Simmons vs Everybody! Is Simmons just as good as Roland, Yamaha and Alesis?

How do Simmons drums compete against Roland, Yamaha and Alesis? Is it truly inferior?
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[@joeltapp7028]

Thanks for putting this together! You're doing hero's work!!

[@KeithronPowell]

😂😂😂 thanks…

[@KeithronPowell]

Going live shortly

[@thomasraven]

Keith, you're absolutely right about comparing apples to apples. I was gigging in the 80s when the first Simmons kits were hot and, to quote Charles Barkley, they were TURRIBLE. But they were the best we had back then. I had a Gretsch electronic kit and later a Yamaha one and even the SD600 blows them away. Still, I see people on forums complaining about them. What the hell are they complaining about??? I currently have a SD600 kit at home and I love it. It's perfect for practice and recording. My only question is how durable the cables would be for gigging. The current Simmons lineup is the best value in electronic drumming IMHO and I started with Slingerland acoustic drums in the 70s!

[@KeithronPowell]

Agreed bro!! I just left Guitar Center speaking with a sales rep and researching for my next video and I was shocked to find out he didn't know that GC owned Simmons. He agreed that he just assumed it was a cheap drum based on price. The sad thing is HE OWNS A SD600 but favors the Alesis. I don't even understand that. I agree the current Simmons line up is the best value in the e-drum field and everyone is sleeping on them. The big boys better pray that Simmons doesn't get into the fight at a higher level!

[@davidreidy5750]

It's true the names of some of these drums are insane lol😆

[@Ron_C]

Love your energy! I've gotten a silly idea that I want to learn to play around with some drums and researching electronic drum sets is maddening! Being 57 years old, I doubt I will ever need a super high end set, but I don't want something super cheap either. I appreciate all the vids and I'll keep at it. Still on the fence with so many brands and models!

[@KeithronPowell]

I’d suggest SIMMONS Titan 50. It’s on sale right now and has great sounds. It’s easy to put together and makes it easy to learn and also play along to your favorite music.

[@Ron_C]

@@KeithronPowell Right on! Thanks for the tip!

[@danmac9423]

I enjoy your videos, man. My dad gave me his SD600 when I started looking into E-kits and I've found it to be very versatile, I have to put in some effort to get the sound and feel I want, but I'd do that with an acoustic kit. Your videos have helped a lot in me getting to know my kit and you keep things real and push past the BS of (in pompous tone with a pinky in the air) "weeeelll my Roland..." . Keep at it man and thanks for making these videos!

[@KeithronPowell]

😂😂😂 thanks man

[@webingerphoto49]

KeithRon…very honest review. I have the Roland KV-07. Also, a newbie in the eDrum world. I’ve been an acoustic kit player for over 50 years Ludwig, Rogers and Gretsch. Thought I would the eDrums a try! Overall I like the portability and weight when moving/lifting kit for traveling. Tweaking the drum sounds can be very intimidating with the module. Which means I am researching almost every day on KZbin! Thank you for being there to help! Cheers!

[@johndef5075]

The Simmons is by far the best looking too!

[@KeithronPowell]

True😂😂😂

[@DonVal86]

Helped a student purchase a lower budget e-kit. Was so shocked how good the Simmons Titan 50 sounded. Am really looking into purchasing something from their higher end now. 🤔

[@KeithronPowell]

Wow that’s awesome to hear.

[@Darkopolypse98]

super new to E-drums and drumming in general so this helps me a TON when trying to do all my research and compare! :D thank you!

[@KeithronPowell]

👍🏽

[@arendvanderbliek]

I had placed an order for the Alesis and you convinced me to change my decision to the Simmons (luckily on time)

[@KeithronPowell]

Wow!

[@007CRUSHINDO]

Finally found dis video big bro. I agree, Simmons been creepin in the cut for a while now.

[@KeithronPowell]

Yes they have. There new drum the Titan 50 is amazing and blows the Alesis Nitro Mesh away. The 1250 gives the Crimson a fight and I think it edges it out although I do thing the feel mainly cymbal placement feels better on the Crimson.

[@007CRUSHINDO]

@@KeithronPowell Fasho! Got my attention whenever I get my first E Kit becuz im not finna pay Roland prices for a kit ever 🤣. Simmons it is 💯

[@ppaulcall]

Excellent comparative analysis of these kits. Thank you - it really helped my personal decision as I have been leaning toward Simmons based on how it sounds but the comparison chart just made my decision very simple.

