The Ultimate Splash Cymbal Buyer's Guide | $18 - $244

[@chris_d_r_u_m_s]

That Wuhan Western was insane! Might literally be the best sounding one in the batch

[@mikeskenne]

I concur. I've always loved Wuhan's Splashes & Chinas. So crisp and smooth sounding. Downside is it's hit or miss on longevity. They sound so nice, though.

[@DeadKoby]

I'm a "snob" who plays Istanbul Mehmets......... BUT The Wuhan western series is what I take out and about with me... they are an unmatched value.

[@biopsiacr]

True. I had an almost complete set and they completely surprised me, having Agops and A Customs, I can say Wuhan has some really good quality stuff.

[@flapjack413]

@@mikeskenne You're spot on about the longevity being hit or miss. Back in 2010 I bought an 18" china, and broke it in under 15 minutes of playing time. I brought it back to GC and they let me pick a new one, that has been on my kit ever since, and I'm a pretty hard hitting metal player! But yeah, that Wuhan Western was my favorite of all of them, regardless of price.

[@СвятославКовальчук-и2и]

Wuhan gives the custom b20 alloy products for a price of B8 entry level products.

[@andyp90210]

That second Wuhan was easily in the top 3! Wow! And that Turkish Meta was like glass! ❤

[@JasonMcLemore]

I can't be the only one surprised by the Wuhan Western?!

[@johnnysweetly3757]

It sounds so good!

[@remander3873]

Agreed. Huge step up from the 457. I was honestly surprised.

[@grahamroden8897]

As good as any of the more expensive ones

[@herrvorragend1875]

From the cheapest, I would prefer the Wuhan Western too. Koi also sounds good, as Turkish Classic. Never would spend 244 for a 10" Splash

[@bacbladerunner]

I thought the same thing as soon as I heard it. However, I own the Turkish Meta, and it sounds better than in the vid.

[@daltonidaho]

That Wuhan Western is hands down the best value for money! It wasn't until the Turkish Classic did I start hearing comparably nice sounding cymbals. Turkish Classic, Meinl Byzance Polyphonic and Jazz were my three favourites.

[@dancalabrese3523]

Wow that twenty-eight-dollar Wuhan sounded pretty damn good. This video really showed that the most expensive doesn't necessarily translate to best sound. On the high end, the Paste Signature was very nice.

[@mrpeartssandwich]

That PST7 wasn’t bad either

[@sinabogado2278]

The Wuhan Western sounded the best to me of all of them. Smooth, shimmery, glassy and best of all, it didn't choke like a lot of splash cymbals. Almost sounded like a crash, but miniature.

[@DrumBrother]

Definitely loving the Meinl polyphonic and the Byzance jazz

[@claysmell]

one of the best videos... was surprised by how varied the sounds are. the expensive ones did not live up to their price point.

[@benscheeres]

Wow, that Wihan western and the Meta, punchy bright splash

[@michaelbruhl4425]

IMO, the Sabian AAX Aero, Paiste Signature, Paiste 602 Modern Essential, Istanbul Agop Xist sounding the best, but the Paiste Splashes are in Germany significant cheeper, round about 180 € Euros. Great Video and many greetings from Germany.

[@mrsayang]

Güße auch aus der Heimat, ich schaue immer alle DCP Videos, sind immer sehr informativ. Gruß aus Frankfurt.

[@michaelbruhl4425]

@@mrsayang ...ich auch, freue mich immer, wenn die etwas hochladen. Gruß aus Ludwigshafen/Mannheim.

[@mrsayang]

@@michaelbruhl4425 ja super.

[@OliKember]

Amazing what a range of tone there can be, like going from this super creamy Byzance at 6:13 to the sharper Sabian after it. So great to finally have a video on just splashes, in all their variety and glory.

[@jonashellborg8320]

Wow, so many splashes! The video editing must have been so fulfilling on this one. I liked a lot of them, best value for sound for me was the Turkish Classic I think.

