Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group

Yes, the "Simmons" sound... but seeing as there have been so many different offerings of "that sound" by so many different outfits over the years, one must strive to re-associate "the sound" with "the shape" of the greatest looking pads ever made. (That is, if one's intent is to keep the Simmons St Albans on life support for as long as possible.)

While the mesh's might offer up more pleasant and more forgiving playability than perspex... there is something to be said about the ZI Pads and the Pad surfaces Simmons used on the PortaKits. In my opinion, those surfaces allowed for a feel that is still equal to or better than the majority of pads on the market today.

Personally, maintaining this temperamental collection electronics and reconditioning/refurbishing these things is nothing short of complete bliss. Then again... I might be a tad opinionated..... I've been playing and breathing new life into these things since 1985 and have no plans to stop anytime soon.

:-)

Alan