Roland SPD-S. Worth the money?

[MykeyInChains]

I am interested in purchasing a Roland Spd-s sampling pad. It looks like it will do everything I want it to. I want to be able to throw in an electronic sound here and there in the music, similar to what Danny Carey does. You know, add an electronic interlude here and there to add some variety. I just want to be able to expand what sounds my band can have at a live show without adding a keyboard player. I've done lots of research, read lots of reviews and it looks good. Anyone have any experience with it before I take the $500 plunge? Thanks for the help.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Roland-SPDS-Sampling-Percussion-Pad?sku=449910

[harryconway]

I've had an SPD-S for 2 years now. Bought mine used for $350. Great unit. Since it is a sampler, you can feed it all kinds of info. One of my favorites is a police helicoper flying a search pattern in stereo. As long as you have an amp, you're good to go. Treat it with a little respect (it is, after all, basically a laptop). The Roland stock sounds in it are good, but maybe a bit to identifiable for some. But you can tweak the stock sounds out with the built in effects to a point where hard-core SPD-S players won't recognize them. I run my rig in stereo, one channel (dry) straight into a Roland PM-1. The other channel(wet) thru a Electro Harmonix 16 Sec. Delay (loop station) and a volume pedal, then into a second PM-1. You're never alone with a loop station. 2 thumbs up from me.

[MykeyInChains]

Alright, sounds good man. Thats a good omen. I appreciate the feedback.

[Jay.B.]

I get to unwrap my SPD-S this coming Tuesday morning, really looking forward to getting my hands on it, have read so many great reviews about it. I've already been out and got an ultra III CF card and a card reader for my PC to make it easier to transfer the samples I have on my computer, not been this excited about a piece of kit since I got my FFS snare