Debating on which to buy, given the current sale prices for each of them. My music is primarily traditional rock/pop/adult alternative.

Any thoughts on which would be preferable? I think I prefer the BFD Eco interface but am still debating.

Any feedback from folks experienced with either of these would be appreciated.

Thanks.

For me ssd. I would sell my bfd eco and zildjian for cheap if it wasnt $100 tranfer fee. Dont get me wrong eco is great. I just dont like spending time tweaking acoustic drums. Im doing metal so my taste might differ

If I may suggest - Tootrack EZ Drummer for <$70 and then ability to upgrade to full SuperiorDrummer 2 for $99 when that might be.

That's the path I took and could not be happier. Then extended with a couple of SDX for SD2.

If I violate topic - just erase everything above in your mind.

I'm really happy with SSD 4 Platinum can't fault the sound quality and features.

I received the $20 SSD Essentials special email today, and although at that price it seems tempting, only 1 drum kit (and what, 2 extra drums)?

"Steven Slate Drums 4 ESSENTIAL comes with one world class Steven Slate DELUXE drumkit, as well as an additional kick and snare sample from the CLASSIC pack."

Not familiar with SSD base capabilities, but with Eco 1.5 (Eco 1.0, followed by 1.5 upgrade) there's something like 14 cymbals, 9 kicks, 10 snares, 11 floor toms, etc. to choose from.

As a result, I'm wondering whether the two are even comparable?

If you look at it that way. no Eco is a better bargain. For me personally i get 13 cymbals 8 kicks, 9 snares, 9 floor toms that i dont use.
But i also have 1 guitar tone that im happy with too and podfarm guitar rig etc that ill never use.
I guess one would need to find a demo of the one kit and decide pretty quick whether they like it or not.

I dont think that came out right. But it made sense when i was thinking it...carry on

Sorry if I'm off topic but Id' like to hear more about EZdrummer. I've heard nothing but positive comments thus far in other threads.

Where can you get it for $70?

At audiodeluxe.com, you can get it now for $52.49! Use the 'toon25off' code at checkout.

SSD EX can be found for $79 at Guitar Center Stores right now. It has 25 drumkits, which I believe is more than anything in that price range. We'll have demos for SSD4 EX at the page soon.

The kit that comes with SSD4 Essential is one of my favorite kits.. natural, versatile.. and the extra Snare is 11A which was a snare I originally made for legendary mixer Mike Shipley, and has been used in hundreds of major albums. For the metal guys, SSD4 Essential comes with the extra Kick5, which has been used in a ton of metal albums for years.

Let me know if anyone has any questions!

Cheers,
Steven

Thanks for the great info all!

I'll definitely check this out. Thanks for the info!

Does SSD EX include the same kit and extra pieces that comes in the Essential version?

What is the upgrade path/price from SSD Essentials to SSD EX?

Do EX and/or Essentials require i-lock? I know some Slate products do.