Simmons SD1250 Review

*Update: the hi-hat has been greatly improved with a new firmware update available on the Simmons website: • Simmons SD1250 Hi-Hat Fix
Today we're taking a deep dive on the Simmons SD1250. It's the successor to the Simmons SD1200 and Expanded edition of that kit. This new drum set takes a few steps forward and a few steps back from its predecessor:
Pros: It's the largest drum set of it's price range. The new update fixes the ride cymbal, snare, and kick drum problems the old version had. This module features a color screen and faders. The drum rack is very wide. A snare stand, sticks, drum key, and a kick drum patch are included in the box.
Cons: The hi-hat misses hits when you play fast on successive bow and edge hits. The drum rack is a bit wobbly. The snare, while drastically improved, does miss the occasional rim shot if you play fast. And there's no rim/head trigger adjustment to fix that problem.
Verdict: Don't buy this until they fix the hi-hat. If they rush a firmware patch, then this will be a large, cheap kit that's good for drum plugins. I wouldn't just use the built in sounds.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:45 Sizes
1:03 Drum Rack
2:26 Kick Drum
4:13 Toms
4:48 Snare
6:52 Cymbals
7:51 Hi-Hat Problem
10:30 Drum Module
14:00 Should You Buy It?

[@65Drums]

Update: the hi-hat has been greatly improved with a new firmware update available on the Simmons website: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKrGn4muppl3h68

[@theholyfuck1233]

How do you play songs through this kit?

[@65Drums]

@@theholyfuck1233 The Aux Input

[@ejcorreia2]

Thanks Justin. That high-hat issue would have been a deal killer. I will take another look.

[@guidonovelli878]

You're pretty much the most serious and professional music KZbinr I've ever seen

[@65Drums]

Thanks so much dude!

[@Keenaid2]

I agree, he's the best! Great video like always Justin.

[@joey74261]

Facts

[@Townes_Reid]

Fax

[@Lwimmermastermetalart]

You did a fantastic job with your review. Your head and shoulders 6X over more knowledgeable than me. I’m pretty much a beginner but do think I have a natural rhythm and love of drumming . That said I bought this ( older version) to really get into it again and enjoy drumming. I tend to learn by watching rather than reading . I’ll admit it’s A LOT to learn. Extremely complicated to a 72 year old guy. Sadly if I don’t play for a bit (still busy lifestyle) I forget things. Point is I’d super love a video by you going over how to do things in a manner that I could understand better and remember easier . Heck maybe you already have a tutorial OR could recommend one. Anyway I’m super impressed. I labored over which set to buy and I still think for my level and wanting to spend it was a wise choice. As with anything there are always pros and cons to every set out there. Thx for the great Vid.

[@TallSomeone]

Bravo to them for giving the set to you.

[@Son-ke9fp]

Wow, once again what a detailed and informative review. The hi-hat problem would be a deal breaker for me, so I'm glad to hear Simmons corrected it with the firmware update. I find your e-drum reviews to be the best on the internet. Keep up the good work. Subbed.

[@paulbfields8284]

Outstanding review. For all you reviewers this is the way to get to the point quickly.

[@Cashiyado]

Kudos for you Justin, it's clear you are an authority of Edrums here. Been a while since my last comment, your channel grew so much!

[@spencershipley4349]

With the recent price decrease, this seems like the perfect drums to start learning on

[@MatthewSmith-uf6tr]

Sucks it’s $1100 now

[@at716JA]

​@@MatthewSmith-uf6tr you can find grat deal on the SD1200. Lacks 1 tom and 1 splash and a 3rd sesnor on the snare. Otherwise I think module and hardware are vitually the same. Still a solid kit at a great price.

[@Behemoth66]

It’s $799 now

[@JQUICK21]

It is $799 right now.....at Guitar Center.....$17 a month for 48 months!!

[@jonwilcox8028]

@@JQUICK21I’m going today. I think this is the kit for me.

[@protobuster12]

I was hoping that you would review this kit! It looks very interesting. Thanks Justin :)

[@cutsbykelly6006]

Just an thorough and excellent review!!!

