kits, rim shots, playing surfaces

Worth its weight in microphones and Gaffa tape.

Drumcheck

Could this be the ultimate electronic kit? Bob Henrit thinks so

Simmons SDS9 electronic drum kit

Simmon's new drum kit

The people who invented the electronic drum introduce MIDI — and a decidedly acoustic sound - with the advent of a new kit, the SDS9. Nigel Lord gives his verdict.

Percussion Voice Expander

Nick Rowland takes sticks to Simmons pads - and finds a whole load of tuned percussion sounds appearing at the other end. Will drummers start putting xylophonists out of work?

Dave Simmons, the man behind the name on the hexagonal pad, holds forth on the past, present and future of electronic percussion. Paul White listens.

Mike Collins investigates the magic behind Enigma Studios, a MIDI-based recording facility in London's East End.

Not so much a home studio as a studio in the home.

Roland Electronic Drums

Paul White picks up his sticks and puts Roland’s electronic kit through its paces. Can it hold its head up against some stiff competition?

The Syn-D-Kit

Do you turn pale at the thought of forking out for a Simmons SDS9? Do you go green with envy when friends show off brand-new Ultimate Percussion kits? Paul White's design for a build-your-unswer electronic drum hit could bring a bit of colour to your cheeks.

Jim Betteridge investigates altered perception, or is it just too much lager?

Sound On Sound reader Kofi Busia recently released his own independent LP called 'Oh Africa', funded entirely by himself. To encourage others to follow his example, we asked Kofi to write about his experiences. In this the first of three parts, he presents a frank and revealing account of why the record came about, how he came to grips with using modern technology for African music, and why he chose the equipment he used.

Dynacord Percuter S

Digital drums the Dynacord way. Or as Nigel Lord would put it, a better-than-average electronic drum kit at a higher-than-average price. Is the Percuter worth the extra?

While most of us spend our time trying to get our MIDI equipment to work together properly, Martin Russ reveals how to creatively mis-use MIDI and produce some interesting musical results.

For all of you that have ever thought, 'If only I could build my own 24-track studio, I'd have it made', we present this cautionary tale.

Take three musicians who like to remain anonymous, four film-makers and a stunning live show, and you've got one of the most original - if unsung - bands in Britain today.

Who you (the readers) voted as best musician, and what you (still the readers) voted as best gear. We shake the world.