SPD-S Reliability - Questions...

[AdamCooney]

Okay so I was going to search for this, but figured that there would be 1,000 topics with the word "SPD-S" in them so if there is one, I apologize.

So I've been wanting something to do samples, random stupid movie quotes and clips from random things, bass drops, etc. As well as maybe someday triggering my acoustic bass drums and was really looking at this. I've got a 10% off coupon for eBay and saw a really good deal on one on there that I'd get for $350 after shipping and the coupon which is in PERFECT pristine condition with box, etc.

My question is how reliable are they? I baby everything I own and wouldn't smash on the pads, I'd basically just use them for random sound effects, samples while playing live on my acoustic kit, and possibly some random things while practicing on my TD-20. I've read amazing reviews on Musicians Friend, and then others have said how they fall apart so easily, etc. etc.

So those who have them or who've had them, what are your opinions/reveiws on them, and if you had one and sold it, how come?

Thanks a bunch!!!

[Rythmstik]

Been playing live w/mine for a couple of years now with no problems aside from a couple of bad cables from the SPD to the TD. Gets hauled around, set up /tore down and beat on a lot, but keeps on playing....

[Mr Stixx]

Ive was using mine for the last 3 years working as a drummer full time and never had any problems. If you make sure its protected in transport and take care of your leads, you should be fine. Only thing I would have liked was an extra power adaptor, just incase but then I never had any problems anyway.

Quite sure you will have no problems with the pad.

[BarT]

I've only had two faults on mine in 5 years, and both had extenuating circumstances. The power supply died at a gig; but I'm fairly sure that was caused by ancient wiring at the venue. And I had to get an output repaired; but I think that was damaged when someone stepped on the cable. It even survived a few thunder storms at outdoors events and continued to perform after getting dripped on a lot.


Bruce

[Mr Stixx]

continued to perform after getting dripped on a lot.

So you use to drool a lot then?

[AdamCooney]

Awesome, sounds good then. It seems like you guys take care of your gear as well as I. And Mr. Stixx, can you explain what you mean by 'take care of your leads'? I'm not sure if you mean my physical outputs on it, or leads as in power supply, or as in cables, or as in preventative maintaince somehow (and if so how would I go about that?). I've read some places to use contact spray in jacks but I can't remember where or what kind. I should probably get some anyways for my TD-20.

Thanks!

[Mr Stixx]

I just meant to look after the cables you use for your spd-s and whatever other gear you use. Roll them up properly and protect them, make sure no one is standing on them during the gig and so on.

Ive seen people take care over the expensive parts and not the smaller cheaper items but the small things can stop or ruin a performance just as easily.

[Michael Render]

I treat my SPD-S like sh*t and it has never failed me. I throw it in the back of the van unprotected. Kick it around the floor. Drop it off the stage. I am hard on stuff, but it still keeps chugging away.

[AdamCooney]

Awesome, thanks a lot for the help guys. =0) I'll be sure to snag one of em' off eBay this week. I'm mainly using it for random sound clips, bass drops, and maybe some regular percussion sounds like a cowbell/woodblock.

[djdrum4u]

spds reliability

Get it! I have every roland percussion product except for the hand sonic and I have a blast with my spds. Only I paid 230.00


Now you can help me, there was a posting for some Simmons equipment, vintage stuff. I can't find it but i can help the guy out. How do I Ifind this guy?

Djdrum4u

[thebaron]

This was sort of mentioned in the initial question so I thought I'd ask it in more detail:

Will the spd-s work well for triggering a small 4 piece acoustic set?
I was thinking about using some rt10 triggers for the kick and toms (no snare triggering). It would be nice to have the spd-s to the side for sound effects and percussion PLUS using it to trigger/reinforce the acoustic kick and toms. For small bar gigs that would be much easier to pack and set up for me rather than upending my TD practice set and all it's cables.

[BarT]

This was sort of mentioned in the initial question so I thought I'd ask it in more detail:

Will the spd-s work well for triggering a small 4 piece acoustic set?
I was thinking about using some rt10 triggers for the kick and toms (no snare triggering). It would be nice to have the spd-s to the side for sound effects and percussion PLUS using it to trigger/reinforce the acoustic kick and toms. For small bar gigs that would be much easier to pack and set up for me rather than upending my TD practice set and all it's cables.

Well, it would almost work well for that; BUT the SPD-S can only use two mono triggers (or one dual pad) directly, because it has only a single splittable input for external triggers. Anything beyond that would need something like a TMC-6 to provide extra inputs via MIDI. So, with just an SPD-S you could only use a kick trigger and one tom trigger. Which is a shame because it has preset trigger settings for Roland's acoustic triggers.

Bruce

[thebaron]

That's a real bummer.
I thought it had 2 inputs. One for hi hat and one stereo input...but on second look it has an expression input, forcing to use a pad as a hi hat.
Once you add a TMC-6 to the mix, it no longer becomes a quick brainless set up for a small bar gig, and requires yet another mount for the tmc. Yea lazy but it all adds up, especially since I'm the one that gets stuck hooking up and making the pa work.

[AdamCooney]

I just ordered mine up. Got it "used" on eBay from a dealer called "musicians_4_us" or something, I've purchased my second KD-120 from them before they're amazing. I don't know where they get their stuff, but it's rarely ever actually used. I picked it up for $366 shipped including box, manual, power cord, etc.

Now just to get some hilarious samples and find a realllly good bass drop sound. =0)

[Michael Render]

Now just to get some hilarious samples and find a realllly good bass drop sound. =0)

If you need stupid sounds, I am your guy. I have been collection sound effects for the Ohio College of Clowning Arts for 10 years. I may have the worlds biggest collection of fart sounds! Heh.