[@e-drumwelt3827]

very good and deep review! i'm looking foward to see more videos of your review series ;-) greetings from germany

[@fuktheagenda]

Another great video Sir 👍🏻👍🏻

[@mjm5081]

Thank you very much! Happy drumming 😃

[@CanadianTexaninLiguria]

I still have a simmons rack from the 80's - steel pipes and plastic connectors. Never a failure

[@quimzealex9629]

Fantastic video! Thanks Regards from Portugal

[@thumb_bass_guy]

Good review my guy

[@XJoeyJordison666X]

Well its basically a guitar center e drum kit, couldnt expect much off the bat, good review

[@rong8324]

Great review. Thanks.

[@DominikAklan]

I like the look of the cymbals

[@brad_neal]

Nice, honest review. But man - what a difference between the Simmons sound vs. SD3!

[@mabber1831]

This is what I needed 3 years ago. Bought a td17kvx instead, but I replaced the rack and most of the pads on it

[@sargeant1hundred]

What did you replace them with?

[@etpslick100]

Wow! I thought Simmons went out of business until I saw this channel. Not bad; but the hi-hat? Gotta fixed that! The sounds are pretty decent. Just do some tweaking here and there. The Roland is making some serious noise with their new series so Simmons gotta play catch-up. But I see some promise here. Glad they’re still here.😕🎶🥁😌

[@ColdLights]

I’ve been playing for about 15 years but in the last five years, I’ve unfortunately not had the space for a full kit. Really considering grabbing one of these so I can finally start playing again.

[@Mudge07]

Great review, many will look at the number of actual and virtual pads & cymbals as a boon with a price point they will be satisfied. Maybe show the DAW linked hi-hat action to see if affects that too; MIDI patching might be better than the module-activated process . If not, then that patch is vital!

[@JQUICK21]

Virtual pads? DAW? MIDI patching? That is Chinese to people here wanting to get into Drums.....LOL

[@trey8072]

Nice review. Concise and thorough.

[@jrwahlmeier]

Bought this set at guitar center for $849, it was in store for $1099 and they matched the price listed on Musician's friend, which they own. I also bought a DA 2112 Simmons amp which they matched the price listed on musician's friend as well. It was basically $1200 after taxes for both. I have been playing drums for over 30 years as an on and off hobby and I tried a lot of sets before this one and it is just a lot of fun to play. They had it set up at Guitar Center and I had played it several times. The only other set I enjoyed playing as much as this is the Roland TD 27KV which is $3k. They fixed the high hat issue, I played it right out of the box and the high hat was absolutely amazing. I like the snare a lot, I was a marching band/drum corps. guy so I am particular and I am really happy with the triggering and how it handles rim shots. The overall drum rack is really solid, you have to spend some time tightening the bolts, but it doesn't move at all when I play, with the exception of the bass drum, but that is just a matter of spending some time figuring out how to anchor it down so it doesn't move. I haven't done that yet because it really isn't an issue, even when I play fast double bass. It is just something I notice when I look at it while playing, and it doesn't please me to see it moving. The biggest downside to the set is the sound of the drums. I don't think the sounds are horrible, some of the sounds are actually pretty good, but if you ever heard what it sounds like through Superior Drummer 3, there is just no settling for less. I don't mind the onboard sounds for practicing, but when it comes to recording I am using third party software for the drum sounds. The DA2112 Simmons amp is really great. You can play it at really low levels so you don't upset the neighbors, and still hear everything you are playing. I also play guitar and jam on my 15 watt blues junior (I use a looper so I can hop on the drums to play along). I can crank up my amp pretty loud and the drum amp has no problems keeping up. I don't know if it could keep up with say a fender twin reverb, but I really don't need to play that loud so this amp will work for even a small-med. gig I am pretty sure. After that you'd probably want to plug into a PA system anyway. Overall, I am so thrilled to have this set, it is so much fun to play and it didn't break the bank. There are so many crazy sounds on this thing I never thought I would play with, and now I totally do. There is this Far East setting that I have a blast playing, it sounds so calming to play it, sometimes it is hard to stop. The Latin settings are fun as well, playing with timbale and conga sounds are so much fun. I also like playing with the marching band snare, so much fun!

