want a quick splash to punctuate your playing.
Pros
- Brillant surface gives the cymbal a shiny, polished look
- Clear, transparent sounding tone is the main character of this cymbal
- Gentle sound reflection keeps each hit clean and easy to hear
Cons
- Short decay means each hit fades fast, so it is not made for long wash
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Meinl 12" Classics Custom Trash Splash
12" Classics Custom Trash · Meinl
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size12"
You get a 12-inch splash that speaks up fast and then stops almost at once. Its sound is high and assertive, so it is built for short, piercing accents. If you want a quick, sharp hit to finish a phrase or add a bit of edge, this one fits the job.
Pros
- Brilliant surface gives the cymbal a polished, eye-catching look
- Extremely short decay means the sound stops almost instantly
- High frequency, assertive sound cuts through a busy mix
Cons
- Its short, high sound is not suited to sustained washes or long crashes
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$117 now$117€105 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size12"
This is a 12-inch splash cymbal from Sabian's AAX series. You get a brilliant finish, a very fast and bright attack, and a very assertive splash. If you want a splash that speaks up quickly, this one is a good fit.
Pros
- Part of Sabian's AAX series, a named cymbal line
- Brilliant finish on the cymbal surface
- Very bright attack that cuts through quickly
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$256 now$256€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 12" Classics Custom Dual Trash Splash Cymbal
12" Classics C. Dual Trash Sp. · Meinl
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size12"
This is a 12-inch splash cymbal made of B-12 Bronze, and you can get it in a dark or brilliant finish. The maker says it has warm sounds and an explosive response, so it works well for quick accents on your kit. It suits you if you play metal, rock, pop, fusion, studio or R&B and want a small cymbal that speaks fast.
Pros
- Made of B-12 Bronze, a material the maker names for this cymbal
- Available in a dark or brilliant finish to suit your look
- Built for explosive response, so it speaks quickly when struck
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$117 now$117€105 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 48 12" splash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Meinl 12" Pure Alloy Custom Splash Cymbal12" Pure Alloy Splash · Meinl68Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 12
Meinl 12" Pure Alloy Custom Splash Cymbal12" Pure Alloy Custom Splash · Meinl68Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 13
Paiste 12" Signature Splash Cymbal12" Signature Splash · Paiste67Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 14
Sabian 12" HHX Evolution Splash Cymbal12" HHX Evolution Splash · Sabian67Stable$296€265$296€265Check ↗
- 15
Sabian 12" HHX Evolution Splash Cymbal12" HHX Splash · Sabian67Stable$296€265$296€265Check ↗
- 16
Meinl 12" Byzance Extra Dry SplashMeinl66↓ 2.0%$218€195$218€195Check ↗
- 17
Meinl 12" Byzance Traditional Splash12" Byzance Splash Traditional · Meinl62Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 18
Sabian 12" AAX O-Zone Splash Cymbal12" AAX O-Zone Splash · Sabian61Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 19
Millenium 12" Still Series Splash BlueMillenium · 2 finishes57Stable$32€29$32€29Check ↗
- 20
Zultan 12" Mellow SplashZultan56↓ 2.7%$162€145$162€145Check ↗
- 21
Zultan 12" Aja SplashZultan54Stable$39€35$39€35Check ↗
- 22
Zultan 12" Aja Blaze SplashZultan54Stable$44€39$44€39Check ↗
- 23
Zultan 12" Splash 25Zultan54Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
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Zultan 12" Raw SplashZultan54Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
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Meinl 12" Class. Cust. Dark Tr. Spl.Meinl54Stable$117€105$117€105Check ↗
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Zultan 12" Z-Series SplashZultan54Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 27
Zultan 12" F5 SplashZultan54Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 28
Zultan 12" Dune SplashZultan54Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 29
Zultan 12" Q SplashZultan54Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 30
Zultan 12" Rock Beat SplashZultan54Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 31
Zultan 12" Heritage SplashZultan54Stable$162€145$162€145Check ↗
- 32
Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 RidePaiste53Stable$87€78$87€78Check ↗
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Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 CrashPaiste53Stable$87€78$87€78Check ↗
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Paiste 12" PSTX Swiss Flanger CrashPaiste53Stable$88€79$88€79Check ↗
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Paiste 2002 Classic 12" SplashPaiste53Stable$201€180$201€180Check ↗
- 36
Sabian 12" B8X SplashSabian52↓ 1.8%$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 37
Millenium 12" B20 SplashMillenium51Stable$31€28$31€28Check ↗
- 38
Millenium 12" Still Series Splash Reg.Millenium51Stable$32€29$32€29Check ↗
- 39
Zultan 12" Splash Dark MatterZultan50↑ 9.2%$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 40
Ufip 12" FX Power SplashUfip50↓ 1.7%$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 41
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Turk SeriesIstanbul Mehmet50Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 42
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Traditional SeriesIstanbul Mehmet50Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 43
Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Splash BrilliantIstanbul Agop49Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
- 44
Istanbul Agop 12" Xist ION Splash BrilliantIstanbul Agop49Stable$162€145$162€145Check ↗
- 45
Ufip 12" FX Traditional Spl. MediumUfip49Stable$192€172$192€172Check ↗
- 46
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Samatya Splash Cymbal12" Splash Samatya Series · Istanbul Mehmet48↓ 5.6%$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 47
Masterwork 12" Custom SplashMasterwork47Stable$119€107$119€107Check ↗
- 48
Schlagwerk 12" Cajon SplashSchlagwerk47Stable$173€155$173€155Check ↗
12" Splash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 51 models we track, not a sample.
