Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group

Thanks for responding jesper. I'll look into the voltages. Not sure
if I can find the trigger voltage for an sds-8 pad. I don't like the
idea of modifying classic stuff, but I bought them to use cause they
look so cool! I think the rubber has hardened from age/storage.
Might be why the low sensitivity/butt of stick/stinging palm thing is
go'in on. I guess there isn't demand to warrant aftermarket
replacement pads! So I will cut and paste some sort of stuff at the
strike area, thus totally destroying the integrity of original- but I
will be looking cool with those black hexagons! Even as I type, face
it, all around, you can almost hear Simmons pads drying out.
Somebody help me, somebody do something! Can I get a witness!!

Take care jesper,
Rich


Hi!

>
> > Hello everyone, I'm new to the group and Simmons. I had used a

Tama

> > Techstar kit back in the 80's because I couldn't afford Simmons at
> > that time. I recently purchased an sds8 set that "looks" in near
> > perfect condition.
>
> Good for you!
>
> > Since the techstars were actual heads over foam,
> > the rubber over wood is uncharted territory for me. I need to

know

> > if the following observations are normal or problems which can be
> > fixed. First, the module has an audible hum which seems to get
> > louder as the unit is moved closer to the guitar amp I'm using (I
> > would imagine this would be a much bigger problem through a PA
> > system).
>
> Fix it to ground (unless already done) and see if it helps...

Ground hum is

> my guess...
>
> > Second, I'm noticing granular fragments of rubber along
> > with pitting in the strike area of the pads. I know rubber drys

with

> > age, but since the pads looked like they'd never been played I'm

not

> > sure if this is normal.
>
> Never heard of - must've been lying in a dry attic or something... :

(

>
> > If the rubber has dryed out, is there a fix?
>
> Not that I know of...
>
> > Third, when using the pads with an Alesis Dm-5 module (with the
> > velocity set at max) it is necessary to use the butt end of the

stick

> > to get consistent triggering between the four pads. I'm using

5A's

> > with moderate force. I use an overhand grip and this produces

quite

> > a stinging sensation on the palm of my snare hand (stick
> > reverberation) unless I really keep a tight grip. Is there a more
> > sensitive replacement trigger available?
>
> Have you checked the Alesis input data? I mean, what voltage does

it need to

> trigger? Maybe a resistor could be replaced? I have had no problem

trigging

> anything with the Simmonspads I own. Quite the opposite...
>
> > Fourth, are the pad casings
> > stappled to the wood top section?
>
> Yes!
>
> > If so, is there a better method of
> > fastening these casings to make access to the trigger easier?
>
> I replaced two broken knobs on my SDS-1's and I removed the

staples, made

> the fix and replaced the casing. I didn't restapled it 'cause I

felt it

> seemed to stay in place anyway. Why would you need access to the

trigger? I

> have never felt the need on my pads? But if you're into destroying

vintage

> gear (a joke my friends!) I guess you could screw it in place

instead. The

> hardest part is removing those darn staples. They stick to the wood

like

> dogshit to the sole of my Getta Grips... ;)
>
> Good luck!
>
>
> electronically yours, jesper
>
> http://www.bolina.hsb.se/hsidor/jesper
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