Do I need a sram? And if so which, or any shimano, it's 9 speed by the way
Ooo, ooo, I can answer this one (being stuck in 2012 too 😉 ) yes you will need a Sram shifter, X5 X7 or X9 will do as long as it's a 9 speed one. Don't think you'll get new from the usual retailers though so try ebay, although you can still get the old X5 3x9 shifter sets with the indicator windows new on ebay from Hong Kong/China - great shifters!
If it's any help, I'm running an old 3x9 set up with SRAM x9 shifters. However, smashed the x9 mech to bits so my mate sold me his in new 10 speed SLX mech and after a bit of fiddling he got it working a treat. 6months on and no issues.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/gear-shifters?f=2258,4294967107,4294963681
Not that much choice but any SRAM 9sp Shifter EXCEPT the attack ones - they are compatible with Shimano instead.