[@sirlucius3016]

Are there any extra cords for an additional cymbal?

[@Ilove2surf]

No

[@JQUICK21]

Just looking into drums and learning the craft....I see your bought an AMP....this is the way or only way to hear the sounds without headphones? Can you hook these sets up to a home stereo/audio system? Surely you can right?

[@jrwahlmeier]

@@JQUICK21 You could use anything you want as long as the input/outputs match up but I wouldn't recommend it. Drum amps are designed to handle the booming bass sounds to the crystal clear cymbal crashes. You could potentially damage the speakers of a regular stereo with these sounds, or the sounds might not sound very good.

[@mikelinf]

Nice review. If you don't want to keep it I'll take it. It's been along time since I played

[@bengonzalez2689]

Im literally looking into my first electric kit 45 minutes after you uploaded this, great timing! I'm looking between this kit and the alesis crimson 2 se. Im on a budget and the alesis is on sale at gc for $830 but the simmons has the extra floor tom. Really what its coming down to for me is the sound quality. I just want the better sounding kit

[@RobbGillies]

I just bought the simmons 1250 from musicians friend for $899

[@scottw3780]

Get a second hand Roland, honestly you will be disappointed

[@bengonzalez2689]

@@scottw3780 I'm just looking for something to play around with for a few months while I save up for a nice Roland kit. Im looking at the vad306. I started on acoustic drums and the vad306 looks like a nice kit with a familiar feel. I'll probably sell or trade in the alesis/simmons kit when I'm ready to buy the roland. One of my friends has an alesis nitro kit and I jammed out with some friends on it and it seemed okay for just a jam session but the bass pad was too small for double bass. They actually bought the vad306 a few weeks later and playing on it was amazing. I'll have a Roland eventually

[@jimnorman20001]

The SD1250 firmware update is now up on the Simmons website in the support section in the downloads

[@65Drums]

I downloaded it, doesn't fix the problem :(

[@65Drums]

There has been a second update just now that fixed the issue

[@97blkbrd]

@@65Drums I wonder if new kits have the patch already installed? how would you know? Also if you use midi, do the sounds come back into the module, so you can run to an amp, or do you just use headphones?

[@markrodriguez1800]

Hey Justin! Can you do a review on the Simmons SD600? What is the difference between the Simmons SD550 and SD600? Thanks in advance! Been a fan of yours for the past few years now and love the insight you give.

[@kbarb3071]

Hey Justin - love the channel... Curious if you have any plans to review the millennium mps 1000? It looks awesome (aesthetically speaking) and it's in the same price range as the Simmons 1250. I'm waiting for an objective review of the millennium kit before I make a decision one way or the other

[@zukkiridesmoto]

I just ordered this kit a few days ago from guitar center and it's going to be delivered tomorrow. Base on your review would you recommend getting the alesis crimson 2? I'm a newbie to the world of e-drums. Is the hi-hat issue the biggest draw back about this kit? The midi drum software made it sound good. I need your opinion. $1,100 is also my price range. Thanks.

[@musicracker8883]

Great review! I just purchased the 1200 kit about a month ago because I like your review on the 1200. I picked up the kit for 599.00 on the "Crazy Deal of the Day" from MusiciansFriend. Couldn't be happier! Thanks!!!

[@johndef5075]

I think that actually looks a little better than the 1250 too.

[@davidmerlin3344]

Question: is there room to add an additional Tom to the front? Wasn’t sure if the drum rack could spread apart any.

[@davidmerlin3344]

Is there extra ports on this module if you wanted to add one more cymbal and one more Tom? If not, what could be done to achieve this? Also, would I have to get a longer bar to mount 3 toms in front of me?

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

I'm looking for a basic e-drum kit just to practice on. Really trying to decide between this and the newer Titan 50.

[@randalscandal1588]

Did you try these pads with other modules?? I tried a kit at GC, not huge on the module, but the pads and rack were pretty decent.

