Best 12" Splash Cymbals Under $100 2025

Affordable 12" splash cymbals under $100 - great value without compromising quality

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

Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 Crash

Experimental Special Effects Fusion
Key Feature:
• Distinctive visual and audio impact
✓ PROS
  • • Great for special effects and accents
  • • Professional specialty applications
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive specialty cymbal
  • • Requires exceptional musical taste

Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 CrashCrash CymbalPSTX seriesSize: 12 "Inspired by Daru JonesVery fast responding crash...

4.7/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Paiste 12" 900 Color Sound Splash RED - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Paiste 12" 900 Color Sound Splash RED

Creative Applications Unique Setups Fusion
Key Feature:
• Unique sonic character and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Professional specialty applications
  • • Distinctive visual and audio impact
✗ CONS
  • • May be overwhelming in normal contexts
  • • Requires exceptional musical taste

Paiste 12" 900 Color Sound Splash REDSplash CymbalSize: 12"900 Color Sound SeriesMade of B8 (2002)...

4.5/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Zultan 12" Raw Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Zultan 12" Raw Splash

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
Paiste 12" 900 Color Sound Splash PRP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Paiste 12" 900 Color Sound Splash PRP

Unique Setups Fusion Experimental
Key Feature:
• Professional specialty applications
✓ PROS
  • • Great for special effects and accents
  • • Unique sonic character and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Limited practical applications
  • • Blurs line between splash and crash

Paiste 12" 900 Color Sound Splash PRPSplash CymbalSize: 12"900 Color Sound seriesMade from B8 (2002)...

4.8/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Paiste 12" PSTX DJs 45 Ride

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
Paiste 12" 900 Color Sound Splash BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Paiste 12" 900 Color Sound Splash BK

Special Effects Experimental Progressive
Key Feature:
• Unique sonic character and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum splash volume and projection
  • • Unique sonic character and presence
✗ CONS
  • • May be overwhelming in normal contexts
  • • Very expensive specialty cymbal

Paiste 12" 900 Color Sound Splash BKSplash CymbalSize: 12"900 Colour Sound SeriesMade of B8 (2002)...

4.9/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Paiste 12" 900 Series Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Paiste 12" 900 Series Splash

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

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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