Median $122 — half of all 12" splash cymbals here cost less.
median of 51 models · 12"–12"
How to choose the best 12" splash cymbals
Weight
Heavier splashes tend to have more sustain and a darker, more complex shimmer. Lighter ones are quicker and brighter, better for really tight, fast passages. It's a balancing act-too heavy and it'll feel sluggish, too light and it'll be ice-picky.
Bell Definition
The bell is crucial for that initial 'chick' sound. A well-defined bell will have a clear, focused attack; a muddy bell just adds unwanted low-end gunk that'll bury your kit. Listen for clarity, not just volume.
Finish
Brighter finishes (like mirror or chrome) will give you more projection and a more cutting, sparkly tone. Darker finishes (like natural or antiqued) will be more mellow and have a shorter sustain. Think about the overall vibe you're going for.
Lathing
Consistent lathing (the grooves hammered into the cymbal) affects the cymbal's response and articulation. Sloppy lathing leads to uneven stick response and a generally cheap feel. Look for clean, evenly spaced grooves.
Overall Tone
A good 12" splash shouldn't be just "bright." It needs complexity - a hint of warmth to balance the shimmer, a touch of decay to avoid a harsh, metallic ring. It should complement, not clash, with your other cymbals.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a 12" splash? Smart move. They're the unsung heroes of a good drum kit-that quick, bright punctuation that cuts through the chaos without overpowering. Too often, they're an afterthought, but a good 12" splash can seriously elevate your kit's articulation and add a subtle shimmer that's missing. Let's break down what to look for so you don't end up with something that sounds like a dinner plate being slapped.
Don't cheap out too much. A truly awful splash is worse than no splash at all-it'll just muddy your mix. Entry-level splashes often cut corners on lathing and hammering, resulting in a brittle, one-dimensional sound.
Spend a little more for something with better articulation and a more musical tone. And remember, a splash is a subtle accent-it shouldn't be screaming for attention.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 51 12" splash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a splash and a china splash?
China splashes have a more complex, often trashy tone with a pronounced bell and a more exotic character. Splashes are generally cleaner and brighter, more suited for subtle accents and shimmering textures.
Can I use a 10" splash instead of a 12"?
Sure, but you'll lose some projection and articulation. A 12" generally offers a better balance of shimmer and cut without being overwhelming. The smaller size is more for very tight, minimalist kits.
My kit is already loud. Do I really need a splash?
Even in a loud kit, a well-chosen splash can add clarity and definition. It's about adding texture and nuance, not just volume. Just be mindful of placement and stick choice.
How do I avoid a splash cymbal sounding too harsh?
Look for a splash with a darker, more complex tone. Avoid super-bright finishes and overly thin weights. Also, experiment with different stick types - nylon tips can soften the attack.
Are B8 bronze cymbals a good option for a 12" splash?
B8 is a decent budget alloy, but be prepared for a less nuanced sound and potentially shorter lifespan. They're fine for beginners or practice kits, but if you're serious about your sound, invest in something made from B20 bronze.
