Splash Cymbals

A splash cymbal adds a fast, short and often bright accent. Use it when you want to highlight a detail, support a fill or add an ornament without covering the whole kit. Compared with a crash, the gesture is smaller, quicker and more economical.

Splash cymbal for a short accent

Immediate response and decay length are the main points. A splash should usually flash and step back quickly, leaving room for groove, vocals or other instruments. For quiet playing, check sensitivity at a light stroke; in a loud band, you may need a more defined and cutting voice.

Splash cymbals work well next to crash cymbals, but their role is different. Crash marks a bigger break, while splash highlights a small moment. For a dirtier aggressive effect, a china cymbal or other effect cymbals may fit better.