[@freddycamacho4334]

Hey great video. I see you have Superior Drummer on your laptop, what setup is that one? Thanks for the honest review

[@jas_bataille]

What I like about this kit is the personality that it has. No, it's doesn't realistic, yeah, the images are quirky - but there's something about the sound and image that I personally love. There's an 80's charm to Simmons sound that I like a lot. Yeah the sounds are quirky but I think it would find right in for most bands that you'd play an electronic set with. It sounds a bit like those old quirky drum machines that Prince would use back in the days. I personally love it but it's not for everyone! Just nice to see something that isn't about reproducing acoustic drums, which personally, I couldn't care less about : if you really want acoustic and go to a high level you have to get acoustic. And there are a lot of options for people who can't unfortunately do that. But, for pros looking for a different kind of tone altogether, in my opinion this is one of the most interesting sounding module I've ever heard!

[@nonyabusiness6084]

"Just nice to see something that isn't about reproducing acoustic drums, which personally, I couldn't care less about"... Yes, because you're clearly not even a drummer. "If you really want acoustic and go to a high level you have to get acoustic"... More nonsense. First of all, the biggest problem nearly every drummer has, is not being able to practice enough because the drums are too loud. Very few people have enough money to rig up a sound proof room just to be able to practice enough. Most drummers like myself, have never gotten to practice nowhere near as much as we would like to because of how loud they are. This has left me wondering how much better I might be right now had I been able to practice as much as I wanted to be able to. So yes, reproducing acoustic drums is absolutely vital for every drummer. How many songs are there with those crappy synthetic drum sounds? Not many. So your comment is ridiculous. Most people buying these are doing so to be able to practice without bothering their family members or neighbors. So having a realistic acoustic sound is vital. What, do you expect ppl to practice with crappy synthesized sounds & that somehow translate to an acoustic set? You "couldn't care less about" it because you're clearly not even a drummer, so I have no clue why you are even leaving your uninformed 2-Cents. And lastly, no, "If you really want acoustic and go to a high level," you DO NOT have to get acoustic... You can absolutely get to just as high of a level by practicing on an electric kit. So long as you have those "reproduced acoustic drums" sounds to mimic an actual acoustic kit, Einstein. Bottom line, there are maybe .0002% of drummers who would want this synthetic sounding crap alone. Why the hell would any drummer want only this synthetic crap when they could buy a kit for the exact same price or even cheaper that gave them both synthetic & acoustic drum sounds? They should limit themselves for nostalgia sake? For some "80's charm"? What a load of nonsense. Ultimately, your 2-cents on this doesn't matter to anyone as anyone who reads your comment will instantly know you are not even a drummer.

[@JQUICK21]

Reading comments here is like trying to read Chinese.....for the people who want to become a drummer or buy a set of drums first time.....what is "acoustic" in drumming? If no other commenter here or on Guitar Center site mentions "quirky" why is that? "Images are quirky"? That is definitely Chinese for me....care to help me understand please? Thank You!

[@aelius93]

You're my favorite Edrum reviewer. Possibly cuz of how ur just bustin out of ur shirt but I have a huge complaint. We want to hear the kits. We want to hear several kits every time. Please please

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Thanks, Justin. I'm saving my money for a Roland TD17.

[@65Drums]

Sweet I think you'll like it

[@johnpietrolaj8917]

Nice review Justin!

[@65Drums]

thanks John :)

[@jeffshatton]

Do you recommend the 1250 over the 1200 considering price points if it is just being used as a midi controller?

[@sao32]

superior rocks!!!!

[@at716JA]

Just bought the SD1200 for $400.00 from a private seller - same module and vitually same kit without the expansion kit. Only issue is the module power switch won't shut off. I called SImmons and they are sending me a new module at no cost. I love the set. No hihat issues.for $400.00 from a private seller

[@demonicsweaters]

Too bad about the hi hat, hope they fix it. Aside from that it seems really decent. Honestly, I didn't think the internal sounds were that bad.