[@KeithronPowell]

You’re welcome

[@97warlock]

the titan 50 to me sounds best

[@MarsHottentot]

Starting with the SD2000, the original designer of the Simmons drum came back to the company and the product took a huge step up. It's still a bit restrained by Guitar Center (they're having serious finical troubles), but these are no longer the junk kits they once were.

[@KeithronPowell]

I’m not sure their financial situation is the big issue. I’m pretty sure when you compare like drums you see that the simmons product is better than what’s in its class… you (not you per se’) don’t or shouldn’t compare a Titan 50 to a Strike Pro. The issue is, IMO, 1) features for the price 2) coming up with great and doable ideas for the price point. Those two things are likely the main restraints on the product.

[@TonyDiaz.]

Hi my friend. I have the Roland TD07-DMK, which is the same as the KV only with CY5 cymbals and the attachable kick pad. I can tell you that the tom pads are small indeed, but they're 6" of playing surface, the shells are actually 8". The snare is 8" of playing surface, and the shell size is 10". Still small. The hi-hat pad is a CY5, which is 10" across, and it's a dual zone pad: edge and bow. The CY5 and CY8 cymbals are dual zone with choke. Personal opinion: I love the sounds on the TD07 module. It surprisingly gives you a lot of control over the sounds. So don't get fooled by the amount of sounds. It's a perfectly great beginner kit. Oh, the bluetooth is an absolute beauty. I don't use the midi mode but I do use it to play to songs. I've never used a cable to play along. I just wanted to clear that a bit. Nice vid!

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks for letting me know. I may have to bring it up in another video

[@uwustreet9583]

Nice video bro, I’m thinking of buying the titan 70, I had an Alesis nitro mesh and I want to sell it and get the simmons set

[@KeithronPowell]

The T70 is hot!

[@co.students4307]

Thank you for this brother! We have been looking for a good edrum set for our church for some time. However, just like you said, it's difficult to compare models. After reviewing your content, you've definitely talked us into the Simmons SD1250. It's maxing out our budget, but seems like the best "bang-for-your-buck" option. Used your link to purchase, so I hope you get a referral bonus for all your time and effort. God bless you sir!

[@KeithronPowell]

Can wait to see what you all think wince it is plugged in!

[@carlcreech3717]

I'm getting ready to purchase sn SD 1250. It looks like after reading up on the different brands is Simmons has the best bang for the buck. In addition, if I'm not mistaken Simmons was the fore-father of e-drums back in the 80s. Remember the hexagonal e-drums back then and you could change the colors of the pad body?

[@KeithronPowell]

Yep I remember those

[@AtypicalPaul]

Thank you so much for doing this! Trying to pick one out

[@KeithronPowell]

You’re welcome

[@thesaneparty4079]

How much does one have to spend to get balanced, professional line level outputs from Simmons?

[@KeithronPowell]

All of Simmons drums come with them

[@thesaneparty4079]

@@KeithronPowell My titan 70 kit I bought says nothing in the manual about balanced outputs, and hooking up balanced cables doesn't fly, so in my experience, this isn't the case.

[@stevemartinko543]

Good job Keith! I bought a Simmons SD1200 during the holidays and love it! I agree it's definitely the best value and great sounding kit at $1000! I sure wish Simmons would release and Android or Windows version of their app! Rock on!

[@KeithronPowell]

I’ve been thinking about doing a video on why I think they haven’t…🤔

[@johnburkhalter3880]

Simmons is a real bargain. Of the sets you compared, I think the Yamaha module has the best sounds if you're going to acoustic drum sounds. The Roland sounds are horrible IMO. I would easily pick the Simmons out of this group and if I didn't like the onboard sounds, just plug up a computer and bam!

[@KeithronPowell]

👍🏽

[@RussellStewart-pe9rb]

Have been a Jazz drummer for 40 years. I find that you ate very informational to all drummers. Thank you for giving. Me all your information. But all the dynamics are with in the drummer who is playing. I personally like the Titan 70.And hope to purchase one soon Thanks Again Russell Stewart Philadelphia PA

[@willbarnz6960]

"Two years" since the release of this video... Simmons Drums 2 is available on Android, Some of the Simmons cheaper options have been updated, as has Alesis. Nice to see a paper comparison of kits around the $800-$1000 range (even though two years have passed) Would be nice to see an updated comparison. Would be nice to see other comparisons, say $600-$800, and $400-$600 ranges, maybe $1000-$1200 as well. Maybe even the $200-$400 range... with examples, if possible, of "You get what you pay for" and also the "law of diminishing returns." Yeah, paper isn't the be-all end-all for the comparisons.... Ya gotta go try for yourself if you can, and try to find unbiased (not press release, not dictated results) reviews.

