Best 12" Splash Cymbals Under $300 2025

Affordable 12" splash cymbals under $300 - great value without compromising quality

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

Sabian 12" AAX Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 12" AAX Splash

by Sabian

Unique Setups Experimental Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Professional specialty applications

✓ PROS

• Professional specialty applications
• Distinctive visual and audio impact

✗ CONS

• Very expensive specialty cymbal
• Requires exceptional musical taste

Sabian 12" AAX SplashSplashSize: 12"AAX seriesBrillant finishTransparent soundExtrem fastvery bright...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 100892

$270

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Sabian 12" HHX Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

Sabian 12" HHX Evolution Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 12" HHX Evolution Splash

by Sabian

Unique Setups Experimental Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Unique sonic character and presence

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Very expensive specialty cymbal
• Limited practical applications

Sabian 12" HHX Evolution Splash, Splash CymbalThe HHX Evolution series was developed in collaboration with Dave...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 165354

$292

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 12" Signature Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Paiste 12" Signature Splash

by Paiste

Progressive Creative Applications Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional specialty applications

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Limited practical applications
• Blurs line between splash and crash

Paiste 12" Signature Splash, Splash CymbalThe Splash of the Signature line provides an explosive, warm and very...

⭐ 4.4/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 100877

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 12" A-Custom Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Zildjian 12" K-Series Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

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

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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 12" AAX O-Zone Splash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

Meinl 12" Byzance Splash Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 12" Byzance Splash Traditional

by Meinl

Unique Setups Creative Applications Fusion

Key Feature:

• Maximum splash volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Professional specialty applications
• Unique sonic character and presence

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 12" Byzance Splash TraditionalSplash CymbalSize: 12"Byzance SeriesTraditional finishBeautifully...

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 167208

$208

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 Under $300 2025

Sabian 12" AAX Splash

Sabian 12" HHX Splash

Sabian 12" HHX Evolution Splash

Paiste 12" Signature Splash

Zildjian 12" A-Custom Splash

Zildjian 12" K-Series Splash

Meinl 12" Byzance Extra Dry Splash

Sabian 12" AAX O-Zone Splash

Meinl 12" Byzance Splash Traditional

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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