AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 9" Splash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zultan 09" Heritage Splash ($122). Zultan 09" Rock Beat Splash gives you the most for the money at $88. Sabian 9" HH Razor Plate leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 9" Splash CymbalsTop 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size9"
You get a 9-inch splash cymbal made from B20 bronze, hand-crafted and machined several times with different hammers. It is described as assertive in almost all styles and has a lot of overtone, so it can add a short accent to your kit. It suits drummers who want a splash with character and plenty of overtone.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Hand-crafted according to old tradition
- Machined several times with different hammers
65AudioFu
Index↓ 1.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$124 · Aug 17$122 now$122€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size9"
You get a 9 inch splash cymbal from the Rock Beat series, made by hand from B-20 bronze. It gives a clear, lively splash sound that puts accents and roundings in the spotlight, and the maker says it works in all styles of music. If you want your accents to stand out, this one is a good pick.
Pros
- Made from B-20 bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- 100% handmade, so each one is built by hand
- Brilliant handpolished surface gives it a shiny finish
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- Size9"
This is a small 9-inch splash with an exotic, trashy effect. It is made for short, sharp accents, so you will likely enjoy it if you want a quick, edgy hit. It also adapts well to other splash cymbals if you already have a few in your kit.
Pros
- Oriental series cymbal with a Brillant finish
- Exotic, trashy special effect for short, sharp accents
- Adapts outstandingly to other splash cymbals
Cons
- Its trashy character is not suited to a steady, sustained sound
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size9"
This is a 9 inch splash cymbal from Zildjian's K Custom series. It is described as giving a clean, clear, accentuated splash sound. It suits you if you want a small, quick accent cymbal for your kit.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's K Custom series, built for a splash sound
- Traditional finish gives it a classic look
- Inner part has a brilliant finish, outer part a regular finish
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size9"
If you want a splash that adds more volume without a strong pitch, you may like this one. It is a 9-inch Mike Portnoy signature cymbal with an enlarged, untreated bell and a new shape. The maker says it suits all applications, so it can work for many kinds of drummers.
Pros
- Untreated, enlarged bell gives the cymbal more volume
- New shape adds to the bigger bell's volume
- Made from B20 bronze
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size9"
This is a 9-inch splash cymbal from Sabian's HH line, made of hand-hammered B20 bronze with a raw finish. You get a short bell sound at the edge and a focused ping across the surface. If you want a quick, precise accent sound, this one is a good fit.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Hand-hammered for a textured surface
- Short bell sound at the edge
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$300 now$300€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size9"
You get a 9 inch splash cymbal from the Masterwork Custom Series. It is made completely by hand in the old Turkish way from B-25 alloy, and the Custom line is described as having a considerable frequency range and sensitive dynamic response. It suits you if you want a small accent cymbal from a handmade line.
Pros
- Part of the Masterwork Custom Series, which has the largest model variety
- Completely handmade according to old Turkish tradition
- Made from B-25 alloy
9" Splash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 7 models we track, not a sample.
median of 7 models · 9"–9"
How to choose the best 9" splash cymbals
Weight
Lighter splashes tend to be brighter and quicker, perfect for those short, crisp accents. Heavier ones offer a bit more body and a more sustained shimmer, though they risk sounding muddy if not perfectly controlled. Finding that sweet spot depends on your style.
Bell Definition
The bell on a 9" isn't a huge deal, but a well-defined bell provides a more focused, articulate attack. A muddy or undefined bell just adds unwanted low-end clutter. Listen for that clean, crisp 'chick' - it's important.
Overall Tone
This is where it gets subjective. Some 9" splashes have a thin, almost glassy sound. Others have a warmer, more complex tone with a touch of vintage character. What you're looking for depends on the kit and the music - a brighter splash works great in a modern rock context, but a warmer one might be better for jazz.
Trashiness/Stickiness
Cheap 9" splashes often have a sticky, unpleasant feel and a grainy, uneven tone. A good one should articulate cleanly and respond instantly to the stick. This is especially crucial if you're playing complex rhythms.
Lathing and Finish
Consistent lathing is key for even response across the cymbal. A brighter, more reflective finish will emphasize the splash's high-end sparkle, while a more matte finish will soften the tone slightly. It's a subtle difference, but noticeable in a critical listening environment.
Buying guide
Okay, let's talk 9" splashes. They're not the first cymbal you reach for, but a good one? A really good one? It's a secret weapon - a quick, bright accent that cuts through a dense mix without drowning everything else. Whether you're tracking a dry acoustic kit, adding sparkle to a pop recording, or just want a tight, articulate splash for a smaller stage, a 9" can be invaluable. But there's a lot of variation out there, and cheap ones are... well, they're usually pretty sad.
Don't fall for the 'cheap and cheerful' trap. A poorly made 9" splash is just going to add noise to your kit. Spend a little more for something that's well-lathing and responds cleanly.
Listen carefully for that stickiness - that's a major red flag. Ultimately, a good 9" splash is about precision and articulation, not raw volume, so prioritize those qualities over perceived 'value'.
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 7 9" 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
Are 9" splashes worth it if I'm on a tight budget?
Honestly, probably not. A cheap 9" splash is often worse than having no splash at all. It's better to save up for something decent or skip it entirely.
Can I use a 8" cymbal instead of a 9"?
You can, but the 9" offers a slightly more defined and articulate splash. The difference is subtle, but noticeable in a polished recording or a tight band setting.
What kind of music are 9" splashes best suited for?
They're versatile, but shine in genres where you need quick, clean accents - pop, funk, jazz, and even modern rock where you want to add sparkle without overwhelming the kit.
Should I mount a 9" splash on a stand or suspend it?
Both work. Stands offer more control over placement, while suspending allows for more natural resonance. It depends on your preference and the overall kit setup.
I'm getting a lot of unwanted overtones from my 9" splash. What can I do?
Try different dampening techniques - a small piece of Moongel or a cymbal pad can help tame those unwanted resonances. Also, make sure your stands are properly isolated to prevent sympathetic vibrations.