[@KeithronPowell]

Yeah… I mentioned it in a couple of my new videos

[@tdz69]

Thanks for this! I’m not a drummer although I can play decently. I’m looking for an electronic set that I can use with superior drummer. Just curious if the Simmons would be sufficient for this. I would like mesh heads but other than that I don’t need anything crazy to withstand gigging etc etc.

[@KeithronPowell]

Yep… they’ll do great. All of them will.

[@davidmerlin3344]

Is there any news if Simmons has another kit coming out? I would love to add another Tom and another cymbal but I guess there is not enough jacks in the brain. Question: If I was to get another duplicate brain (run 2 brains to have an extra Tom or 2 and extra cymbal) , can you tune the drums up or down in the program ? If I added a Tom, I would tune it like a small 8 inch acoustic drum.

[@KeithronPowell]

No news to report… as to tuning yes! In the app you can easily tune them.

[@The-Great-One4487]

Thank you fo this video, great work. I am still confused, however. My question is How does the new Titan 70 fir in? It seems to me that it beats them all. I am I wrong, please comment back. And Roland if you are reading this, send Keith a couple of sets to review. Your electronic drums are super confusing.

[@KeithronPowell]

1) Roland… you heard him! 😂 the Titan 70 is a step up from the 50 but still in some ways not better than the 1250 in others it is. The 1250 is 1 to 2years older so they’ve had time to rethink everything

[@RyansCustomShopandGearOutlet]

Thanks for the info.! Liked and subscribed!

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks

[@elbettto]

When you chose for an electronic drumkit the most important is the feel and sensitivity; velocity on MIDI terms. How accurate is on that?? Comaparing it with series like Roland TD-11K?? Because the sounds you can get them from a nice DAW. Nice video by the way!

[@KeithronPowell]

I agree…. I’ll just say that my main drum is the SD1250. I advise getting it and immediate downloading the firmware update. It may not be necessary but it’ll make sure it triggers properly. Also, as you likely know you can make sure the DAW setting and/or the program (ex: EZDrummer) settings are properly set up as well.

[@llebar2708]

Simmons’ warranty is fantastic!!

[@KeithronPowell]

True

[@davidmerlin3344]

Is there room on the center bar to add another 10” Tom (I want 3 tons to front and 2 floor toms to my right) I want 5 toms total. And can I add one more cymbal? (I want 4 cymbals total) Thanks!

[@KeithronPowell]

Room on the bar possibly but you’d have to use a plotter to add another tom because it comes maxed out. Not sure how that will affect the triggering though

[@davidmerlin3344]

@@KeithronPowell Hmmmm. Is there some other good modules out there on the market that have room for 5 toms, 4 cymbals and the hi hat? Even if it is a slightly older module with great drum and cymbal sounds.

[@KeithronPowell]

@@davidmerlin3344 🤷🏽‍♂️ you can buy some more expensive ones by Roland and I believe Alesis and others but I’m not sure how far you can take them.

[@AtypicalPaul]

Wonder what difference is in 1200 and the 1250 other than extra drum and cymbal

[@KeithronPowell]

Yes and I’m gonna have to do a video explaining that difference. I will likely film it on Monday.

[@tomjones2348]

Is there a version of this review without the background music? Just the facts, that's all I want.

[@KeithronPowell]

So you can’t get the facts from this video because of the background music? 🤨

[@KeithronPowell]

Oh…. And no. I put background music in my videos.

[@DadBodDrumming]

Clearly you get more 'stuff' for your money with Simmons. But the stuff, the hardware, is all about the same on them. The big difference is the module and the sounds it produces. That is why Roland and Yamaha are seen as better. They have fantastic sounds out of the box. But Simmons has the App and to me that should set it apart. As it can be used to create great sounds.

[@KeithronPowell]

I totally agree with the hardware assessment. Which is why I was a bit disappointed with Alesis and their thinness. As to module sounds…. You should watch my newest video where I explain why I don’t like to judge the sounds.

[@DadBodDrumming]

@@KeithronPowell s exporting the Midi into a DAW will change it to almost any sound. And to me this is why the cheapest drumsets are going to be the best. Good hardware, low cost and in the end great souds. The money you save on hardware is enough to buy a professional DAW and drum sounds.

