In 1978, the Simmons Company was create in Britain by Dave Simmons specifically to create an electronic drum set; something that could compete with acoustics sets using advanced electronic sound generation. The most notable of these were the SDS-V in 1981 and the SDS-7 in 1983

Bill Bruford playing the SDS-V

The SDS-7 was the first electronic drum to use digital samples. It used modules like the SDS-V, but each module had an EEPROM for 8-bit samples as well as an analog synth. The Hexagon pads were still around, but Simmons had started using a soft rubber for the striking surface, much to the relief of the electronic drum users. The SDS-7 also had memory for 99 patches and an optional EPROM burner to upload your own samples. Digital and analog had finally collided in the drum world.

That is where we will stop in order to keep to our 25 year limit. The Tama Techstar and the Dynacord Percuter will have to wait till next year to be included in this list.

Well, the history of electronic drums is all well and fine, but can these units be called vintage? The first criteria is easily met; they are all out of production. Heck, the companies that built them aren't even around anymore. As for historical significance, I would have to say that they all meet that criteria also. The Syndrum, Synare and Simmons drums all revolutionized the sound of drumming. They were as distinctive as a 24” Slingerland bass with calf skin heads. And they were the building blocks for today's modern electronic drums. I think the historical significance is pretty self-evident, but if you are really itching for a fight, give me call.

I hate to judge aesthetics. It's such a personal thing. From a visual point of view, the distinctive looks of the Synare 3 and the Simmons Hexagon pads can be thought of as elegant design. The sound of these drums, however, is harder to rate. When we hear them now, we all immediately think “retro.” And so we should. But retro doesn't always mean bad. Sometimes it just means old, or vintage. I love the sound of a 1938 Slingerland set, but it sounds dated, old and vintage.

Of course I have one more criteria for vintage. It may not be in the formal definition, but it is in the de facto definition. Does anybody value these electronic drums enough to buy them, collect them and write about them? Sure do. A quick glance around eBay will uncover tons of vintage electronic drums. Not surprisingly, Simmons drums are more popular than the others as they have had a longer production life and larger sales numbers. But every once in awhile an original Syndrum or Synare will pop up. The Synare 3 still fetches $250-$300 at auction. All that money for a device that goes “doooooom.” There are websites devoted to vintage electronic drums where they share information and pictures. And yes, there are people who own these units and won't give them up. They lovingly clean, restore and, most importantly, play these drums.

I don't think there is any doubt that the Syndrum, Synare and Simmons drums can be classified as vintage. They meet all the criteria, both formal and de facto. They are pieces of our drumming history that remind us of where we came from and where we are going. There will always be drummers who don't care for electronics. But if we all liked the same thing, there would only be one drum set in the world. And we know that isn't going to happen anytime soon. Electronic drums can be vintage, and come to think of it, Not So Modern.

Michael Render lives in Akron, OH and is a drummer, composer, author and software engineer - not necessarily in that order.