I review products independently and only recommend products I would use myself. If you purchase through a link, I may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
A specifically designed splash cymbal mount makes it easy to integrate a splash or other small FX cymbal into your drum set. These splash cymbal mounts are able to attach to a cymbal stand or other piece of hardware via a clamp with an extended arm.
Because splash cymbals are the smallest variety of accent cymbals, they are very easy to incorporate into an existing drum setup, and you have lots of flexibility in terms of positioning and placement.
This guide will provide detailed reviews of the best splash cymbal mounts available. I’ve tested a wide range of options and included mounts that will suit all drum setups and budgets.
Contents
- What are the Best Splash Cymbal Mounts?
- How I Tested and Selected the Best Splash Cymbal Mounts
- In-Depth Splash Cymbal Mount Reviews
- Splash Cymbal Stand Buyer's Guide
- Things to Consider When Buying Splash Cymbal Stand Clamps
- Key Aspects & Features of Splash Cymbal Extension Arms & Mounts
- Splash Cymbal Stand FAQs
What are the Best Splash Cymbal Mounts?
| Image | Recommended ProductsProduct | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Professional Pick
|
|
||
Most Versatile Clamp
|
|
||
Best For Multiple Splash Cymbals
|
|
||
Best Compact Splash Mount
|
|
||
Best For Limited Space
|
|
||
Best Budget Mount
|
|
How I Tested and Selected the Best Splash Cymbal Mounts
I’ve enjoyed using a few splash cymbals and stacks in my setup over the years, and my favorite way of mounting them is attaching a boom arm to a full stand, as it just saves so much space.
When picking stands and mounts for this list, space-saving was the first thing I considered. I made sure that each mount had an intuitive design to allow it to seamlessly integrate into any setup.
I then checked for stability. While these mounts don’t need to be as stable as stands holding 20” cymbals, they still need to feel relatively solid.
After that, I looked at unique design features. Not all mounts are the same, so I compared them all to select the best possible options that work well.
In-Depth Splash Cymbal Mount Reviews
DW Mega Clamp/Cymbal Arm Combo With Boom Arm
DW Mega Clamp/Cymbal Arm Combo With Boom Arm Review
Setting up your cymbals should be as simple as possible, and with this DW Mega Clamp, you can easily attach a splash cymbal to your existing cymbal stand. This device combines a heavy-duty clamp with a cymbal arm.
I use this splash cymbal mount and it’s an integral part of my drum kit setup. It’s rock solid in use, and DW’s iconic quick-turn tilter allows for effortless adjustments.
The cymbal arm extends up to 18” in length so that you can set your splash up precisely as you prefer. It fits onto the vast majority of cymbal stands and isn’t overly heavy, so it also saves a fair amount of weight in your hardware case.
DW’s “Mega Clamp” mechanism is one of my standout features of this cymbal mount. It is equipped with a quick-release memory lock, making adjustments conveniently fast.
If you’ve ever played a DW drum set or used any of the brand’s hardware before, you’ll be aware of their exceptional quality and attention to detail. This splash cymbal mount is another reminder of the brilliance of this brand.
It’s suitable for professional-level setups and can be relied upon for touring, studio recording environments, and rehearsals alike.
Pros
- Easy to attach to most cymbal stands and stays firmly in place
- Allows you to find the perfect angle for your splash cymbal
- Not too heavy despite durable design
Cons
- Can only be mounted to other cymbal stands
DW Cymbal Boom Arm With DogBone Clamp
DW Cymbal Boom Arm With DogBone Clamp Review
This unique DW Dogbone cymbal mounting system operates differently from most other splash cymbal mounts, and it is one of my favorite pieces of drum hardware within my setup.
It is so flexible and it saves a huge amount of space in my setup that would have been taken up by an independent cymbal stand.
It consists of three key components – the SM912 boom arm, a cymbal tilting mechanism, and the DW DogBone.
The boom arm is 18” in length and half an inch in diameter. It can be shortened or extended using the cymbal tilter, which is operated using a screw that loosens or tightens the grip.
The bottom half of this splash cymbal arm consists of a heavy-duty SM798 DogBone clamp, which again is secured using a twisting mechanism and can be locked in place on any existing boom arm in your setup.
A huge benefit of using the DW Cymbal Boom Arm With DogBone Clamp is that it offers an incredible range of adjustment options.
I find the DW Dogbone cymbal arm and clamp offers a far greater range of adjustment than your typical splash cymbal mount and clamp.
It can truly be placed at any angle you need to set it to.
Overall, it’s an incredibly useful piece of hardware that is flexible, easy to adjust, and will help you reduce the number of cymbal stands you use as part of your drum set.