[@steezyboiiii808]

Yea there was one good kick sound but the rest of them sounded like garbage and Simmons has the worst hi-hat sounds I’ve ever heard, but I like the rim color on this kit and the racks Simmons makes are straight out of China becuase there racks are super bad as I used to own a Simmons drum kit

[@360.Tapestry]

for the same price, i'd rather buy used roland or alesis

[@kayakbandits9894]

Just bought the set on a Labor Day sale at GC. 50yrs old never too late!!! Ill update in a year. LOL😁

[@65Drums]

keep us posted!

[@zoltardo]

I did the same thing 7 months ago! Started my drumming career at 48 :)

[@seanmyers6961]

Can you add an additional kick to this kit? I have had trouble with the triggers on the upgrade bass drum on the sd550 and it picks it up some times so I cant priest and racer x it

[@quimzealex9629]

What is your opinion about the new kit "Millenium mps-1000"? Best regards

[@roadrnnr2008]

I got this set from Guitar center on sale for about $840. So far Love it. Module had a problem where it will not turn off and does not work right with the app but Simmons is sending me a new module

[@GoodOldGavin]

Did it come with a kick pedal or is that separate?

[@haroldwaynejackson7880]

Please update how the new module worked out?

[@refeekey250]

My drum rack is totally stable. It does not wobble. I’ve tightened every bolt after I set it up.

[@360.Tapestry]

how's it holding up?

[@CREEPLAIR]

So the hi hat is a module problem not a trigger issue correct? I have Ddrum unit I could plug it into to get it into my computer, but if the triggers are bad it won't do any good. Great videos btw!

[@flyingdentist]

Can 80s Simmons sounds be played by the new Simmons models?awesome video

[@utubeiswatchingme]

What mesh kit & software combo would the specialists here recommend for quality live performance and recording?

[@sveilien]

In Christmas time 2023, and with the sale going on a guitar Center that has this kit for $800, the same as the Titan 70, do you think it could still be recommended? I am going back-and-forth between the titan, and this one, I like the size of this kit better than the titan 70 but the titan 70 is obviously more up-to-date techwise. Any feedback is appreciated.

[@Meydanx8]

Is the Simmons module can handle roland cymbals and another trigers like external?

[@jorgethompson286]

Hey 65 Drums. Nice reviews. Trying to buy a kit for my son who's starting to learn drums. Would you recommend this one, the Alesis Crimson II SE or the Alesis Strike 8-piece? I was hoping to spend around $1200-$1500, wondering if the stretch to $1900 for the Strike is worth it.

[@rickstorm4198]

This set is fine. Better quality than alesis.

[@DonKeeddick]

So if you WANTED to layer a rimshot trigger sound with the center snare trigger sound to be played at the same time when hitting both triggers, does the SD1250 module completely prevent that?

[@extramedium3561]

as far as i can tell, yes. it is very limited.

[@rockerseven]

So, I've been looking at E-kits lately, and the trouble I'm finding is that you can expand only so much. I don't like being limited to just 4 toms and 4 cymbals. What I was thinking of doing is getting 2 of the same kits, and using both modules. If the 1200 module doesn't have the hi-hat issue, but the 1250 one does, are the pads and cymbals interchangable? So I could use the 1200 module for all my cymbals and the 1250 module for all the drums?

[@johndef5075]

I just ran a Nitro module into the Mix In on my Roland td10exp. I now have 5 toms and 5 crashes and still at least 7 to 12 possible more inputs if using splitters.

[@drewjohnson4794]

The Yamaha dtx pro can have 14 pads in it.

[@seanwalsh999]

I tried the Roland entry level kit, but I had to return it as the toms were mesh, good , but they were only 6 inches in diameter, I need at least 8 inch toms. I even use an 8 inch mesh snare, but 6 inches is just too small for me. The Roland TD-17 is an excellent kit if you get the all mesh head version and avoid the rubber pad version. I replaced the rubber pads with a Donner DED-200, I got a whole kit for what Roland wanted for 3, 8 inch Pd-8's. I have been pretty happy with the sounds from the TD-17 drum module.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

toy drums

[@floydian022]

My brain over here @ 0:14 ready to go, "Yoooooouuu....doin' that thing you dooooooo!"

