Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group

Is the number of SDS-7 chassis produced known to anyone here? Or how many voice modules for SDS-7 where made in total?

 

Anyone care to speculate how many survived to this day? My impression are that many of the chassis that are filled up with voice cards are made from scrapped SDS-7 chassis.

-hans

Assuming that the 7 first in the serial is an indication of the model
SDS-7. I dare to say that they also started at 1001 as was the practise
of many manufacturers, but someone might prove me wrong.

My unit is in the 725xx and appeared on a bunch of records in the 80's
and 90's so one might guess it was sold fairly early. If I'm correct
it's one of the first 1600 units and since the SDS-7 wasn't around that
long either and based on how often it's seen my guess is 3000 units
produced.

Mine started as a 5 card kit afaik. It was expanded (later?) to eight
and I recently bought another five (yes, one is a spare) and fitted all
slots, making it a 12-voice.

I agree with you that many chassis/brains must've been scrapped 'cause
they are of crappy build quality and I've seen many voice cards and many
chassis corpses sold for parts.

So, to the Q of how many is left. I'd say 40-50% of the 3000. So,
1200-1500 if my guess is within the ballpark.

p.s. Still a lot more than the circa 200 produced each of SDS-III and
SDS-IV. d.s.

--
electronically yours, jesper

- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
www.electronic-obsession.se

---

Angaudlinn on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angaudlinn/id582356650

Angaudlinn's playlist på Spotify:
http://open.spotify.com/user/simplyanalogue/playlist/540Srd3zA15pK7G1S8qLHo

Angaudlinn on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Angaudlinn



Den 2016-06-29 kl. 12:17, skrev hr.public@... [Simmons_Drums]:

>
>
> Is the number of SDS-7 chassis produced known to anyone here? Or how
> many voice modules for SDS-7 where made in total?
>
>
>
> Anyone care to speculate how many survived to this day? My impression
> are that many of the chassis that are filled up with voice cards are
> made from scrapped SDS-7 chassis.
>
>
> -hans
>
>
>
>
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>
> Version: 2016.0.7640 / Virus Database: 4613/12512 - Release Date: 06/28/16
>

I know we compiled something similar here years ago- Isn't this in fact
that list? I recognise it. But it might have surfaced on AH too...

Fun to see that my SDS-7 is among the very last then! :D

The SDS-III looks weird indeed below. Should read 0098-0160 (I have that
0098).

My recent additions are within the mentioned spans BTW.

/j.


Den 2016-06-30 kl. 07:49, skrev Nick Zampiello newallianceeast@...
[Simmons_Drums]:

