What is the primary sound characteristic of the Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash?

The cymbal is known for a bright, glassy sound with a very immediate response. It is designed to be cutting and crisp, making it highly audible in a mix.

How long is the sustain on this 12" splash?

This cymbal features a short decay. This means the sound fades quickly after the initial strike, which is ideal for fast accents.

Is the Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash suitable for loud music?

Yes, it is specifically designed to be bright and cutting. Its glassy tone allows it to punch through high-volume musical environments effectively.

What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price range for the Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash is approximately £94.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Classics Custom series is a higher-tier product than the entry-level HCS series. It offers a more professional, cutting sound compared to the basic brass construction of HCS cymbals like the 13" Hi-Hats.

What diameter is this specific splash cymbal?

This specific model has a 12-inch diameter. This is larger than many standard splashes, providing a bit more volume and a slightly fuller tone.

Can this cymbal be used for subtle jazz accents?

While it can be used in various genres, its bright and glassy character is primarily designed for projection. For subtler jazz tones, a series like the Byzance Extra Dry might be more traditional.

How does it differ from a Paiste Giant Beat Hi-Hat?

The Meinl 12" Splash is a single accent cymbal with a fast response, whereas the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats are a pair of cymbals used for keeping time. They serve entirely different functional roles in a drum kit.

Is the response of this cymbal fast or slow?

The response is immediate. As soon as the cymbal is struck, it reaches its full volume and tonal peak, which is a requirement for splash cymbals.

What manufacturer produces this cymbal?

This cymbal is manufactured by Meinl, a prominent German percussion company known for a wide variety of cymbal series including Classics Custom, Byzance, and HCS.

How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash?

The 12" Splash is a small, bright accent cymbal with short decay. The Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash is a much larger, darker, and more complex cymbal designed for washing and crashing.

Would this cymbal work well in a recording studio?

Yes, its crisp and glassy sound provides a very clean 'pop' in recordings. The short decay is beneficial for engineers as it doesn't bleed excessively into other microphones.

Gear article

Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash Cymbal

The Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash is a precision-engineered accent cymbal designed for drummers seeking a bright, cutting sound with immediate response. Manufactured by Meinl, it is characterized by its glassy tonality and short decay, making it suitable for rapid rhythmic accents in high-volume settings.

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Overview

The Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash is a specialized percussion instrument within the Classics Custom line. It is designed to provide a crisp, glassy sound that cuts through dense musical mixes. The cymbal is noted for its immediate response upon being struck and a short decay, ensuring that accents do not linger or interfere with subsequent notes.

Construction and Design

Part of the Classics Custom series, this splash cymbal is built to handle higher volume levels while maintaining tonal clarity. The manufacturing process focuses on consistency and durability, resulting in a bright and cutting character. The 12-inch diameter provides a slightly larger surface area and deeper pitch than standard 8-inch or 10-inch splashes, offering a fuller accent sound.

Sonic Character

The sonic profile of the Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash is defined by its high-frequency clarity. It produces a sharp, penetrating attack that is often described as 'glassy.' Because the decay is brief, it is ideal for fast, staccato accents. This makes it particularly effective in genres where the drummer needs to punch through a wall of amplified instruments without the wash of a larger crash cymbal.

Market Position and Alternatives

At a typical price point of £94, the Classics Custom 12" Splash sits in a competitive mid-to-high range. When compared to other Meinl offerings, such as the Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats, the Classics Custom series offers a more refined, professional-grade alloy and finish. For drummers seeking a darker, more complex sound, the Byzance series, such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, serves as a premium alternative, whereas the Classics Custom focuses on brightness and projection.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound characteristic of the Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash?: The cymbal is known for a bright, glassy sound with a very immediate response. It is designed to be cutting and crisp, making it highly audible in a mix.
How long is the sustain on this 12" splash?: This cymbal features a short decay. This means the sound fades quickly after the initial strike, which is ideal for fast accents.
Is the Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash suitable for loud music?: Yes, it is specifically designed to be bright and cutting. Its glassy tone allows it to punch through high-volume musical environments effectively.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Meinl Classics Custom 12" Splash is approximately £94.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Classics Custom series is a higher-tier product than the entry-level HCS series. It offers a more professional, cutting sound compared to the basic brass construction of HCS cymbals like the 13" Hi-Hats.
What diameter is this specific splash cymbal?: This specific model has a 12-inch diameter. This is larger than many standard splashes, providing a bit more volume and a slightly fuller tone.
Can this cymbal be used for subtle jazz accents?: While it can be used in various genres, its bright and glassy character is primarily designed for projection. For subtler jazz tones, a series like the Byzance Extra Dry might be more traditional.
How does it differ from a Paiste Giant Beat Hi-Hat?: The Meinl 12" Splash is a single accent cymbal with a fast response, whereas the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats are a pair of cymbals used for keeping time. They serve entirely different functional roles in a drum kit.
Is the response of this cymbal fast or slow?: The response is immediate. As soon as the cymbal is struck, it reaches its full volume and tonal peak, which is a requirement for splash cymbals.
What manufacturer produces this cymbal?: This cymbal is manufactured by Meinl, a prominent German percussion company known for a wide variety of cymbal series including Classics Custom, Byzance, and HCS.
How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash?: The 12" Splash is a small, bright accent cymbal with short decay. The Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash is a much larger, darker, and more complex cymbal designed for washing and crashing.
Would this cymbal work well in a recording studio?: Yes, its crisp and glassy sound provides a very clean 'pop' in recordings. The short decay is beneficial for engineers as it doesn't bleed excessively into other microphones.