Description

1986 Simmons SDS 1000 RED Ful 5-Piece Electronic Drums Kit

Up for sale, here is a rare and highly collectible 1986 Simmons SDS1000 five piece electronic drum kit in Red, Made in the UK, complete with its sound module, original box with packing and original manual.

Simmons was the British company that pioneered the electronic drum kit, and its iconic sound helped define the music of the ’80s through countless artist. Released right at the peak of that era, the SDS 1000 was hailed at the time by Making Music magazine as the first truly credible budget electronic kit, and finding one today in red, still in its original box, is a real rarity.

The SDS 1000 module combines classic analog Simmons “electronic” tones with digital snare samples, offering different digital snare sounds alongside those unmistakable synthesized toms and kicks. Its compact, straightforward layout makes it simple to dial in and tweak the preset kits to create your own sounds, with five trigger inputs and a footswitch input for kit selection.

The kit includes the sound module in great condition and five pads in total, a larger kick drum pad plus four pads that can be configured as snare and toms. It comes with two stands for the kick drum, while the remaining pads are designed to mount on any generic drum hardware clamps. Simmons offered dedicated black mounting hardware separately at the time, which was never part of this basic kit. Connection is made with any standard 1/4″ instrument cables, which as far as we know were not originally included. Please note the SDS 1000 was designed as a percussion kit only, with no electronic cymbal sounds in the module, so it is intended to be played alongside real cymbals.

The kit is fully tested and working, in Very Good+ condition overall (Some light scratches and play wear consistent with 40+ years, and appears to be complete as originally sold. It is a fantastic piece for collectors, studios and players chasing authentic ’80s Simmons sounds, and it would also be a great find for anyone who already owns one and is looking to expand their kit.

It ships out professionally packed and fully insured to Continental US and select international destinations.