Simmons1978-792-voiceAnalog$$$$Collector-Grade($3,000+)
Simmons SDS-1
Collectors and historians wanting Simmons' actual first electronic drum unit, a genuine foundational piece of electronic percussion.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
No MIDI on the Simmons SDS-1? Here's how to bridge it
Free tool — see exactly what kind of converter connects it to a modern MIDI setup.
Strengths
- Simmons' very first electronic drum design, a genuine piece of electronic-percussion history predating the famous SDS-V
- Real analog synthesis of its 2 drum voices, rather than any sample playback, gives a genuinely raw, early-electronic character
- Extraordinarily rare — a real museum-piece-grade find for collectors tracing electronic drum history
Trade-offs
- Only 2 voices and no sequencer at all — designed purely for triggering from acoustic drum pads, not standalone programming
- Extremely rare with essentially no community documentation or repair knowledge available
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Simmons |
| Model | SDS-1 |
| Era | 1978-79 |
| Typical Price Tier | Collector-Grade ($3,000+) |
| Sound Source | Analog synthesis (earliest electronic drum design) |
| Voice Count | 2 |
| Voice Type | Analog |
| Steps Per Pattern | Preset patterns only |
| Pattern Memory | 0 |
| Individual Outputs | Yes (2) |
| Sync / MIDI | None (trigger-pad based, no sequencer) |
| Swing / Shuffle | No |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
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Match Score Explorer
Weight what matters to your workflow. Every deck is re-scored live against your priorities, benchmarked against the Simmons SDS-1.
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This deckSimmons SDS-1
Match34
Flexibility15
Portability45
Ease of Use55
Tonal Neutrality20
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Maintenance & Supplies
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