[@KeithronPowell]

@@DadBodDrumming completely true! My new single uses ezdrummer sounds. I chose to play the Simmons SD1250 over the Alesis Crimson just for feel preference. But sounds don’t matter because of ezdrummer. Now I will say that in my other single I used the SD600 and the Logic Pro drum sounds and it worked well but not as good as ezdrummer

[@shawnoclock9832]

Just like Simmons add on is for the Sd600 not the 1200 or 1250 plus it's an 8" not a 10" to match the other floor tom that's a 10" on the sd1200 I boosted myn and a Ibanez acoustic guitar my wife broke 3 years back so I saved 250.00 hey shits expensive

[@KeithronPowell]

😂

[@shawnoclock9832]

@@KeithronPowell hey I still miss the size of the proper upgrade but it was just a pad 10" no cymbal and stand and the names of these kits they're Asian my dude they're whole culture is Weird numbers look at there dictionary can you tell me four lines crossed by 3 is a letter Just broccoli beef please no extra soy sauce we salt installerent over hur !! 😂

[@jefffann2695]

Hey buddy, really enjoy your content. I have recently purchased the SD1250. Do you have a video for the recommended set up for guys that are converting to electric. That don't have apple products. Kind of like a good how to video?

[@KeithronPowell]

Hey thanks for watching. I have a lot of videos on the Simmons product so I'm not sure how to answer that. LOL What type of info are you looking for? Maybe it'll spark an idea or maybe I already have one. Here is a link to my Simmons playlist. Even though some of the videos are for the SD600 the information still applies. kzbin.info/aero/PLHoxyMMSgQtPT8w064K1Cy0brrQMkYGHl

[@jefffann2695]

Basic set up with the capabilities and how to use them. I have zero idea. I know it can be hooked up to computers, iPad, iPhone. Mainly the computer for myself. (I don't own Apple products). Just a set up for dummies I guess. Lol

[@victorygah]

Hey! You are my hero, man! You saved me hours of research. Thanks!

[@KeithronPowell]

👍🏽

[@11Drums]

On the Roland the drums are smaller but they feel better and I never have cared about having only a triangle bit on the cymbals because that’s the only part you ever play. And the high-hat on the Roland is double zoned. And the ride is triple zoned for the Roland. And the sound composition wasn’t fair because you forgot to mention sound quality, which roland is the best. The colour of the screen doesn’t really matter and the Simmons has all colour, but it’s a very clunky transition between things. But I feel like this review, Missed a lot of things like editing features things. How durable it is on the role and you can upgrade the module. But I feel like you didn’t start with a very open mind in the beginning.

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks for your reply… I think I mentioned that I did another video about sounds. The big thing is that sounds are subjective. I have a entire spill on it in another video on why I hate the discussion about sounds. Next I think you missed the point of the color screen and it’s ability to make it more intuitive unlike the monochromatic screen of Roland and others. Speaking of upgrade… have you checked out the capabilities of the simmons Titan 50? A lot of what you say I missed is in other videos

[@11Drums]

@@KeithronPowell we have a Titan 50 at school for all the little kids but I have played it. but everyone goes of the Roland’s kits or the acoustic kits. When there practices sessions are on.

[@007CRUSHINDO]

And you right, those names be having me throwed 🤣

[@KeithronPowell]

😂

[@jimilove7773]

Buying the titan 70! Thanks!

[@KeithronPowell]

👍🏽

[@essenter4222]

Aren't actually Yamaha tom pads single zone?

[@KeithronPowell]

Depends on the drum set.

[@essenter4222]

@@KeithronPowell All from DTX4 and 6 series have single zone pads, all from DTX8 and 10 have dual zone pads

[@KeithronPowell]

@@essenter4222 that’s what I said… depends on the drum.

[@emwilliams97]

How did u become sponsor for simmons

[@KeithronPowell]

I actually am not sponsored by them. However, they contacted me after seeing my videos on the SD600.

[@emwilliams97]

@@KeithronPowell Okay gotcha now

[@shawnoclock9832]

I guess your supposed to scoot the small heads over to the Right as you scooch in the 3, 8" toms you'll have 3 8 inch toms instead of a cool looking Two 8 inch and two 10" Simmons Please fix the Upgrade packs we need cymbals and more cymbals those are the ice cream on the Sundae or Apple pie alamode and hey what if we want more pads too and more colors with Glitter I love the flashing lights smart lights that change color wrapped around my kit I'ma do a video on TikTok and show you we need UX experience half of the show is Visual arts !! 🙏

[@KeithronPowell]

👍🏽

[@kevinschmitz1946]

