If you are currently hunting for heartbeat cymbals used by other drummers to save a bit of cash, you've probably realized they aren't exactly as common as your standard Zildjians or Sabians. Heartbeat Percussion has carved out a very specific niche, particularly in the worship music scene, but their Turkish-made, hand-hammered bronze is becoming a favorite for anyone who wants a warm, boutique sound without the massive price tag of some other custom brands.
Finding these cymbals on the secondhand market can be a bit of a win-win. You get that rich, dark, buttery tone that Heartbeat is known for, and you let someone else take the initial "new gear" depreciation hit. But since these are hand-crafted instruments, there's a bit more to think about than just clicking "buy" on a used listing. Let's talk about what makes these cymbals worth the search and what you should keep an eye out for.
The Appeal of the Heartbeat Sound
Most people get into Heartbeat because they're looking for a specific aesthetic and sonic profile. If you've spent any time behind a drum kit in a modern church setting, you know the vibe: big, thin, dark, and "washy." Heartbeat cymbals are manufactured in Turkey using traditional methods and B20 bronze, which gives them a musicality that machine-stamped cymbals often lack.
The thing about heartbeat cymbals used in a studio or live setting is that they don't "fight" the mix. They tend to sit right under the vocals and guitars rather than cutting through them like a knife. For a lot of drummers, especially those playing indie rock, jazz, or worship, that mellow high-end is exactly what's missing from their setup. When you buy them used, you're often getting a cymbal that has already "opened up" a bit, which is a nice little bonus.
Why Buying Used Makes Sense
Let's be real—drum gear is expensive. A full set of high-end Turkish cymbals can easily run you well over a thousand dollars if you're buying them brand new. By looking for heartbeat cymbals used by someone else, you can often knock 30% to 40% off that retail price.
Depreciation and Value
Cymbals are a lot like cars; the moment you take them out of the shop and hit them with a stick for the first time, their resale value drops. However, unlike cars, a well-cared-for cymbal doesn't really "wear out." If it hasn't been abused, a ten-year-old Heartbeat cymbal is going to sound just as good—if not better—than a brand-new one.
The "Broken-In" Factor
There's this theory among drummers that cymbals actually sound better after they've been played for a year or two. The metal settles, the vibrations from being played regularly "loosen" the bronze, and the initial harshness of the factory finish wears off. When you pick up a used set, you're getting an instrument that has already found its voice.
Popular Series You'll See on the Market
Heartbeat has a surprisingly large catalog, and it can be a bit overwhelming if you're looking at a used listing and aren't sure what "Epic" vs. "Studio" means. Here's a quick breakdown of what you're likely to find.
The Epic Series
This is probably their most popular line. If you see heartbeat cymbals used in a professional video, there's a good chance they're Epics. They have a distinct, natural finish—usually unlathed or lightly lathed—and they are incredibly dark and dry. They have a very short sustain, which is great if you don't want your crashes ringing out for three days.
The Custom and Studio Series
The Custom series is a bit more versatile. They're still warm, but they have a bit more "shimmer" and brightness than the Epics. If you're playing in a band where you need a bit more projection, the Custom or Studio lines are usually the way to go. They're still hand-hammered, so they maintain that complex "trashy" undertone without being overly aggressive.
The Jazz Series
Don't let the name fool you—you don't have to play jazz to use these. These are usually the thinnest cymbals Heartbeat makes. They are incredibly buttery and responsive. If you're a light hitter or you play in small rooms, these are fantastic. Just be careful when buying these used; because they are so thin, they are more susceptible to damage if the previous owner was a heavy-handed rock drummer.
What to Inspect Before You Buy
Since you're likely buying from an individual seller on a site like Reverb or Facebook Marketplace, you need to be your own quality control. Buying heartbeat cymbals used isn't risky if you know what to look for, but you do have to be diligent.
Cracks and Fleabites
This is the big one. Always ask for high-resolution photos of the edges. You're looking for "fleabites," which are tiny nicks in the rim. While a tiny nick isn't the end of the world, it can eventually turn into a crack. More importantly, look for "radial" cracks (cracks following the lathing lines) and "spider" cracks around the center hole. If you see any sign of a crack, walk away. It's not worth the "deal."
Keyholing
Keyholing happens when a cymbal is played without a plastic sleeve on the stand. The metal-on-metal contact eventually wears the round center hole into an oval or "keyhole" shape. While this doesn't always affect the sound immediately, it significantly lowers the resale value and suggests the previous owner didn't take great care of their gear.
Logos and Patina
Don't worry too much if the logos are fading or if the cymbal looks "dirty." That's just patina. Some drummers actually prefer it because it can mellow out the sound even further. If the heartbeat cymbals used in the listing look a bit dull, that's just the bronze reacting to the air over time. You can clean them if you want that "new" shine, but most people suggest leaving them alone.
Where the Best Deals Are Hiding
You won't usually find Heartbeat cymbals at your local big-box music store. They're a boutique brand, so you have to look in the right places. Reverb is usually the gold mine for heartbeat cymbals used by gear-heads who are constantly swapping out their setups.
Another great place to look is in Facebook groups dedicated to "Worship Drummers" or "Boutique Drum Gear." Often, guys in these groups are more than happy to give you a fair price because they know the gear is going to another drummer who appreciates the brand.
Making It Work in Your Mix
One thing to keep in mind if you're mixing and matching brands is that Heartbeat cymbals tend to be quieter than your average Zildjian A or Sabian AAX. If you buy a used Heartbeat crash to go along with a set of very loud, bright cymbals, it might get lost in the shuffle. They really shine when you have a cohesive set, or at least when you pair them with other thin, dark cymbals from brands like Meinl (Byzance) or Dream.
Honestly, the best part about heartbeat cymbals used in a kit is the way they feel under the stick. There's a "softness" to the B20 bronze they use. When you hit a 22-inch Epic crash, it doesn't feel like you're hitting a piece of sheet metal; it feels like the cymbal is absorbing the hit and reflecting it back as music.
Final Thoughts
If you can find heartbeat cymbals used for a good price, pull the trigger. They are high-quality, professional-grade instruments that hold their value reasonably well and offer a sound that is hard to replicate with mass-produced alternatives. Just remember to check for cracks, ask about the weight (if the seller knows it), and be prepared for a much darker, more complex sound than what you're probably used to hearing from the radio. Once you go the boutique, hand-hammered route, it's really hard to go back.