[@Andrew-wb2zq]

That hi-hat problem is exactly the problem I had with the Alesis Strike module. Weird.

[@tbip2001]

Will you be looking at the millenium mps 1000? That's seems an insane amount of kit for the money. The sounds are truly terrible but as a midi controller its seems a no brained of a kit.

[@thomaspaccione7214]

I noticed when you were flipping through the kits, an origional Simmons kit. Does this set have the ability to sound like an old school 80's Simmons kit?

[@Bethel_aog]

We are thinking about possibly buying into this set as our worship drummer is extremely enthusiastic and we have a small sanctuary size. Do you think this would still be a viable and good option for us?

[@spacejailguy9103]

I bought this last year loving the feel and look, but the module funtionality and sounds IMO were terrible. The software was not allowing me to upload sounds even tho I tried every format in the book. Lots of crashing. I added the Titan 50 Module to it which sounded way better, however I was not getting the dual zone triggers to fire. Now that the 70 Module is available, I may repurchase the SD1250 at discount and swap the module with a Titan 70. Does anyone reading this know if it'll work or will I have the same problerm I had mixing the Titan 50 Modle with the SD1250 Kit?

[@keng1339]

Heyy justin! I just have a question, does Pd-120L-BK works on td-25?

[@johndef5075]

Yes.

[@justinsnow3979]

Will you review the titan 70?

[@kbarb3071]

Possible to add a lemon 3 zone ride to this kit?

[@clint68]

Awesome and honest review as usual. Now that they have potentially fixed the hi-hat issue, this kit looks perfect for what I need. I’ve loved Simmons from the beginning (showing my age). However, they don’t sell it in Australia! 😢 Does anyone know why Simmons don’t export to Australia?

[@JQUICK21]

It's too bad nobody has answered you in a year. I would suggest asking Simmons. Surely they would reply to you....

[@clint68]

@@JQUICK21 Yeah that is funny. I’ve bought a Soundking since then and it’s pretty good for a lower end kit.

[@burntusa]

been scouring the 1250 reviews, i just returned a Crimson II because of 2 glaring issues, the bass drum piezo is about an inch from the bottom of the head instead of the middle, and the hihat midi map has open and closed trigger on the same note, with no way of chancing it, it's a known issue, and Alesis still hasn't fixed it. I'm ready to pull the trigger on this kit, i need encouragement, the President's Day sale ends tomorrow. (fy I will only be using this kit in my home studio and not as a performance instrument)

[@mikebassart]

Looks like Simmons listened to you - there's a firmware update that supposedly "improves the response of the hi-hat." Pretty cool that they put in the effort, but curious what you think of the new version?

[@65Drums]

Thanks for alerting me! I tried the update last night, and no luck. Didn't fix my issue

[@65Drums]

There has been a second update just now that fixed the issue

[@ericroll]

I only wish your demo playing starting at 2:35 would include more of the toms. When you flew through the toms I heard the sticks hitting the heads more than the sampled sound from the module. The floor toms especially had almost no sound. This has always been a pet peeve of mine-the toms are ALWAYS too quiet.

[@johndef5075]

All that is adjustable.

[@MarianelaGuzman]

Hi, I'm sure you answered this a million times. What would you recommend instead around the same price range, maybe 1500s to be used with a DAW? basically low latency

[@TallSomeone]

TD-17 KVX

[@MarianelaGuzman]

@@TallSomeone thank you! That's actually one I was considering

[@danielzurcher4751]

Hey Justin, another great review. I was wondering if you would do a review on the Millenium brand specifically the Millenium MPS-1000 E-Drum Set. I know it is hard to get here in the US so I understand if you can't. I am trying to understand if I should investin something like the Efnote 5x at $3,500 or the Millenium MPS-1000 E-Drum Set for $1,000. My biggest issue is usually high hat latency. anyways, thanks for all you're doing!