They would be great if they fixed the note skip on the hi-hats. I would of got one but went with the Alesis Strike Pro

[@KeithronPowell]

They did fix it!!! LOL It was fixed in late November. The thing is a larger channel than mine put out that it wasn't. I had the video uploaded saying they did it with a link to the update. I just uploaded a new video showing that you can also fix the issue in your DAW for recording purposes. If you're using it to trigger sounds from the DAW or EZ Drummer like programs it's a simple fix. At the same time... If you were considering a $2699 drum there was no way the $1099 was even in the running. The Strike Pro is a different ballpark which is why I didn't include it in my chart in this video. However, if Simmons ever decided to compete on the level of the Strike Pro..... Alesis is in trouble!

[@kevinschmitz1946]

@@KeithronPowell Well thats odd because I went and tried them at guitar center and it was still an issue. And before you say it was an old ver they set it up just for me to try from a new shipment that just received.

[@KeithronPowell]

@@kevinschmitz1946 just so you know they had already shipped… all the stores received the Christmas shipments after the update released so… it was old ones… it was all of themes I’ve done the upgrade and it works. The issue is the stores don’t know or just don’t tell anyone about the updates. I was at the store today getting footage for a video and talking to the guy in the drum area and he didn’t even know about the issue let alone the fix. So, yeah…. The issue is the stores don’t even know. And the shipments of the 1250 all dropped at the same time. Just so ya know

[@kevinschmitz1946]

@@KeithronPowell Just so you know I am not trolling you. I respect you as a musician and a fellow drummer I have been playing for 35 yrs and have sat in for a few National bands. I was interested in trying the Simmons because of the CAT5 connection for the snare also being a IT admin for a real job lol. It's to bad others don't use that seeing the data transfer rate and response is much faster.

[@KeithronPowell]

@@kevinschmitz1946 it is much faster I think the store employees do the public a disservice because they don’t know crap about the simmons drum. I’ve been plying for 30 plus years myself… the triggering issue was fixed after the drums were released to stores. In fact it myself and another reviewer that they discovered it from. My video was the first to be released and they asked me about it. When they saw it in the video and when I made my own fix video that didn’t correct it completely. Once I did the upgrade I was satisfied with the result of the fix.

[@rockbottomstudioofny9230]

All about the sound. Roland trumps all the rest

[@KeithronPowell]

😂😂😂 you should watch my video on why I don’t like to judge sounds from the modules

[@refeekey250]

Roland SD 1200? 2:48 in. I think you meant Simmons SD 1200.

[@KeithronPowell]

yeah,,. I put that on screen in edit that I meant to say Simmons

[@ERIC-65]

Say SIMMONS !

[@shawnoclock9832]

I highly agree Simmons is the best choice if your not following the Hype or We want you to spend 2200 for a Rolland na homies at Gee tar center who never played these or any drums I'm going with playability and Aesthetic's Yamaha a Joke but they got the Hype Name nope you fell off on this !!! Simmons for life playa Alex van Halen , 🥺 Phil Collins rock Simmons not that I care I got myn on clearance 800. Simmons 1250 i did buy my son the Alesus special edition Red dual mesh heads for 369.00 he's 3 he's autistic he loves them mom kidnapped the whole family left me behind my life sucks lucky I got my Simmons to keep me from Suicidal tendencies!!

[@KeithronPowell]

Soryy

[@cephlopodic]

All head is good head mo🍌

[@KeithronPowell]

Wow

[@saber-jocky3436]

Sorry dude but more sounds does not equal better. I would rather have 5 good kits to select from than over a thousand generic garbage sounds to hate.

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks for your comment. Don’t think I said that but thanks.

[@shawnoclock9832]

What's all this talk of a third kit out there the Sd1250 is that why my Simmons SD1200 was on clearance well I got your cool Names let's just call The Simmons the San Diego 1200 1250 we can call the Alesus the Detroit Killer Crimson Red Kit We can call Roland the Overpriced Numerous number and the Yamaha The Who 2022 stick to guitars especially basses endorsing Billy Big from Mr Big that have a price tag of 2500 for a four string Yamaha bass with his specs !! II would say no I'll take Geeze Butlers Lakeland base made in America set to his 50 years of experience as Black Sabbath Big low end sold for 1500.00 standard price for American made immortal Excalibur Lakeland Basses, Fender guitars , Les Paul or Gibson, BC Rich our American made Latino designer !! 1400.00 for a white beautiful BC Rich with Fish man pickups active ones !!

[@KeithronPowell]

😳wha?