AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 9" Splash Cymbals Under $300 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 09" AAX MAXX Splash V2 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- 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
-
- 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"
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 6 models we track, not a sample.
median of 6 models · 9"–9"
How to choose the best 9" splash cymbals
Sustain & Wash
At this price point, don't expect massive sustain. We're looking for a clean, crisp articulation with minimal wash - you want a 'chick' not a 'waaah'. Too much sustain and it'll just muddy things up.
Cut & Brightness
A good 9" splash should have a definite 'cut' to it, but it's a fine line. We're looking for a bright, sparkly top end, not an ice-picky harshness that'll make your ears bleed or cut through a dense mix.
Stick Definition & Articulation
This is crucial. Can you hear every nuance of your playing? A sloppy splash will just sound weak and undefined - we want something that responds well to dynamics and ghost notes.
Bell Thickness & Response
A thicker bell generally means a more responsive cymbal, but it can also lead to a more 'metallic' tone. We're searching for that sweet spot where the bell is thick enough to react quickly, but still maintains a musical tone.
Overall Tone & Character
Is it bright and airy? Dark and dry? The 'best' tone depends on your style, but we're looking for something that's well-defined and doesn't sound generic or cheap.
Buying guide
Alright, so you need a 9" splash, but you're not looking to remortgage the house. That's a totally reasonable goal - a good splash can add a ton of sparkle and articulation without needing to break the bank. A lot of players overlook the 9" size, thinking it's just for the ultra-refined jazz gig, but it's incredibly versatile for adding subtle accents in rock, pop, or even heavier styles. Let's find you something that cuts through without emptying your wallet.
Let's be realistic - under $300, you're making trade-offs. Expect thinner overall profiles, which means less sustain and a potentially more brittle sound. The hammering and lathing will likely be less refined, which can impact the overall tonal complexity.
Don't chase the 'brightest' splash you can find; a little warmth and musicality will cut through a mix better than pure, harsh brightness. Focus on articulation and responsiveness above all else.
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 6 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
What's the difference between B8 and B20 bronze?
B8 is the more common (and cheaper) alloy - it's brighter and can sound a bit more 'tinny'. B20 is closer to the bronze used in higher-end cymbals, offering a warmer, more complex tone, but will generally cost more.
Can a cheap splash cymbal sound good in a loud band?
It's tougher, but possible. You'll need to prioritize cut and articulation. Look for something with a higher frequency response, and be prepared to mic it carefully to make it audible without sounding harsh. Don't expect it to compete with a pro-level splash.
Should I buy a pack or a single cymbal?
A pack is often better value if you need multiple cymbals. However, quality can vary wildly within a pack - listen to individual samples online if possible. A single, well-chosen cymbal is always better than a cheap, generic pack.
What's the deal with 'hammered' vs. 'unlathed' splashes?
Hammering creates more complex overtones and a more shimmering sound. Unlathed cymbals tend to be a bit darker and more raw. Neither is inherently 'better' - it's a matter of personal preference and the overall sound you're going for.
Is it worth going slightly over $300 for a noticeable upgrade?
Absolutely. That extra $20-$50 can buy you significantly better bronze alloy, more refined hammering, and a more responsive feel. It's often the difference between a cymbal that's 'okay' and one that's genuinely inspiring.
