Best 12" Splash Cymbals for Progressive 2025

Perfect 12" splash cymbals for progressive - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 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

Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Splash Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

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Meinl 12" Byzance Extra Dry Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

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

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Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Samatya Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

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Zultan 12" Mellow Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

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

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Istanbul Agop 12" Xist ION Splash Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 12" Xist ION Splash Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop

Unique Setups Special Effects Experimental

Key Feature:

• Maximum splash volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Professional specialty applications
• Distinctive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• Limited practical applications
• Requires exceptional musical taste

Istanbul Agop 12" Xist ION Splash BrilliantSplash CymbalSize: 12"Xist ION seriesBrilliant finishMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 382939

$146

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 12" Classics C. Dual Trash Sp. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 12" Classics C. Dual Trash Sp.

by Meinl

Special Effects Experimental Creative Applications

Key Feature:

• Maximum splash volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Great for special effects and accents
• Distinctive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• May be overwhelming in normal contexts
• Limited practical applications

Meinl 12" Classics C. Dual Trash Sp.Trash Splash CymbalSize: 12Material: B-12 BronzeFinish: Dark / BrilliantWarm...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 528033

$120

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 12" Raw Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 12" Raw Splash

by Zultan

Progressive Special Effects Creative Applications

Key Feature:

• Maximum splash volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Professional specialty applications
• Distinctive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• Requires exceptional musical taste
• Blurs line between splash and crash

Zultan 12" Raw SplashSplash cymbalSize: 12"Raw SeriesMade of B20 bronzeDarkwarm and full sound100%...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 383213

$98

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Meinl 12" Pure Alloy Custom Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 12" Pure Alloy Custom Splash

by Meinl

Unique Setups Special Effects Fusion

Key Feature:

• Unique sonic character and presence

✓ PROS

• Great for special effects and accents
• Distinctive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• Very expensive specialty cymbal
• Requires exceptional musical taste

Meinl 12" Pure Alloy Custom SplashSplash CymbalSize: 12"Pure Alloy Custom SeriesWarmslightly washed-out tone...

⭐ 4.6/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 557716

$186

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Ufip 12" FX Power Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ufip 12" FX Power Splash

by Ufip

Fusion Creative Applications Unique Setups

Key Feature:

• Maximum splash volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Great for special effects and accents
• Distinctive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• Very expensive specialty cymbal
• Blurs line between splash and crash

Ufip 12" Bionic Series SplashSplash CymbalSize: 12"Material: B20 BronzePowerfulbright and warm with great...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 424268

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 12" 900 Series Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 12" 900 Series Splash

by Paiste

Creative Applications Experimental Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional specialty applications

✓ PROS

• Unique sonic character and presence
• Distinctive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• May be overwhelming in normal contexts
• Requires exceptional musical taste

Paiste 12" 900 Series SplashSplash CymbalSize: 12""900" SeriesMade of B8 (2002) bronzeShort sustain...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 407490

$90

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Zultan 12" F5 Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Zultan 12" F5 Splash

by Zultan

Progressive Experimental Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Distinctive visual and audio impact

✓ PROS

• Professional specialty applications
• Maximum splash volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Requires exceptional musical taste
• Blurs line between splash and crash

Zultan 12" F5 SplashSplash cymbalSize: 12"F5 seriesAggressive splashFull sound with excellent dynamic...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 496610

$105

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 12" Z-Series Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 12" Z-Series Splash

by Zultan

Progressive Fusion Experimental

Key Feature:

• Professional specialty applications

✓ PROS

• Professional specialty applications
• Unique sonic character and presence

✗ CONS

• May be overwhelming in normal contexts
• Very expensive specialty cymbal

Zultan 12" Z-Series SplashSplash CymbalSize: 12"Z SeriesHand-hammeredMaterial: B20 bronzeFullwarm sound with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595617

$105

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 12" Class. Cust. Dark Tr. Spl. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

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

Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

10/10

Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 Ride

by Paiste

Progressive Special Effects Creative Applications

Key Feature:

• Unique sonic character and presence

✓ PROS

• Great for special effects and accents
• Maximum splash volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Very expensive specialty cymbal
• Blurs line between splash and crash

Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 RideRide CymbalPSTX SeriesSize: 12"Inspired by Daru JonesMinimalist ride for...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 407610

$86

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 12" Splash Dark Matter - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan 12" Splash Dark Matter

by Zultan

Special Effects Creative Applications Experimental

Key Feature:

• Distinctive visual and audio impact

✓ PROS

• Unique sonic character and presence
• Maximum splash volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Requires exceptional musical taste
• May be overwhelming in normal contexts

Zultan 12" Splash Dark MatterSplash cymbalSize: 12"Dark Matter LineHand hammeredDark splash cymbalMade of B20...

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 382732

$120

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.

Best 12" Splash Cymbals for Progressive 2025

Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Splash Brilliant

Meinl 12" Byzance Extra Dry Splash

Istanbul Mehmet 12" Splash Samatya Series

Zultan 12" Mellow Splash

Istanbul Agop 12" Xist ION Splash Brilliant

Meinl 12" Classics C. Dual Trash Sp.

Zultan 12" Raw Splash

Meinl 12" Pure Alloy Custom Splash

Ufip 12" FX Power Splash

Paiste 12" 900 Series Splash

Zultan 12" F5 Splash

Zultan 12" Z-Series Splash

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

Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 Ride

Zultan 12" Splash Dark Matter

How to Choose the Best 12" Splash Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 12" splash cymbals?

How much should I spend on 12" splash cymbals?

Are expensive 12" splash cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 12" splash cymbals?

Should I buy 12" splash cymbals online or in-store?

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