Pros
- Can be secured to your hardware in no time
- Can withstand the weight of splash or crash cymbals
- Made from high-quality metal
Cons
- Compatible only with a ½” boom L-arm or a tom arm
Gibraltar Splash Tree Bundle Boom Cymbal Stand
Gibraltar Splash Tree Bundle Boom Cymbal Stand Review
Some drummers prefer minimalism, while others like to have as many options to work with as possible. If you fall into the latter category, investing in this Gibraltar boom cymbal stand would be wise.
I’ve always loved watching Gavin Harrison use a cymbal stand similar to this. It’s so useful for drummers who want a few splashes of different pitches.
With four individual mounts that can fit splash or small crash cymbals, this stand can be positioned independently from the rest of your cymbals. Unlike with a conventional cymbal mount, you don’t need to worry about things getting too crowded when using this stand.
Gibraltar has considered every detail when designing this splash cymbal mount stand. It can be rotated 360 degrees thanks to the gearless brake tilter, and the locking mechanisms are highly secure.
A casted super-lock mechanism has been installed for the adjustment of the cymbal arm’s height. Once you’ve set it to the ideal height, the stand is firmly locked in place and won’t come loose until you unlock it.
Despite being the largest splash cymbal mount featured in our list, the 6709 Boom Stand is actually surprisingly lightweight and can easily be transported from the rehearsal space to the gig venue.
Pros
- Ideal if you plan to use a variety of splash and crash cymbals
- Very stable thanks to even weight distribution
- Easy to adjust and move into position
Cons
- May be too bulky for one or two splash cymbals
Tama MCA63EN Cymbal Clamp with Boom Arm
Tama MCA63EN Cymbal Clamp with Boom Arm Review
Tama is a highly respected manufacturer of drum kits and hardware, and the MCA63EN cymbal clamp is another excellent offering from the prolific brand. With a universal clamp design, it can easily be fastened to your existing gear.
When designing this splash cymbal mount, Tama made it their mission to ensure that it would be as quick to set up as it is to remove.
With the FastClamp system installed, you simply loosen the screw, which opens the clamp, and then slot it around your chosen cymbal stand or piece of hardware.
I personally really love the Tama Fast Clamp system, I use it for my tom mounts on my Tama Star kit and the clamp stays firmly in place and is quick to remove or install.
This splash cymbal mount is reliable and dependable. I even found that heavier cymbals, like crashes or rides, can be mounted on this stand thanks to its strength and durability.
Pros
- Secures to a cymbal stand, or any other piece of hardware
- Easy to position and stays in place
- Find the perfect angle for your splash cymbal in seconds
Cons
- The wingnut isn't the strongest and it can come off if you play very aggressively
Ludwig LAP3S8 Atlas Scissor Lift Cymbal Holder
Ludwig LAP3S8 Atlas Scissor Lift Cymbal Holder Review
Ludwig is one of the most prestigious brands in the history of drum manufacturing, and they know how to make excellent hardware. The LAP3S8 Atlas Scissor Lift is an innovative device that makes it easy to mount your splash cymbal.
This splash cymbal mount is similar to the DW Dogbone Cymbal Arm, as it can attach itself to floor tom legs or cymbal arms for a wide variety of placement options.
This piece of kit consists of dual 8” boom arms, which can be moved into the ideal angle depending on your preferences. To further expand the flexibility of this device, Ludwig has included aerodyne tilters.
When using the holder, I loved how the tilters could be adjusted in unlimited positions, so I could ensure that my cymbal was in exactly the right place.
The onboard clamp can be secured onto any standard-sized 12.7mm tom and cymbal arms. Most crash, ride, and tom arms will be compatible with this Ludwig-designed device.
The build quality of the LAP3S8, combined with the excellent components used to construct it, ensures that it will be a great long-term investment for drummers.
Pros
- Can be angled in however required
- Secure locking mechanism ensures the splash cymbal won’t move
- Fits multiple stand types
Cons
- Best suited to 1.7mm tom and cymbal arms
Gibraltar SC-GCA Grabber Cymbal Arm with Clamp
Gibraltar SC-GCA Grabber Cymbal Arm with Clamp Review
The Gibraltar SC-GCA is a simple but highly effective clamp designed to add cymbals to your drum kit without any hassle. With a grabber clamp and an 18” arm, it can be secured to any cymbal stand.
Despite its heavy-duty and roadworthy design, the Gibraltar SC-GCA isn’t too heavy and is very easy to transport in your drum hardware case.
In addition to its stability and affordability, one of the best things about this splash cymbal mount is the length of the boom arm.
It creates enough separation from the cymbal that is already placed on the cymbal stand you attach the mount to, so there’s no danger of your setup becoming overcrowded.