[@66meikou]

Personally I'd go fro the Efnote 3x. You get the extra tom and that's more expensive than buying the splash. The tom arm on the 5x looks a bit iffy to me as well. Perhaps the 5 module is more what you want though. I'd probably just run it to a pc with sd3 and skip the kits onboard.

[@danielzurcher4751]

@@66meikou Thanks Patrick I am back and forth between the 3x and 5, I just love the look. I am just thinking if I am really as you said using it for vst recording through SD3 why not save the money and buy the millenium. I just can't find enough reviews for either to pull the trigger. but thanks so much.

[@66meikou]

@@danielzurcher4751 Art of Drumming just posted a review

[@danielzurcher4751]

@@66meikou thanks man I'll check it out!

[@5Antvin]

Was the hi hat issues ever corrected on the 1250 model ?

[@zacharychall-hutchinson6720]

Ok, I gotta know, does it have the classic Simmons sounds from the 80s built in?

[@GVike]

If the screen on the module is an indication, it should be there. Look at the video again.

[@RC-gf8cs]

I play yanaha dtx111.black pads got brand new with black pads out at the time paid 3600 bak about 2007? rite b4 they went with white heads. .still hav n play hrs n hrs 65yo now.amp wit yam. Ms50dr n 2 bkshelf speakrs..i like still betr than roland etc..very underrated they b imo

[@jonathandoda8762]

hahaha ok I'm giggling at that poor cpu at 12:18 just "hnnnnnggggg comee ooooooon" hahaha. Awesome kit though for the price, and I'm glad they fixed the hi-hat.

[@lovesomeome13]

Can you please make a video on how to covert your live kit into a electric one or if I got the td 17 and put like live toms and bass on it!!

[@johndef5075]

I would recommend Convertible Percussion triggers on ebay. Works great on my Roland module and price is nice.

[@66meikou]

Every time I see the Simmons logo on these kits I get sad. They're nothing like the innovation of the original Simmons. The kit looked a bit of a meh to me. The wobbly stand would annoy the crap out of me. Perhaps if they release an update patch to fix the hi hat issue, you could run a contest and give it away. I'm sure someone out there would appreciate it. As always, solid review J.

[@GVike]

As I stated above... pioneers like Steinberger, Linn, and Smith all continued or came back and created new instruments that hearkened back to the retro stuff. Simmons guy just never really returned.

[@Ilove2surf]

What drum software does this work *really well* with? Searching for better sounds. I have tried using the Roland/Boss DR 880 and it just doesn't map correctly. I figure the software route is the way to go from what I have been teading other places. Thx for ur help.

[@65Drums]

My brother uses this kit with software every day. Right now EZdrummer 3 is your best bet. Or if the budget is tight, Steven Slate Drums 5 Free edition. You'll still need to map a few things, but it works just fine

[@kbarb3071]

@@65Drums - hey justin - i'm using this kit with EZdrummer3 as well and enjoy everything except that the module only sends 3 hi hat "steps" (closed, half, open) for both the bow and edge - do you know of any workaround for this? it's still fun to play, but it bothers me that the hi hat doesn't have more articulations

[@tafflewis6208]

Curious, do you have a KT-300 review in the works please? Thanks. Love your work.

[@michaelsorensen7914]

Side comment: what microphone are you using to record this video?

[@65Drums]

Its a Shure SM7b, I hated the price tag, but it sounds good to my ears.

[@tea2920]

I personally care 100 times more about how many pads/cymbals and how many zones are them than the module because I only use vsts when I'm playing, I never use the module

[@JQUICK21]

VSTS? What's that? I am not a drummer.....but might be one day.....

[@KillNeckRiff]

Sd1250 support vst? Ggd, superior, ezdrummer?

[@haroldwaynejackson7880]

Most players who actually play an instrument that has a pitch know: if your percussion is tuned to the relative key of your song, they sound more vibrant. Yes, not all drums work that way, but being able to tune in your kit to the song on the fly is kinda cool.

