Meinl 12" HCS Splash

Bought this for recording and live shows, since my current splash developed a nasty circular crack on the inside. This splash is a bit heavier than most splashes that I've used, it's much thicker, thus is produces a darker sound. It's not as airy as most splashes, almost more akin to a crash cymbal, there's a certain bell-like quality to it. Nonetheless, it's okay as our drummer specifically wanted a darker, more defined sound. It also has a bit more ring than usual, but not by a mile. Can't really comment on durability yet, since I've just got it a week ago, but due to it being heavier and fatter, I'm guessing it should survive longer than it's thinner cousins. Anyhow, it's fine, especially for the price, but I do advise comparing it's sound to whatever You use on a daily basis, since it doesn't exactly sound as a traditional splash cymbal, at least to my ears.

I have been playing for I hate to say it over 40 years. I have a set of vintage early 1980's Zildjian cymbals that I had finally cracked my favorite 18" rock crash and my 12" splash. I originally set out to replace these two cymbals. then I ran across the super set by accident. did a ton of research on these things. read the reviews everywhere etc. I decided to purchase a whole new set(7 cymbals total) for cheaper than what these 2 cymbals would cost me to replace. I MADE THIS PURCHASE WITH A BIT OF SKEPTICISM. How good could this set be at slightly more $$'s than one quality proven crash. I got them and installed them with new rubber post protectors and those foam cympad things (which I also highly recommend). I was astounded at the sound of these things. I really love the splash and crashes, and the china has grown on me as well. The 2 crashes play great together or separate or with the splash. I recorded these things onto my computer and they sound fairly awesome without any doctoring at all. Now to the important part...I am a very heavy hitter and because of that use very small sticks with the nylon tip. these cymbals sound just as good with a light, small diameter nylon tip as they do with a big fat wooden rock and roll stick. I been beating on them 3 to 5 days a week for a month now and no sign of any damage and they just keep sounding better!! the best cymbal money I ever spent and I've played them all!