What material is the Stagg 12" Sensa Medium Splash made from?

It is manufactured from B20 bronze alloy. This is a traditional mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, prized for its wide frequency range and musicality.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

The cymbal features a brilliant finish. This high-polish treatment gives it a shiny appearance and contributes to a brighter, warmer sound profile.

Is this splash cymbal suitable for heavy metal music?

While it can be used in any genre, it is best suited for quieter volume settings and jazz. In high-volume metal settings, it may not have the volume necessary to cut through loud guitars.

How does the size affect the sound compared to an 8-inch splash?

At 12 inches, this cymbal is larger than a standard splash, providing a deeper pitch and slightly longer sustain. It acts as a hybrid between a splash and a very small crash.

What does 'Medium' weight mean for this cymbal?

The medium weight indicates a balance between durability and sensitivity. It is thick enough to offer a distinct 'ping' and body, but thin enough to open up at lower volumes.

Can this cymbal be used for jazz?

Yes, the manufacturer specifically describes the sound as 'Jazzy' and sweet. Its warm character and ability to handle low dynamics make it ideal for jazz drummers.

How much does the Stagg 12" Sensa Medium Splash typically cost?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £69. This makes it an affordable entry point into professional B20 bronze cymbals.

Does the brilliant finish affect the tone?

Yes, brilliant finishes generally smooth out the surface of the cymbal, which can result in a slightly warmer and more focused sound compared to a raw or traditional finish.

Is the Stagg Sensa series considered professional or entry-level?

Because it is made from B20 bronze rather than brass or B8 alloy, the Sensa series is considered a professional-grade line within the Stagg catalogue.

What is the primary purpose of a splash cymbal?

Splash cymbals are used for quick, high-pitched accents. The 12" Sensa specifically adds 'colour' and musical texture to a drum set-up.

How should I clean the brilliant finish on this cymbal?

To maintain the look and sound, it is best to use a dedicated cymbal cleaner designed for brilliant finishes. Avoid abrasive pads that could scratch the high-polish surface.

How does this compare to the Meinl HCS 13" Hi Hats?

The Sensa Splash is a professional B20 effect cymbal, whereas the HCS series is an entry-level brass line. The Sensa will sound significantly warmer and more complex.

Gear article

Stagg 12" Sensa Medium Splash Cymbal

The Stagg 12" Sensa Medium Splash is a professional-grade accent cymbal crafted from B20 bronze alloy with a brilliant finish. Designed for warmth and musicality, it is specifically voiced for lower-volume settings and jazz-inflected dynamics.

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Overview

The Stagg 12" Sensa Medium Splash is a specialized accent cymbal that occupies the larger end of the splash category. While many splash cymbals are designed for high-pitched, abrasive 'choke' sounds, the Sensa series focuses on a more refined, musical response. It is constructed using a traditional B20 bronze alloy, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals, providing a broader frequency response than cheaper brass or B8 alternatives.

Design and Construction

The cymbal features a high-polish brilliant finish, which contributes both to its visual aesthetic and its sonic brightness. The 'Medium' weight designation ensures that the cymbal has enough mass to project, yet remains thin enough to activate quickly when struck with low force. The use of B20 bronze allows for a complex harmonic structure, often described as having a 'jazzy' character.

Sonic Character

The Sensa Medium Splash is characterised by a warm, bright tone. Unlike smaller 8" or 10" splashes that decay almost instantly, the 12" diameter provides a slightly longer sustain and a fuller body. It is designed to add 'colour' to a drum kit rather than just a sharp percussive hit. Its sweet tonal profile makes it particularly effective for keeping dynamics low without losing the musical quality of the bronze.

Applications

This cymbal is best suited for drummers playing in acoustic, jazz, or lower-volume fusion settings. It excels at:

Accenting specific musical phrases without overpowering the ensemble.
Providing a bridge between a traditional splash and a small crash cymbal.
Low-volume practice or studio sessions where a standard crash would be too intrusive.
Adding a 'sweet' top-end texture to complex rhythmic patterns.

Market Comparison

In the market for B20 bronze effects, the Stagg Sensa sits as a mid-tier professional option. While it shares some tonal DNA with high-end boutique options like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch or the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats in terms of warmth, it is specifically an effect cymbal. Compared to budget entry-level cymbals like the Meinl HCS series, the Sensa offers a significantly more complex and less 'metallic' sound due to its superior alloy.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Stagg 12" Sensa Medium Splash made from?: It is manufactured from B20 bronze alloy. This is a traditional mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, prized for its wide frequency range and musicality.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: The cymbal features a brilliant finish. This high-polish treatment gives it a shiny appearance and contributes to a brighter, warmer sound profile.
Is this splash cymbal suitable for heavy metal music?: While it can be used in any genre, it is best suited for quieter volume settings and jazz. In high-volume metal settings, it may not have the volume necessary to cut through loud guitars.
How does the size affect the sound compared to an 8-inch splash?: At 12 inches, this cymbal is larger than a standard splash, providing a deeper pitch and slightly longer sustain. It acts as a hybrid between a splash and a very small crash.
What does 'Medium' weight mean for this cymbal?: The medium weight indicates a balance between durability and sensitivity. It is thick enough to offer a distinct 'ping' and body, but thin enough to open up at lower volumes.
Can this cymbal be used for jazz?: Yes, the manufacturer specifically describes the sound as 'Jazzy' and sweet. Its warm character and ability to handle low dynamics make it ideal for jazz drummers.
How much does the Stagg 12" Sensa Medium Splash typically cost?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £69. This makes it an affordable entry point into professional B20 bronze cymbals.
Does the brilliant finish affect the tone?: Yes, brilliant finishes generally smooth out the surface of the cymbal, which can result in a slightly warmer and more focused sound compared to a raw or traditional finish.
Is the Stagg Sensa series considered professional or entry-level?: Because it is made from B20 bronze rather than brass or B8 alloy, the Sensa series is considered a professional-grade line within the Stagg catalogue.
What is the primary purpose of a splash cymbal?: Splash cymbals are used for quick, high-pitched accents. The 12" Sensa specifically adds 'colour' and musical texture to a drum set-up.
How should I clean the brilliant finish on this cymbal?: To maintain the look and sound, it is best to use a dedicated cymbal cleaner designed for brilliant finishes. Avoid abrasive pads that could scratch the high-polish surface.
How does this compare to the Meinl HCS 13" Hi Hats?: The Sensa Splash is a professional B20 effect cymbal, whereas the HCS series is an entry-level brass line. The Sensa will sound significantly warmer and more complex.