>
>
> I have a Production ## list for simmons by model. Originally from the AH
> list :
>
> I was wondering about SDS6 sequencers at the time. I have SDS6 # 102 i
> believe out of 109!!!
>
> SDS-I 1
> SDS-1 (1)0405-2290
> SDS-II 1
> SDS-III 00980160
> SDS-IV (4)193
> SDS-V 0002-0078
> SDS-V 300-6624
> SDS-6 109
> SDS-7 (7)0001-2601
> SDS-8 (8)0362-5907
> SDS-9 208-7333
> SDS-200 001-2809
> SDS-400 1143
> SDS-800 1420-2347
> SDS-1000 (M)4025-7898
> SDS-2000 397-734
> SDX 19-170
> MTX-9 456-2159
> Trixer 1464
> Trixer II 1510
> TMI 282-1029
> MTM 114-846
> ADT 370
> EPB 630-880
> SPM 8:2 618-2640
> SDE 204-3085
> Portakit 0007-197
> Silicon Mallet 0015
> Silicon Multimallet 366
> ClapTrap 007-384
> ClapTrap 713
> ClapTrap ?
>
>
>
> NEW ALLIANCE EAST!!!!
>
> --------------------------------------
>
> New Alliance East - Mastering
> New Alliance East - Facebook
>
> X :::: B :::: S
>
>
> On Wednesday, June 29, 2016 5:53 PM, "'Hans' hr.public@...
> [Simmons_Drums]" <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> Thank you Jesper
>
> If they did 3000 units I say they had a good run, if they were actually
> sold that is.
>
> Mine are 721xx. I thought I have one from the later production run with
> all the fixes in place, which might be true if you are correct assuming
> they started at 71001. There should be something to be learned from 1100
> units J
>
> It would be interesting if other members here would care to trump with
> higher or lower serial numbers:
> Hans 721xx
> Jesper 725xx
>
> Reason for asking after remaining units are that SDS-7 seems to be a
> good candidate for a CPU upgrade like we seen for the P600, JX-10,
> Matrix 1000 and others.
> Replacing the CPU/memory boards with a modern 20$ MCU board seems
> reasonable easy. What intrigue me would be to alter sounds in real time
> over MIDI and CV, with 10bit or better resolution.
>
> Another mind game of mine is to hook a 3$ MCU to the ‘external kit
> selector’ to change between the 16 favorite programs from MIDI/CV. With
> stock CPU in place SDS-7 updates sound parameters every 7.3 millisecond.
> Therefore a simple program changer /_could_/ be a quick and simple route
> to create more dynamic sounds.
> /Although I don’t know if these sound parameters are read directly from
> memory on every update, or if they are stored in a buffer. Nor do I know
> if a program change do a CPU interrupt. In either case timing issues
> might occur for the sound update, not the trigger./
>
> -h
> http://snw.lonningdal.no <http://snw.lonningdal.no/>
>
>
> *Fra:*Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com]
> *Sendt:* 29. juni 2016 12:42
> *Til:* Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
> *Emne:* Re: [Simmons Drums] SDS-7 - Number produced?
>
>
> Assuming that the 7 first in the serial is an indication of the model
> SDS-7. I dare to say that they also started at 1001 as was the practise
> of many manufacturers, but someone might prove me wrong.
>
> My unit is in the 725xx and appeared on a bunch of records in the 80's
> and 90's so one might guess it was sold fairly early. If I'm correct
> it's one of the first 1600 units and since the SDS-7 wasn't around that
> long either and based on how often it's seen my guess is 3000 units
> produced.
>
> Mine started as a 5 card kit afaik. It was expanded (later?) to eight
> and I recently bought another five (yes, one is a spare) and fitted all
> slots, making it a 12-voice.
>
> I agree with you that many chassis/brains must've been scrapped 'cause
> they are of crappy build quality and I've seen many voice cards and many
> chassis corpses sold for parts.
>
> So, to the Q of how many is left. I'd say 40-50% of the 3000. So,
> 1200-1500 if my guess is within the ballpark.
>
> p.s. Still a lot more than the circa 200 produced each of SDS-III and
> SDS-IV. d.s.
>
> --
> electronically yours, jesper
>
> - -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
> www.electronic-obsession.se <http://www.electronic-obsession.se/>
>
> ---
>
> Angaudlinn on iTunes:
> https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angaudlinn/id582356650
>
> Angaudlinn's playlist på Spotify:
> http://open.spotify.com/user/simplyanalogue/playlist/540Srd3zA15pK7G1S8qLHo
>
> Angaudlinn on facebook:
> https://www.facebook.com/Angaudlinn
>
> Den 2016-06-29 kl. 12:17, skrev hr.public@...
> <mailto:hr.public@...> [Simmons_Drums]:
>>
>>
>> Is the number of SDS-7 chassis produced known to anyone here? Or how
>> many voice modules for SDS-7 where made in total?
>>
>>
>>
>> Anyone care to speculate how many survived to this day? My impression
>> are that many of the chassis that are filled up with voice cards are
>> made from scrapped SDS-7 chassis.
>>
>>
>> -hans
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> No virus found in this message.
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/> <http://www.avg.com
> <http://www.avg.com/>>
>> Version: 2016.0.7640 / Virus Database: 4613/12512 - Release Date: 06/28/16
>>
>
>
>
>
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>
> Version: 2016.0.7640 / Virus Database: 4613/12521 - Release Date: 06/29/16
>

--
electronically yours, jesper

- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
www.electronic-obsession.se

---

Angaudlinn on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angaudlinn/id582356650

Angaudlinn's playlist på Spotify:
http://open.spotify.com/user/simplyanalogue/playlist/540Srd3zA15pK7G1S8qLHo

Angaudlinn on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Angaudlinn

Hi there,

don't know if it's gonna be that useful but here are my sn :
my main SDS7s are 71249 & 71750
+ an eprom/front of house prototype one , and a few chassis and cards here and there.

cheers,
Patrice.



----- Mail d'origine -----
De: 'Hans' hr.public@... [Simmons_Drums] <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
À: Simmons Drums <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
Envoyé: Wed, 29 Jun 2016 14:21:25 +0200 (CEST)
Objet: SV: [Simmons Drums] SDS-7 - Number produced?





 

I personnaly doubt there are so many left.
I knew of a few going to the bin when they went faulty.

SDS7 is probably the worst edrum ever produced on the reliability aspect. I think we would have heard about much more if there was about 1000 left...that would be quite exceptionnal to think there are about 500 survivors.

Tricky point to guess.

But you're right this sound and concept deserves to become more opened and reliable. they sound fantastic !!

Good luck.
P.


----- Mail d'origine -----
De: 'Hans' hr.public@... [Simmons_Drums] <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
À: Simmons Drums <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
Envoyé: Wed, 29 Jun 2016 14:21:25 +0200 (CEST)
Objet: SV: [Simmons Drums] SDS-7 - Number produced?





 

Hey, look what I found in the archives:

"Aug 18, 2011

Hi list,

Jenna and I spoke in a swedish synth forum about the number of SDS-IV's
produced. This led me to think about the rest too... Does anyone
(Patrice with his connections maybe?) have any reliable figures to
share? Please fill out this list with models, confirmed numbers or
comments, guesses are OK too if well-educated. ;)
I'd like to see a compilation of the highest serials ever seen...

