Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group

hey Jym,
thanx so much for sharin ur knowledge with us!  I can't tell ya how much it helps!    hope 
your recovery is going well!
all the best,
Nick


--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "flybot2000" <flybot2000@y...> wrote:
> > 1.  which models started using the rubber heads that are more
> > comfortable to play?  are the heads replaceable?
> 
> The SDS-7 came with the new rubber heads and XLR connectors, like the
> SDS-V. I've had some SDS-7 pads since 1986 and never wore them out,
> but I take care of my stuff pretty well. Based on how the pads are
> built, you could replace the covering material yourself if found a
> suitable replacement. Best would be find more pads.
> 
> > 2.  why do some seem to have xlr outputs and others 1/4"?  
> > are the ones with xlr better-made in any way?
> 
> Simmons later issued 1/4" plugs on the pads for the SDS-9 and all
> those other models. Don't know if there was a big reason other than
> the cables were cheaper.
> 
> > 3.  do the colors of Simmons drums have anything to do with 
> > the model numbers or were all models different colors?
> 
> Ya got me on this one. I remember black, white, yellow, blue, red. I
> had black pads with my SDS-7 and a second set of white shells. My SDX
> has white shells (all SDXs did, until Bill Bruford put yellow shells
> on his in 1995).
>  
> > 4.  do ZI(zone intelligent) triggers only work with the sdx 
> > brain?  what kind of outputs do they have?
> 
> Sadly, the ZI pads work only with the SDX and nothing else. They don't
> have Piezo sensors, but use a force-sensitive resistor sheet, similar
> to the technology for touch screens. The company that made the FSR
> sheets no longer has the templates, everything was returned to Simmons
> long ago. Extras were eventually consigned to landfill. Sad.
>  
> > 5.  can u use DW kick pedals with Simmons Kick pads?
> 
> Sure, you can whack 'em with pretty much anything.
> 
> > 6.  do simmons triggers work well with the alesis D5?
> 
> I've used the XLR Simmons pads with 1/4" adapters into an Alesis D4
> and never had any problems, but they weren't as sensitive as with the
> SDS-7 brain. The Alesis DM5 should work as well, maybe better.
> 
> > thanx so much for takin the time to answer these questions!!!
> 
> Laying around recuperating from surgery gives me plenty of time, Nick.