[@rosmakloma]

The AAX Aero and FRX splashes are impressive, but my ears always appreciate the Paiste Signature and ME cymbals

[@OliKember]

Awesome way to discover Turkish as a brand. I think overall, they had the best sounding splashes and the most interesting range of sounds. Thanks for including them!

[@jamesloveswork1]

Great comparison gents- thanks for the graft. 👍🏻 I usually lean towards Zildjian, but the Byzance Polyphonic is lush.

[@keithlambson]

My favorites where the Wuhan Western, the Xist, and the HHX splash.

[@drzoidbergmd3200]

Wuhan western, istanbul xist and the meinl jazz were my favourites. Wuhan is great value

[@brent3760]

I like the A Zildjian and the AA sabian

[@ArtGuitarLTX]

I got that Meinl $35 splash last week. Sounded good on video, sounded good at guitar center, got home and man it sounded dead. 😂. I got a wuhan western splash 8 and it kills!

[@MikeMiheli]

Did you take the sticker off?

[@arthurcezariooliveira2921]

I can usually tell paiste cymbals from other brands and expensive crashes and rides from cheap ones in general, but I had never tried it with splashes, so I decided to close my eyes in the begining of each demo. I was totally lost and guessed all of them wrong haha. I think I liked the Wuhan and Istambuls the best. Great video!

[@drumcenternh]

thanks for watching!

[@kushking420]

wuhan western sounded amazing! can't believe it's cheaper than many of the others

[@GeoffBosco]

Stop reminding me that I need to buy stuff! Lol Been missing a splash cymbal for years.

[@Texnixous]

Yup

[@drumcenternh]

The time is now. Make it so.

[@GeoffBosco]

@@drumcenternh

[@Execute_Order_66_DO_IT]

Buy them, buy them now.

[@DarthCiliatus]

@@drumcenternh Call me crazy but I think there may be an ulterior motive here...

[@johnnysweetly3757]

Hell yeah love a good DCP video ~edit~ gotta give a huge shoutout to that Wuhan Western splash, that thing punches way above it's weight class!

[@w4tkn]

Highly recommend you get your hands on a UFIP. You hit them and you know they are special above every other manufacturer. The roto casting is the special sauce

[@johncollins5552]

Their bigger size cymbals I love but not splashes, *

[@johncollins5552]

Their bigger size cymbals I love but not splashes, *

[@johncollins5552]

Their bigger size cymbals I love but not splashes, *

[@johncollins5552]

Their bigger size cymbals I love but not splashes, *

[@johncollins5552]

Their bigger size cymbals I love but not splashes, *

[@DrummerRIP]

Awesome groove & comparison! Well done!

[@philphilison1623]

Great video to close your eyes to and let your ears do the work.

[@mrsayang]

Great comparison. I own following, ALL 10" splashes (the best size for a splash)...... Zildjian A, A-Custom and a Paiste red 2002 (that´s the one I was missing in the video). In the video I liked the most.....the Zildjian A, A-Custom, The Sabian Paragon and the Paiste Signature.....all others, even the expensive ones sounded crap for my own taste.

[@jasonb2180]

Just a great video - as always!! That Wuhan Western was indeed a surprise for the money - great to see that sort of quality available for a reasonable cost. I think I have 8 splashes at this time (not all on the set at once!!!), so I think I need to stay away from another purchase. But, tempting!!

[@sfcrashley]

OMG!!!!!! Thanks for the video. I had to close my eyes and listen. NONE of my picks were close.

[@drumcenternh]

thanks for watching!

[@GlockLesnar9797]

Ngl I did that “American psycho” Ouuuuhhh face when I heard that second Wuhan 🤣🤣

[@Tburnam0]

Great video. Loved that Meinl Polyphonic.

[@kevcomusic]

Wuhan western works for me, and at that price,nice. Great video!

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

Great review, Adam! I pray DCP put in a bid on the Ian Paice ( Deep Purple 🙏 ) drum kit that is being auctioned off for charity. That kit belongs at the largest drum store IN THE WORLD.

