Roland produce a lot of electronic drum kits (or V-Drums, if you want to get technical). But what are the key differences between each of the models available? From configurations, to head material, drum modules, price points and pedals, we take a look at just what makes each set of Roland electronic drums tick.
Roland are arguably THE leading brand when it comes to electronic drum kits. They've solidified their place as one of the most reputable, reliable and creative companies about, thanks to consistent innovation in the drumming arena with their selection of V-Drums. These electronic kits cater to players of all levels; whether you're a beginner in search of your very first set, or a professional drummer who requires a premium-grade percussion platform, Roland offer drums that suit all manner of abilities and playing styles.
Best For: Beginners on a budget.
The TD-1K is an entry-level kit built with the developing drummer in mind. A streamlined layout and a simple control panel makes these drums immediately accessible. With a single button press, you'll be able to choose from 15 contrasting kit sounds that cover all of the major genres. The drums themselves are fun and responsive too, as you'll be able to employ traditional acoustic techniques like cymbal choking, as well as advanced hi-hat playing. This helps you to develop important skills that can later be translated to an acoustic set.
Speaking of skills, a selection of integrated tutorials, a metronome and a handy recording function are all designed to help improve your chops. You can even jam along with a full backing band if you want!
Best For: Beginners who want a more realistic playing experience.
The TD-1DMK is an upgraded version of the TD-1K. The main differences are the double-mesh heads that are found across the snare and toms. This is a feature that's usually reserved for the more expensive Roland setups. The result is a far more realistic playing feel, with a level of response that mirrors that of an acoustic kit. Every nuance of your playing will be highlighted, right down to the lightest ghost notes.
15 kit presets have been incorporated that span a wide range of styles. Whatever you like to play, you'll have a kit that's ready for it. These kits have been paired with 15 onboard songs and 10 different integrated coaching modes, each of which has been designed from the ground up to help improve your skills. A metronome (boasting adjustable tempo settings) is present too; there's no excuse for being out of time again! These handy tools all ensure that you'll be able to get the most out of every single practice session.
Best For: Beginners or intermediates who are willing to spend a little more on a first or second kit.
The TD-17K-L sits at the start of Roland's mid-range offering. It's equally suitable if you're a beginner who's willing to spend a bit more on a first kit, or a more advanced player searching for an upgrade. A realistic playing feel is assured thanks to a mesh snare and kick drum pad. Built-in sensors mean that even the tiniest details of your drumming are projected, while the rubber tom pads - which aren't as responsive as their mesh counterparts - still allow you to glide smoothly across the kit.
This kit is centred around the TD-17 module. This versatile and powerful piece of gear is packed full of realistic, dynamic drum sounds (50 to be exact) that are derived from the flagship TD-50 sound engine. These preset sounds can be tweaked too; you can layer samples on top of one another, apply EQ or even change the pitch of individual drums. And if you still need more creative control, you can import your own range of samples too!
Best For: Those who are looking for an affordable, all mesh kit.
The TD-17KV is the upgraded version of the TD-17K-L. It features an improved design, with the upgraded PDX-12 mesh head pads making up the snare, toms and kick drum. These result in a playing feel that is closer to that of a traditional acoustic kit. The CY5 hi-hat cymbal is highly playable, with a level of sensitivity that improves your control. This opens up whole new avenues of advanced hi-hat technique. The set is also built around the TD-17 module, providing the same high-quality sounds, customisation and coaching modes that make the range so well-rounded.
Best For: Drummers searching for an electronic experience closer to that of an acoustic kit.
The TD-17KVX is the most developed of the three kits present in the TD-17 range. It boasts all mesh pads across the toms, kick and snare, while the snare itself is larger in size (12-inches). This ensures you'll develop correct technique that can later be translated to an acoustic kit. You can even use any traditional acoustic hi-hat stand with the VH-10 hi-hat cymbal, resulting in a far more authentic look and feel when you sit down to play. The final major difference is the extra cymbal pad, giving you access to a trio of crashes/rides.
It's still built around the TD-17 drum module, delivering the same great coaching functions, extensive sample customisation, and realistic and expressive drum sounds.
Best For: Serious players who like to record drums at home.
The TD-27KV sits between the TD-25 and TD-50 range. It combines a versatile TD-27 sound engine with a full set of large, responsive, realistic pads and cymbals - resulting in a kit with electronic sensibilities and a more acoustic style.
