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Best 12" Splash Cymbals 2025

Top-rated 12" splash cymbals 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $100 Under $200 Under $300
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Progressive For Experimental For Fusion For Special Effects For Creative Applications For Unique Setups
BRANDS: Zultan Meinl Paiste Sabian
Zildjian 12" A-Custom Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Zildjian 12" A-Custom Splash

by Zildjian
Fusion Unique Setups Creative Applications
Key Feature:
• Unique sonic character and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Great for special effects and accents
  • • Maximum splash volume and projection
✗ CONS
  • • Limited practical applications
  • • May be overwhelming in normal contexts

Zildjian 12" A-Custom SplashSplashSize: 12"A-Custom seriesBrillant finishFast attackRoundshort sustainVery...

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 121052
$230
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sabian 12" HHX Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sabian 12" HHX Splash

by Sabian
Fusion Unique Setups Special Effects
Key Feature:
• Maximum splash volume and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum splash volume and projection
  • • Great for special effects and accents
✗ CONS
  • • Requires exceptional musical taste
  • • Very expensive specialty cymbal

Sabian 12" HHX SplashSplashHHX SeriesHand-hammeredSize: 12”Fastwaspypiercing splashPunchy attackkurzesschnell...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 158686
$292
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Samatya Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Samatya Series

by Istanbul Mehmet
Progressive Creative Applications Fusion
Key Feature:
• Great for special effects and accents
✓ PROS
  • • Unique sonic character and presence
  • • Professional specialty applications
✗ CONS
  • • May be overwhelming in normal contexts
  • • Very expensive specialty cymbal

Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Samatya Series12" SplashSamatya seriesBrillant finishModernfast responding...

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 312217
$182
Buy at Thomann View Details
Schlagwerk 12" Cajon Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Schlagwerk 12" Cajon Splash

by Schlagwerk
Experimental Unique Setups Creative Applications
Key Feature:
• Professional specialty applications
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive visual and audio impact
  • • Maximum splash volume and projection
✗ CONS
  • • Blurs line between splash and crash
  • • Requires exceptional musical taste

Schlagwerk 12" Cajon SplashCajon Splash CymbalSize: 12"Material: B20 bronzeHandmade in TurkeyBrushed...

⭐ 4.4/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 437228
$171
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Traditional Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Traditional Series

by Istanbul Mehmet
Creative Applications Special Effects Fusion
Key Feature:
• Maximum splash volume and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Unique sonic character and presence
  • • Maximum splash volume and projection
✗ CONS
  • • Limited practical applications
  • • Blurs line between splash and crash

Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Traditional Series12" SplashTraditional seriesRegular finishDark warm soundFast...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 311524
$182
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 12" Mellow Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Zultan 12" Mellow Splash

by Zultan
Special Effects Experimental Creative Applications
Key Feature:
• Great for special effects and accents
✓ PROS
  • • Professional specialty applications
  • • Unique sonic character and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Limited practical applications
  • • May be overwhelming in normal contexts

Zultan 12" Mellow SplashSplash CymbalSize: 12"Mellow SeriesMaterial: B20 bronze alloyReduces the cymbal...

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 561613
$164
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 12" Heritage Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Zultan 12" Heritage Splash

by Zultan
Unique Setups Experimental Creative Applications
Key Feature:
• Maximum splash volume and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Unique sonic character and presence
  • • Great for special effects and accents
✗ CONS
  • • Limited practical applications
  • • May be overwhelming in normal contexts

Zultan 12" Heritage SplashSplash CymbalHeritage SeriesSize: 12"100% Hand-crafted cymbal made according to old...

⭐ 4.4/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 422432
$160
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 12" Byzance Extra Dry Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Meinl 12" Byzance Extra Dry Splash

by Meinl
Special Effects Progressive Unique Setups
Key Feature:
• Professional specialty applications
✓ PROS
  • • Great for special effects and accents
  • • Unique sonic character and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Limited practical applications
  • • May be overwhelming in normal contexts

Meinl 12" Byzance Extra Dry SplashSplashByzance seriesSize: 12"Natural finishMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 334224
$218
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sabian 12" AAX O-Zone Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Sabian 12" AAX O-Zone Splash

by Sabian
Unique Setups Special Effects Experimental
Key Feature:
• Professional specialty applications
✓ PROS
  • • Professional specialty applications
  • • Distinctive visual and audio impact
✗ CONS
  • • Blurs line between splash and crash
  • • May be overwhelming in normal contexts

Sabian 12" AAX O-Zone SplashSplash EffektSize: 12"AAX O-zone seriesMulti-hole O-zone designB20 bronze...

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 113229
$285
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Splash Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Splash Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop
Creative Applications Experimental Special Effects
Key Feature:
• Distinctive visual and audio impact
✓ PROS
  • • Unique sonic character and presence
  • • Professional specialty applications
✗ CONS
  • • Limited practical applications
  • • Very expensive specialty cymbal

Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Splash BrilliantSplash CymbalSize: 12"Xist SeriesBrilliant finishMaterial: B20 bronze...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 382846
$138
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 12" K-Series Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Zildjian 12" K-Series Splash

by Zildjian
Unique Setups Special Effects Creative Applications
Key Feature:
• Professional specialty applications
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive visual and audio impact
  • • Great for special effects and accents
✗ CONS
  • • Blurs line between splash and crash
  • • Requires exceptional musical taste

Zildjian 12" K-Series SplashSplashZildjian K seriesBrillant finishSize: 12”SplashPlayed amongst others by...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 158828
$241
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 12" Q Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Zultan 12" Q Splash

by Zultan
Experimental Fusion Progressive
Key Feature:
• Maximum splash volume and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive visual and audio impact
  • • Maximum splash volume and projection
✗ CONS
  • • Limited practical applications
  • • Blurs line between splash and crash

Zultan 12" Q SplashSplash CymbalSize: 12"Q-SeriesMade of B-20 bronzeDark & deep with incredible dynamic...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 415090
$105
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 12" Classics Custom Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Meinl 12" Classics Custom Splash

by Meinl
Progressive Fusion Special Effects
Key Feature:
• Distinctive visual and audio impact
✓ PROS
  • • Professional specialty applications
  • • Maximum splash volume and projection
✗ CONS
  • • Blurs line between splash and crash
  • • Limited practical applications

Meinl 12" Classics Custom SplashSplash12”Classics custom seriesBrillant surfaceCleartransparent sounding tone...

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 261662
$103
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 12" Dune Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Zultan 12" Dune Splash

by Zultan
Unique Setups Experimental Special Effects
Key Feature:
• Unique sonic character and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum splash volume and projection
  • • Unique sonic character and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Limited practical applications
  • • Very expensive specialty cymbal

Zultan 12" Dune SplashSplash CymbalSize: 12"Dune seriesHand-hammeredPremium splash cymbal from traditional...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 450091
$120
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 12" Class. Cust. Dark Tr. Spl. - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Meinl 12" Class. Cust. Dark Tr. Spl.

by Meinl
Experimental Fusion Unique Setups
Key Feature:
• Great for special effects and accents
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum splash volume and projection
  • • Great for special effects and accents
✗ CONS
  • • May be overwhelming in normal contexts
  • • Requires exceptional musical taste

Meinl 12" Class. Cust. Dark Tr. Spl.Splash CymbalMeinl Classics Custom Series12" Dark Trash SplashModel:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 455923
$109
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 12" Splash Cymbals

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 12" splash cymbals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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