[@C0zyDunt]

I think you can honestly say paying more money doesn't mean a better sounding splash cymbal. I would suggest getting down to the store and get some one to hit each one and just listen to the one you think sounds the best and as long as you can afford it, buy it. I liked the $122.82 Istanbul.

[@CornerStoreDrums]

DCP out here with TOP NOTCH content & service always! Much appreciated!!

[@drumcenternh]

🤘❤️🤘

[@ristretto24]

Thanks. That 28.88 dollar Wuhan sounds great.

[@peacefulwanderer2050]

Wuhan Koi & Western light and trashy- awesome for the price, Paiste 8 Rock Reflector had great sustain, Istanbul Traditional was decent, Sabian AAX Aero has lots of character. The bottom line becomes had do any of these fit into and compliment your existing cymbal array and kit.

[@holmessph7]

I also have the Koi 17” & 19” crash. Amazing cymbals

[@MrTizzay]

DCP is gonna sell out of $28 Wuhan's in a weekend, that thing sounded excellent

[@euex]

9:26 Turkish ad astra, by far, for me.

[@TECHASKI1]

I also use two Turkish 9"" Splash and a 16" China from Turkish Cymbals.

[@euex]

​@@TECHASKI1 They are great. Turkish Cymbals knows how to make splash, crash and china. I have 17" medium Turkish crash (from 2004), loud but also incredible sensitive, can be used even by hand! But for rides, always Agop. IMHO.

[@Muskoxing]

I loved the Turkish Classic, Byzance Polyphonic, and AAX Aero, but it's hard to beat the Wuhan Western at that price. I was surprised to find that the A and K were my least favourite high-end splashes by far. Awesome video!

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

That Wuhan Western for $28, and the $78 Koi really surprised. Awesome. ...Turkish Meta at $90 was very good. Over $100 - The Turkish Classic and Istandbul Agop Traditional splashes. Over $150 - love the Meinl Byzance Polyphonic and Jazz splashes. Over $200 - Sabian AAX Aero and FRX were sweet. Zildjian disappointed from top to bottom. Sounded more clangy than splashy. ...Their A Custom was the best of their lot... ...Was hoping to the hear the 10" Byzance Traditional, Byzance Brilliant and Byzance Dual Splashes...

[@eucabusas]

Right? I was disappointed by the 4 major brands but at least Sabian Meinl and Paiste had some nice ones like Aero, FRX, Polyphonic, Jazz and 602 (tho I cant really justify the price of the 602). Didn't really like any of the Zildjians presented.

[@remander3873]

I think, generally, the extra money seems to result in a more pure sound and longer sustain. There was a bit of variability, though. I have a Zildjian K that I got on a good sale. Love it, but there are many great options here. Thanks, DCP!

[@edvia8141]

Just bought the Wuhan Western! I've been looking for a cheapish 10" splash to add to my gigging cymbal set, and I was shocked at how good this one sounds. The DCP page for this splash says that cymbal sounds vary greatly and may not match exactly what is played in the video (of course), so we'll see if it sounds as good in person. But for $33 shipped and free returns, why not give it a shot?

[@Catinthehackmatrix]

20 years ago the Neil Peart Paragon ride was about the price 200 of the splash, when I picked it up at the music store.

[@acattoir]

Liked most of 'em. Wasn't moved by any of the Zildjians, surprising. Wuhan, cheap Paiste and cheap Sabians would all make me happy.

[@solo2r]

The Wuhan, First Instanbul, and K were my picks. You could put them ALL up and play ! I am happy with my UFIP splashes though!

[@luizorta]

Thanks!!!!! Amazing videos!

[@adamfrost3722]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

I own 2 of the Paiste ME so I'm bias but I really liked the Istanbul traditional!

[@jametz66]

the one that suprised me was the Zildjian i.

[@bacongl]

I am pretty partial to A Customs. Also dig those Turkish Meta.

[@OzarkMountainKing]

Sometime in the 90's I switched everything to Paiste Signature's ffrom Zyljian K's and A's. I love their bright sound. I like the FRX and the Paiste Signature. I do appreciate the Wuhan splashes, but my ear still likes the Signature best. Great video!

