In the 80's it was damn near impossible to find a band who wasn't making use of Simmons infamous hexagonal drum pads. The synthy drum sounds were just as ubiquitous on the records of the day. Although they are certainly dated-sounding by today's standards, I know a few people who hold the Simmons name in very high regard, if only for the nostalgia of it. So if you're one of those people, you might want to check out this site. In addition to pictures and profiles of most of the Simmons line-up, it contains links, manual, service documents, and some audio demos.
I was kind of surprised to find out that Simmons is still around. Has anyone run into any of their new products? In years of touring all over the world, I can't say I've ever seen any of the new units in use.
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Ned Stromkirby actually used to won a set of the Hexagons O'Doom. He used 'em as pads, though - ran them into a DM5. He loaned them to mee for a few months too.
They were fun. Kinda like drumming on a brick, though - not exactly a natural drum feel there.
The new Simmons are ROMpler modules and actually sounded pretty nice. At least from what I could hear through the phones over the din in the local GC. Why do I continue to go there?
I've been reading at the vdrums forum that the Simmons brand name was sold to Guitar Center a few years ago, and that they're slapping it on budget crap. The newest, ~$1000 set seems to be getting lukewarm reception in that crowd, but they though the previous, cheaper models were absolute crap.
I've seen some v-drummers using newer Simmons pads on cheaper setups.
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Some folks still use the 80s pads though.
Up until just recently, Jason Hollis was using the old hexagonal pads live for Endif, Caustic, and Ctrlshft.
http://b8.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01491/89/28/1491188298_l.jpg
http://b1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01491/18/06/1491016081_l.jpg
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