Product

Simmons SDS V

Legendary 80s drum synth. Very rare.

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Legendary 80s drum synth. Very rare.

Ready to ship. Serviced a year ago but definitely needs more work to be 100% – more details below.

Description

Simmons SDS V for sale. Cutting edge, analogue drum synth tech from 1983. It consists of the five basic modules: kick, snare and three toms.

From John Keeble to Don Henley to Prince to Van Halen and pretty much all points in between – if you listened to pop and rock music in the 80s then you will have heard the sound of the future in the form of the Simmons SDS V and seen its distinctive (and very deliberately futuristic) hexagonal drum pads.

It’s also possible to create the most fearsome bass with these (you have been warned).

Outputs are on balanced XLR. Modules can be triggered by audio via 1/4″ jack inputs.

IMPORTANT: This unit is not 100% working. It is a clearance item that we are moving on because we don’t have any more time to put into it. It has been serviced in the past and all modules are triggering and making some truly wonderful sounds. At the time we worked on it (a year or so ago) we ran out of time for it so it went back on the shelf, however we are now facing the fact that we don’t have time to do everything! Having tested each voice individually, the three Toms seem almost identical and to be working well, however the Bass and Snare modules are very crunchy and lacking the full range of sounds.

Sold “as is” without further warranty. You have the usual 14 days to test and return if it’s not right for you, and in this case you can open it up to examine the inside if needed, however we will not give a refund if anything inside has been changed!

Condition

Good. Usual signs of use and age. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition.

Voltage Information

220/240v unit. A step-up transformer will be required for use on 110/120v supplies. Please ask if you need advice on what to use. We do not recommend using cheap, generic Chinese mains transformers.

Tax

For sales in UK this item is on the margin scheme for second hand goods.

TESTIMONIALS

"Engaging with old gear can sometimes be filled with a lot of uncertainty, and I can't imagine what more could be done to reduce this aspect of it on top of the service you provide. Really phenomenal and I couldn't be happier."

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Dong Yun Seok

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Tucker Martine - Flora Recording

"DREAM. COME. TRUE. My music has taken me around the world a few times...and if you are like me and absolutely adore vintage gear...Soundgas is the stuff of LEGENDS. It's the shop that people like us search for our whole lives- fantastic and rare selections, and the technical know-how to repair and or mod these vintage items to get them into shape to flow with your modern setup."

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Rhett Daily

“If not a new language, then at least a very challenging, old dialect that will take me some time to assimilate. I’ve been waiting a long time for the challenge. Thank you @soundgasltd, she’s a beaut...and nobody prepares and packs like you fine folks.”

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Grabbed a Roland RE-201 (early edition killer pre-amp) and Roland DC-50. Absolutely STUNNING. These guys truly live up to the hype. They are meticulous in caring for the gear. Also, I have a few guitar pedal and plug-in emulations of tape-echo sounds and after plugging in the real unit I can't tell you how insane the difference is. It is incredible. Especially that tone from the early pre-amp! I am totally amazed. I am in heaven :) They made it safely to Nashville from the UK and were packed really really well! Thank you so much!! Worth every penny.

Chance Allen

Fantastic. From initial contact to the product landing at my door the service provided was outstanding. Safe and secure shipping, quality serviced product.

Tom Johnston

“I’ve bought a number of items from Soundgas recently, and have been really impressed with their service. It takes the stress out of buying vintage gear to know it’s been properly (and faithfully) serviced or restored. Their after-sales service has also been exemplary. Highly recommended.”

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Josh Lloyd-Watson & Tom McFarland - Jungle

As good as it gets. Tony, Dec and team have been incredible, prompt communication, great advice and outstanding service. It really felt like my Polysix came from a loving home.

Ben Parm

"Still in shock! Can not believe how good the seller is. This product was inspected, and shipped from the UK to the USA quicker than orders from my home state. Highly recommend these guys."

Thomas Tedesco

“I have bought two Moog synths from Soundgas over the past year, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about their selection of vintage products, the level of service, diligent responses to email, and expedient shipping with copious protective packaging. Soundgas is an impressive operation. My synths also sound amazing! These folks have made my vintage keyboard dreams come true in short order!”

J Yates

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Matthew Herbert

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Dupille Luc

“The Space Echo made its way to me - it looks and sounds beyond dreams, thanks guys for your great service and communication.”

Julius Bonson

Purchased a Juno-60 and it works beautifully. Having gotten one teched before, I knew it was worth paying a premium to get it future proofed and Soundgas does just that. Shipped professionally from the UK to USA. Appreciate their expertise and professional demeanor!

Eric Cullen

“The perfect place to hear, learn about and then buy your most wanted piece of vintage music gear! I've not only managed to buy a rare piece of equipment I really wanted, but I have the guarantee it's been serviced, and I got it from people who are clearly passionate and knowledgeable about what they do, as well as super friendly and responsive by email. Thoroughly recommended!”

Colleen / Cécile Schott

"808 is up and running. It’s hard to stop playing it. Like even to eat. Extending testing is quality control and the quality of your stuff combined with customer service is one of the reasons Soundgas is so successful in my opinion."

Brett R

"When you are spending big money of vintage gear it's nice to have the confidence of impeccable service, sales and support... some of the best in the industry! Impeccable people, incredible equipment… my poor poor fiancé"

James DLR - Sofa Sound/Metalheadz

“If you are a vintage audio gear head then this is the place you have been looking for all your life. Pretty much any piece of classic or obscure kit that you are after is available here... But the clincher for me is that the gear they sell has been restored by their top techs (unless otherwise noted) which is really very important when dealing with, for example, synths from 30 years ago.”

Lincoln Barrett / High Contrast

“I purchased a completely overhauled vintage valve Binson Echorec 2 T7E modified with varispeed, wet-only output, and a new paint job from Soundgas in early 2018. Tony and his team did an amazing job during every step of the purchase”

Matt Morton

"Packed with love and care. A stampede couldn't have crushed this thing. Works great and sounds like a dream. I love you Soundgas."

Ben Van Vlissingen

"Yes, sure, you can find a Space Echo on eBay, but you won’t find one like this — that’s certain. I am so pleased with my decision to buy from Soundgas, and suggest you stop your search now and just send them a message. You will undoubtedly find yourself writing an ecstatic review about yours in short time."

Ben Evolo

Just wanted to say thank you so much for your pinch roller and echo tape. I've had a space echo for years, been sent to a shop in NYC and it never worked quite right. After installing the roller and tape, my echo works like a dream. Really incredible expertise you all have! Thank you.

Andrew Potter

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Tom Rowlands - Chemical Brothers

"Excellent equipment, wonderful service. I fully recommend Soundgas to anyone in the vintage gear market and I will definitely be a return customer. The gear itself was exactly as advertised and in great condition."

Hallam Kite

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