[@UCS0608]

I have used splash cymbals since 1978, when I heard Stewart Copeland with the Police. My basic cymbal set up is a 20"ride, an 18" crash, a 16" crash and a 8"or 10" splash. But often I bring some more cymbals such as a China type and ride/crashes. All my cymbals are from Turkish, I love them. However, the splashes are older Staggs, a brand that, when introduced in the Netherlands was real cheap. I never used their larger cymbals, but the two splashes that I bought back then for a total of about 18 dollar (!) are still the best I've heard. And I've tried many bigger brands through the years. I started with three Tosco splashes, 8,10 and 11", but somehow lost them on the way.... 🤔

[@AzziDrummerThai]

3:57 - Ops ! ''Double (Flam) Transient on Bass'' LOL - Nice video ! All splashs works ! Depends on your budget or sound that you're looking for ! Of course, if u want more quality, u'll have to put more money in it.

[@philwelch9218]

I like the FRX. Pure splash with no gonginess that i could hear.

[@davidlanier7006]

As soon as I heard the $28 Wuhan I knew it was going to be one of the best. Many of the other splashes may have sounded good but they seemed too heavy, which ruined the sound. I don't care how good it sounds, I'm not paying 250 bucks for a little splash!

[@adrianfuentes8423]

the instabul agop xist and the meinl pure allow traditional @ 9:12 sound almost identical

[@drumfanatik316]

The stand outs for me were the Wuhan Western and Koi, the Sabian AAXAero, and the HHX. Other than that, none of the other cymbals had any of the qualities I look for in a splash.

[@bishopoftroy]

It`s incredible how bad Sabian and Zildjian are regarding chinas and splashes. Most of them are simply frying pans.

[@Bucketdrummer]

Agreed. Zildjian chinas are just horrible. The 12” K splash is amazing.

[@yiyerastudillo9312]

Me encantó el Wuhan Western, buen sonido, una respuesta muy enfocada y por 29 dólares uff! Es una ganga.. y me gusto tambien el AA de SABIAN su respuesta es enérgica y con presencia, cumple con el propósito. Excelente video señores 💪🔥🥁

[@drumcenternh]

Gracias!

[@dugjay]

Paiste Signatrure for me.

[@davidbaines7330]

I have one from the mid 90s. Sounds fantastic.

[@krusher74]

eww

[@Iiijjuhykkkkijjuhyttt]

The Byzance polyphonic sounded amazing

[@solefaction1367]

Sabian AA with the Meinl Byzance Jazz a close second. Most of the Agops were nice also.

[@Lupine.]

Paiste's PST8 line is so good for the money. I'm assuming they are what replaced the Alpha series...?

[@TM_Stone]

FRX and the KOI for me but none of them sound better than my Mike Portnoy 7" Signature .

[@cindersoul]

+1 for Byzance Polyphonic! 🤘

[@johnwells5314]

Wow! Both the Wuhans sound really great, but the 2nd one just calls the attention.

[@tomnaumann2104]

So many splashes they had to clean up later with a mop!

[@rippindrummer666]

The only splash cymbal I actually really like is the the 10” aax aero splash I own

[@calzaondrums]

I was surprised there were no UFIP in the video, because they make the best Splash cymbals!

[@drumcenternh]

Not a dealer for them, although they are nice.

[@rsagape7300]

The Wuhan Koi sounds amazing. Also loved the Byzance.

[@michaelmohaske1877]

The Western has a real nice mid range spread impressive .. played like a mini crash! After that I’d gravitate towards the A Custom .. had a bite to it at the end .. seems better constructed.

[@Theratron]

Wooohoooo! YOU PRONOUNCED "SONOR" CORRECTLY!!! 🤗🤗Haha. Anyway, I was very surprised (like many others) at the Wuhan Western. Absolutely the best bang (literally?) for the buck. Unbelievable.

[@drumcenternh]

10 years of being trolled in the comments has finally worn me down

[@Theratron]

@@drumcenternh I feel for you 😅♥️

[@krusher74]

he still says its wierd!