Best For: Enthusiasts or pro's who require a creative and realistic electronic set.
The TD-50K is the cheapest of the three TD-50 kits available. It features the brand new TD-50 sound module (with Prismatic Sound Modelling) leading to a whole host of drum sounds - over 400 to be exact - that appear as realistic and expressive as their acoustic counterparts. Like some of Roland's other kits, these can all be customised, however, you can apply up to 30 different effects here, or even layer your own WAV's alongside the preset options.
The drums themselves have been designed to be as authentic as possible when it comes to feel and response. A bigger snare and ride cymbal, paired with three toms all feel incredible to use, with in-built sensors that make sure they react dynamically to your playing. If you like to record your drums, that's catered to here. Simply connect to your favourite DAW using USB and directly capture 10 individual channels of high-quality audio. Your productions will be taken to the next level, that's for sure! These drums are also designed to be used in a live setting too. Master XLR outputs and eight TRS balanced outputs make sure your performances on stage will run smoothly.
Best For: Professionals looking to practice, create and record.
The TD-50KV sits in the middle of the TD-50 range. It features most of the same great features found as part of the TD-50K, however it contains a couple of key differences. The main one is the deeper and larger drums. The snare, toms and kick are all bigger in size, making for a wider playing surface and a look that's more in line with a standard acoustic kit. There's also the VH-13 hi-hat (as opposed to the V-11) which boasts a smoother, more realistic opening/closing operation. This is because there are two individual cymbal pads present.
Best For: Professionals who want the best electronic experience Roland have to offer.
The TD-50KVX is Roland's ultimate electronic drum kit. You'll find all of the same tech and features that are present in the rest of the TD-50 range, however theres one major difference. A KD-220 bass drum has been incorporated here, boasting a smart air-dampening architecture. When paired with the 22-inch acoustic shell, this system works by moving air, in turn, providing a similar level of resistance to that of a traditional acoustic kick. The result? The playing feel and dynamics of an acoustic set, blended with the triggering and creativity of an electronic kit.
Best For: Drummers who want a space-saving electronic kit with an acoustic look.
The VAD306 is the first of Roland's Acoustic Design kits. These unique drums debuted at NAMM 2020 and pair an acoustic style with the heart of an electronic kit. This is a set of drums that look and sound the part - whether you're practicing at home, or looking for more creative capabilities when you perform live. This particular model features compact, shallow wooden shells with a set of fully adjustable double-braced stands, creating a proper acoustic aesthetic. Their shallower design helps to save space too!
It's all built around the TD-17 sound module with Prismatic Sound Modelling. There's an extensive library of percussion, cymbals and drums to select from, each captured in astounding detail thanks to innovative sampling techniques. You'll notice a smoother transition between every single strike and a better range of tones too. The real fun comes when you build your own kits from scratch though. Once you've crafted the perfect kit, you can then adjust tuning, swap out the heads, apply muffling or place your kit in a reverberant, virtual space. Roland even developed 10 acoustic-influenced presets especially for the VAD306!
Best For: Those who want an electronic experience, with a unique, acoustic look.
The VAD503 features a one up, one down configuration, full-size wooden shells and chrome, double-braced stands. It feels immediately familiar when you sit down to use it, delivering a proper acoustic-influenced playing experience. The multi-ply mesh heads on each drum are incredibly authentic; you can even tweak the level of stick rebound to suit your preferred style. Market-leading architecture found in the ride and snare pads help to provide a further layer of control and expression.
The TD-27 sound module forms the beating heart of this kit, with a range of vintage and modern drums available to choose from. These instruments were meticulously sampled in some of the worlds best recording studios and were then subjected to Roland's Prismatic Sound Modelling wizardry - leading to some of the most authentic sounding drums on the market. Every element can be tweaked too, right down to the beater material of your kick, or the tension of your snare wire if you're so inclined!
You'll find the kit thrives during recording and live scenarios too. Use the integrated 28 channel USB audio interface to record your drums directly into your favourite DAW, or send drum sounds to an external PA mixer using the stereo mix output and two assignable outputs.
Best For: Drummers searching for an electronic kit that mirrors the playing feel and look of a traditional acoustic set.
The VAD506 is the expanded version of the VAD503. It features the same technology and design, however, it comes as a full five-piece configuration, as opposed to a one up, one down configuration. It also includes an extra crash cymbal, allowing for even more variety within your playing.