[@65Drums]

Tuning a whole drum set with a single fader is kinda interesting, but it doesn't work on a practical level. It's the kind of honest assumption a keyboardist would make. Because you CAN transpose a whole scale and be fine. But drums just don't work that way. The pitch of the individual drums/cymbals aren't in a mathematical relationship with each other (like a keyboard scale). If I raise the kit-wide pitch so that the snare sounds good, that will throw off the toms, and make the kick drum sound weird. So individual adjustments are the only way to go with drums.

[@dilankarun9172]

I bought the SD1200 (Stupid Deal of the Day) a few weeks ago. Haven't had the Hi-hat issues (Or any issues for that matter). The SD 1250 price just came down from $1199 to $899 this week (Guitar Center and MF I think). No one is going to buy this after watching the unplayable Hi-Hat on this review. Great job Justin. Now if only someone had done a review on the Ford Pinto ! lol

[@sporadic29414]

According to Simmons' site, they've released a patch for it.

[@airtexaco]

Well. That’s a bummer. He doesn’t seem to like anything I can afford and I just bought this and am about to set it up.. He doesn’t like the other one I can afford, either and I did find positive reviews on the SD1250…

[@DAVIDJNUNO]

That hi-hat issue is a deal breaker.

[@RicardoSanchez-xl8te]

Change the sensitivity all the way. That will help with the hi-hat problem.

[@SteelCity570]

Would you choose this or the crimson 2 se or another one in this price range?

[@65Drums]

probably this one over the Crimson 2

[@mbass_3]

i have this drum!

[@sporadic29414]

There's a patch on Simmons' site that supposedly addresses the hi-hat issue. Have you had a chance to confirm they fixed it?

[@65Drums]

I tried it last night, didn't fix my problem :(

[@sporadic29414]

@@65Drums I went ahead and bought the kit during the GC sale in hopes it was fixed, but am having a separate issue that could be related. The edge trigger for every cymbal in my kit is offset into the cymbal. If I strike the edge, I get a bow hit. New to drums / e-drum, so I am not sure if this is typical / what to expect. Here's a video with a bongo assigned to the edge and shaker to the bell of the SD1250 ride to better illustrate what's going on - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHqrkmuVaLWZgqM. I've reached out to Simmons and am waiting to hear back, but am curious if you experienced this as well? Thanks for the great content!

[@65Drums]

@@sporadic29414 FYI There has been a second update just now that fixed the issue

[@mrkevin6354]

I see you are using the DW pedals. Are the Simmons pedals inferior? If I do get a Simmons---- DW is my choice. 👍👍

[@ZomPaul]

I gotta know... Simmons sd1250 or Titan 70?

[@BrettEvan]

This vs crimson 2 se?

[@jeffreblanco9552]

What should I buy? This kit or Millenium 1000 Mps?

[@kbarb3071]

I would like to know this too

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

Thanks for the review... still not into electro sets in 2021. I love acoustic drums because of the endless variation on tone colors available (without having to do software updates or punching buttons and faders) - the size isn't even much different if someone has that argument - it appears it comes down to if you want to play drums in an apartment with people all around you - but I have heard people play electronic kits in apartments and it may be even more annoying than hearing actual drum sounds... all that clicking and thudding.

[@johndef5075]

I live in a house and I cant play acoustics all the time unless I really want to piss off my neighbors. I can practice any time of day on electronic. And my own hearing isnt getting blown out either.

[@jorgegastelum8044]

I'm thinking of just purchasing the Roland tdk-17kvx but im worried it will go on sale on black Friday so ill just wait lol

[@anthonydavis646]

From what I can see they are not on sale but Kraft music has some awesome bundle set available on the 17 KVX model with hi hat stand, pedal and throne included for about the same as guitar center and musicians friend. Nice way to get all the pieces you need with no added costs if you need them!

[@TallSomeone]

$1,100 - are you kidding me? Best value for the price, maybe, hands down. I mean, who buys a set at that price? Beginners wanting some fun, eh? Super kit.

[@RobbGillies]

I just bought this kit from musicians friend for $899

[@paulysci925]

My advice to you is buy a used Roland for half to equivalent price and call it a day. Thank me later that you didn't spend money on the rubbish build quality that is Simmons or alesis.