[@jade_bee.2579]

byzance polyphonic and jazz were insane, the extra dry and the wuhan koi were also sex, and the meta sounded pretty damn yummy too. (jeez i have a bias towards meinl) the western sounds 100 dollars more expensive then it is.. best sound for price i hate hcs so much it sounds so bad💀 on another note.. the FRX was the most sex, like if u agree

[@MattMendians]

I’m only 24 seconds into this video and I can tell you I have payed around $90.00 for brand new A Custom splashes 8 and 10 inch back in the early nineties. They were great but once they broke and living in Nashville with no budget I never bought a high cost splash again. Woham (spelled wrong) then cheaper Sabian. Also got 6 inch A custom splash at pawn shop for $45.00. If you’re on a budget you can find things that work and sound great!

[@jeroldminor]

28.88👌profit.

[@mattbennett9467]

Just got my phone out (watching on the telly) to say the $28 Wuhan Western was hands down the best one, only to find that everyone else in the comments has said the same thing, so I won't bother.

[@rl95719]

Wuhan Western 😲😍

[@verdigris1457]

What kind of sorcery is that wuhan western made with??? Sounds sublime

[@MiguelLopez-ll5us]

18 dllrs splash was good enough. Love that bell sound

[@jasonm3871]

Wow, I feel like there were a lot of dogs in this group! I’ll echo what others have said; the Wuhan Western was better than some of the most expensive competitors. I’ve had a 10” AAX for years that I love.

[@jansolo4853]

Been using the Wuhan Western for my splash for ages! Love that thing! Yall should grab one!

[@sumnerkinney2166]

Great job Adam.

[@drumcenternh]

thank you, sir

[@progression_decibel]

I'm a SABIAN guy, so the entire range sounded great. I was really impressed though with the Meinl Byzance Polyphonic and Jazz ones.

[@henryt9731]

Both the WuHan Western AND KOI sounded awesome lol

[@MasterGDrums]

I really liked the Sabian AA Brilliant I feel like it sat in a different frequency range than al the others, would stick out more in a live situation

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

Wuhan at low prize, fantastic! The Meinl polyphonic is a bit of a problem. It's about 180,00 and sounds great but its really too quite, even at low volume music.....

[@nairbas392]

I feel like as long as it’s B20 or B8 thin then they’re always pretty good.

[@WillyWonker3]

Really like the sound and looks of the wuhan koi

[@ronniek7748]

My first favourite is the Wuhan Western, followed by the Istanbul XIST traditional. The Wuhan delivers excellent value and sound. Not included sadly, in this group was, the Paiste PSTX Swiss. I own the cymbal and prefer it over any of these.

[@Signalsdrone]

The Wuhan Koi is the one I'd be buying. Sounds great at a pretty good price.

[@davidperaza9526]

I LOVE SPLASH CYMBALS!! Am I guilty or over using them on my kit? Absolutely!!! Who isn’t though?!?

[@krusher74]

i rarly see them on pros set ups thes days, they all some the have huge crashes!!!

[@robburgess4556]

That Turkish Ad Astra is interestingly dark!

[@ianbudzenski23]

That Sabian FRX sounds the best IMO.

[@jonn443]

I have the Wuhan Western in 6" and 10" and nothing comes close in sound and price.

[@drummerbhoyshug]

To me the Wuhan Western sounds amazing, so musical, great value ! 👍

[@pfunnk14]

How the heck did you leave out the best splash ever created!? The meinl dual!?

[@IrenESorius]

Wuhan Western,, 👍‍‍🥰👍‍‍

[@denisarcanjo1498]

Paiste 602

[@wakangli]

After lunch tempo kicks in @4:43

[@ChrisTuttlemannsworld65]

I was immediately drawn to the Zildjian A, that nice build and slow burn response as opposed to a trash can lid type of fire call. Your favorite comment should get a cymbal I think.

[@m6hill983]

That 2nd wuhan was to be the best bang for you buck.. I have the frx and it is great.. It's very versatile for stacking too because of the holes.. I stack it with a 12" mini holy china.. 😅