The longer boom arm made this mount a lot more versatile than many of the others I tried and tested. It’s the perfect option for drummers who want a bit of distance between their cymbals.
In addition to using this cymbal mount to add a splash cymbal to your drum kit, you can also use it to mount larger cymbals like crash cymbals or china cymbals.
Pros
- Solid construction holds the cymbal in place
- Easy to attach to a cymbal stand
- Long boom arm allows for more positions to choose from
Cons
- Unsuitable for mounting onto toms
Splash Cymbal Stand Buyer's Guide
Adding a splash cymbal to your drum set allows you to accent certain beats and create a more diverse sound from your cymbals.
The cymbal mounts we’ve listed in this guide are all designed to make it easy to integrate a splash cymbal into your setup.
In theory, mounting a splash cymbal should be straightforward. However, if you don’t have a suitable device, you’re likely to run into some difficulties.
The splash cymbal mount that best suits your needs will depend on a variety of factors. For example, you’ll need to consider how well it will fit with your existing hardware and whether it’s suitable for your style of drum kit.
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go through the most important aspects of splash cymbal stands and mounts so that you can make sure you’re well-equipped with the knowledge to make the right decision.
Things to Consider When Buying Splash Cymbal Stand Clamps
The size of your splash cymbal
Splash cymbals are generally the smallest variety of accent cymbals, but they still vary in size, but typically range between 8″ and 12”. Ensure that the mount is suitable for the size of the cymbal that you use and that it’s not overly large if you use a smaller splash cymbal.
How the mount is attached
Most splash cymbal mounts are secured to your cymbal stand or tom stand. Others like the DW Dogbone mount and Ludwig Atlas mount have less conventional mounting methods, so check that it lines up with your existing setup.
The ideal position of the mount
All drummers have their personal preferences when it comes to setting up their kit, particularly the position of their cymbals. Consider where you would ideally like your splash cymbal to be positioned, and make sure the mount is compatible with this position.
Key Aspects & Features of Splash Cymbal Extension Arms & Mounts
Mount Attachment & Security
As is evident from the splash cymbal mounts we’ve reviewed in this guide, there are several ways that manufacturers can design these devices.
The most common variety of splash cymbal mounts are secured onto a cymbal stand using a clamp. The clamp can be loosened using a turning mechanism, then placed around the stand and tightened back up.
Some simply attach to an existing boom arm or floor tom leg, like the DW Dogbone mount and Ludwig Atlas cymbal filter. These offer excellent adjustment and positioning flexibility.
Alternatively, some of the options we’ve covered act as standalone stands that provide multiple mounts for splash cymbals and potentially other cymbals like crashes and rides.
Mount Position
You’ve probably already got a good idea of where you’d like your splash cymbal to be positioned in your drum set. There are several potential locations for the cymbal.
Some cymbal mounts are universal by design, meaning they can fit onto all, or at least the vast majority of stands and hardware. Others are more specialist and more limited in terms of potential positions.
It’s important to think about where you plan to place your splash cymbal and to check that your existing hardware will combine with the cymbal mount to make this possible.
If your tom arms are mounted to your kick drum, I would advise against mounting the splash to them. The vibration from the kick will cause all kinds of problems, especially if you’re recording.
Mounting the splash cymbal to your cymbal stand is the safest bet, but you’ll need to ensure that there is enough space between the cymbals so that you can hit them without being obstructed.
Drum Set Aesthetics
Although drummers are usually more concerned with sound and playability, the aesthetics of their drum kit is also an important aspect.
When mounting a splash cymbal to your drum kit, you’re adding a new piece of hardware that may not match the visual design of your existing gear. If appearance is important to you, then you’ll need to consider this.
The color scheme and finish of a drum kit may not impact its sound, but if you’re playing live or recording video footage of yourself playing the drums, then the visuals are going to have an impact.
Make sure you check that the cymbal mount for your splash is visually compatible with your other cymbal stands and the overall design of your drum kit.
Splash Cymbal Stand FAQs
What is The Difference Between Splash and Crash Cymbals?
Splash cymbals are much smaller than crash cymbals, which gives them a sharper and brighter sound. They’re used more subtly, to accent certain beats, while crash cymbals are louder and have a longer sustain.
Crash cymbals are generally between 16” and 20”, while splash cymbals are between 6” to 12”. Both are commonly used in rock, jazz, and pop drumming.
Who Invented the Splash Cymbal?
The history of the splash cymbal dates back to the 1920s. Like the majority of the cymbals used by drummers today, the splash was first named and invented by a jazz drummer named Eugene Krupa, along with cymbal manufacturer Zildjian.
The splash was initially popular amongst jazz drummers, but in the 1960s, many rock drummers began to use it as part of their drum sets. This led to more varieties of splash cymbals being created to suit different styles.
