Alesis are dead

[mcconaghy]

According to Harmony-Central, Alesis have filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and are to be acquired by Numark. Here's the link: http://www.harmony-central.com/News/...hapter-11.html

Sad to see them go. Let's hope Numark will continue some of the great products Alesis have and get the ball rolling again.
Stu

[This message has been edited by mcconaghy (edited May 12, 2001).]

[Drumsonly2002]

[mcconaghy]

I wouldn't say that they're far from death, I've heard some word from some friends of mine (now ex-Alesis employees) that Numark is not intending to continue most of the Alesis line, some of the 19" equipment and the AirFX line will be continued, all studio equipment plus the Andromeda will be discontinued. I've also heard that Numark is moving onto financially very thin ice with this acquisition, so I'm not retracting any obituaries very soon, I may be premature, but I don't think by far.

Stu

[puttenvr]

We had a power amp from Alesis lately and it was absolutely crap. And since today many synths and modules already have a cheap effect processor built-in and we don't have to expect that much from Alesis' drum systems and keyboards, it's fine that they are dead. Sorry to be so

[Drumsonly2002]

With the alesis drum modules, they should have made it more of a package deal, a complete system, pads etc. Alesis drum modules mated with the right pads are indeed a great unit. BUT: Roland did it right, came out with the TD-8 and TD-10 systems. Pads that play fantastically, new cymbals, great high hat stand, and the rack for everything to mount on. Heavy marketing, dealer incentives, clinics, demo's, great working modules, beautiful sounding drums, (though I prefer Alesis sounds). So rather than buy a module like the great D-5 and excellent DM Pro, (which I'm ordering this week those units sat by the curb, as the majority of E Drum sales went to Roland. Alesis should have gone into the E Drum world with both barrels blazing like Roland but they choose to sell modules, and weakly advertised systems with Hart pads. Funny thing is the Alesis modules plays every bit as good as a TD-10 with expansion card on Roland pads, but who wants to go through the hassle mixing and matching pads just to save some money? Most buyers want a turn key solution. Thus Alesis suffers from lack of customer awareness, where as Roland is very active with the infrastructure for entire E Drum systems . The total package must be made available to the consumer. Alesis did not roar in that way. Roland is at arm's length to the consumer with the E Drum solution, thus making them a very strong player, and literally pushing other companies to the wayside. If a person walks into a store, and a TD-10 kit is there, chances that kit will be purchased over Alesis, D Drum, Yamaha, or any other brand, not because it sounds better, looks better or is better, but because 1.It is very high quality 2. A complete system and last but not least 3. AVAILABLE.
Unless a person wants a specific unit that has to be ordered in, Roland will get the lion's share of the market due to the brilliant way it set up it's marketing and product line. Alesis and other companies should take note as to how Roland operates.

[DougM]

Does anyone remember Alesis' first attempt at marketing a complete e-drum kit (before their current alliance with Hart)? Shortly after the introduction of the DM-5 module, they advertised a complete 5-piece kit with pads made of that "moon gel" material. I remember seeing it in various catalogs and NAMM reports but I don't think it ever went into full-scale production.

[MPCman]

Puttenvr> don't forget their ADAT revolution. And they are planning to make a 24track HD recorder for half the price of the Mackie. That's very welcome too.

O and the Andromeda. We have it in our shop and it's probably the fattest sounding synth we have.