Here are a few assumptions and guesses from your humble moderator:

SDS-I (the original prototype): 1 unit
SDS-II (afaik a slaughtered test): 1 unit
SDS-III (has anyone seen numbers above mine? (98)): 100 units?
SDS-IV (has anyone seen numbers above mine? (19X))? 200 units?
SDS-V (MusicAid, mk1, I think I've read 100): 100 units?
SDS-V (Simmons, mk2, four digits at least): 5000 units?
SDS-6 (I've never owned one and they're scarce): 1000 units?
SDS-7 (four digits at least): 5000 units?
SDS-8 (many! The best seller maybe?): 5000+ units?
SDS-9 (also many, but I see the 8 more often): 5000+ units?
SDS-200
SDS-400
SDS-800
SDS-1000
SDS-2000
SDX
MTX-9
Trixer
TMI
MTM
ADT
EPB
SPM 8:2
ClapTrap (mk1 - a few hundred): 200 units?
ClapTrap (mk2 - a few hundred): 200 units?
ClapTrap (mk3 - thousands): 1000+ units?

etc.

So, archeologists... give us your best guesses but do peak at figures on
your units.

--
electronically yours, jesper"


In the following 25 posts it was populated and updated by the list,
giving what was re-posted here now, five years later.

So yes, it migrated the other way. :D

--
electronically yours, jesper

- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
www.electronic-obsession.se

---

Angaudlinn on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/angaudlinn/id582356650

Angaudlinn's playlist på Spotify:
http://open.spotify.com/user/simplyanalogue/playlist/540Srd3zA15pK7G1S8qLHo

Angaudlinn on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Angaudlinn

Hi Jesper , God amongst the Gods !!  :)  (old joke )

well I could help about the SDX as I discussed the subject with "my connection" not much on the other models.
I'm not sure he likes very much that sort of considerations as he 'll need time to check all that diving in sales books or that sort of things...


About the SDX the SImmons register stops about 180 units in 1989. and I remember Dave telling me he estimated about 200 / 250  units in total. not very sure about it
difficult to check today. Mine has been built in 1994 and has no Serial Number. he said in 1998 that he built about 2 units a year since ,he was alone (without considering Daphne the secretary)  in Sound Unit so that was a slow process... that would leave us around 200 or 210 units (my guess).
Did he build any in the "Simmons Digital" era ?
THere was the enigmatic Jennifer Mallows' period after "Simmons ltd " closed. So I don't know what happened about SDX's then.
Jo Hammer dealt with her (him ?? whatever...) when his unit had rain during Jarre's gig in London Docklands 1988 and water in Paris Bercy in 1991.
From what I heard 10 years ago, she's in jail.

 Maybe Sibi could help us on that transition period ?

Anyway that makes it quite uncertain about the exact SDX quantity produced... we know at least it didn't reach 300.

Our Bruce must own 150 of them ;)   (Joke)

by my side I've got 3  :

the SN° 174 (jo Hammer's), which apparently was one of the very early ones before being rebuilt and then become or being replaced by the 174.
 
my regular one has no birth certificate but has been built in 1994 and rebuilt in 1998 bc of many bugs...

and the XRack I have was the prototype so, no SN at all...even if it could be considered as the n°001, but who knows...

I personnaly think there's nothing glorious having the first machines versions built as they are often faulty or uncomplete hardware, early PCBs, optionless, quickly built with pieces of wood good enough for demoing at Musik Messe or at the Namm ...etc ...

I've got a sn 00087 for my sdsIII which seems older than the other one who has more options with switches on the rear...As it lost its serial n° sticker, I don't know...
I must say I'm not worrying a lot about this aspect even if it can be interesting to know what exact version you have , with updates or no.

But yeah maybe it could be fun to count how many machines are here in the Yahoo group, at least.
That could give a real base of what remains today. could also be useful to group spares research , orders or rebuilding if necessary in the future...



hope it's useful informations.
take care
P.

 





----- Mail d'origine -----
De: jesper jesper@... [Simmons_Drums] <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
À: Simmons Drums <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
Envoyé: Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:10:16 +0200 (CEST)
Objet: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDS-7 - Number produced?





 

About the SDS8 ...

A french interview mentions that the SDS8 has sold more than some Acustic kits in US in 1984.
they sold more than 10000 units in a year !!

about the SDX my connection says about 220.
not many remains today I think.

I'll try to enquire more about the others ...

When Dave created Simmons Ltd factory in St Alban , that was able to produce + than 350 kits a month.




----- Mail d'origine -----
De: jesper jesper@... [Simmons_Drums] <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
À: Simmons Drums <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
Envoyé: Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:10:16 +0200 (CEST)
Objet: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDS-7 - Number produced?