Guide to Roland Electronic Drum Kits

Roland V-Drums: Electronic Drum Kits

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.  

About the Roland TD-1K Electronic Drum Kit

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!

TD-1K Features

• Swap between 15 contrasting drum kits. 
• Smart design allows for traditional playing techniques including cymbal choke, advanced hi-hat skills and more. 
• Integrated coaching, metronome and recording functions. 
• Play along to built-in audio tracks, or plug in your smartphone and drum to your favourite tunes.
• Beater-less kick pedal and noise-reducing pads result in noticeably lower volume - making it ideal for practice at home. 
• Ergonomic, space-saving build.
• Fully adjustable drum rack; change the height to suit you. 
• Space available to upgrade your setup. For example, you can add extra cymbals at a later date etc. 
• Simple to use module interface. 
• USB-MIDI lets you use the kit alongside compatible software, including DT-1 Drum Tutor and V-Drums Friend Jam Series.

About the Roland TD-1DMK Electronic Drum Kit

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. 

TD-1DMK Features 

• Double-mesh heads on the snare and toms (featuring fully adjustable tension) deliver an authentic playing experience. 
• Plug in your smartphone and play along to your favourite songs. 
• Select from 15 preset drum kits.
• Play to 15 onboard songs from a variety of contrasting genres. 
• Built-in record function. Listen back and evaluate your playing. 
• Develop your skills and track your progress using the 10 different coaching options. Work on your timing with the in-built metronome.

About the Roland TD-17K-L Electronic Drum Kit

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! 

TD-17K-L Features

• Work on your timing and overall playing using the free to download 'Melodics for V-Drums software'. 
• Import your own custom samples. 
• Realistic and dynamic drum sounds derived from the flagship TD-50 sound engine. 
• 50 preset drum kit sounds to choose from. 
• Customise and tweak each of the preset drum kits to craft your ideal drum sound. 
• Apply and adjust the ambience of each kit. 
• Access the warm-up menu for a daily playing exercise routine. 
• Coach mode includes Time Check and Quiet Count functions, both of which are designed to help develop your sense of time. 
• Room to expand the kit with further pads at a later date.
• Mesh snare and kick pads complimented by rubber toms.  

About the Roland TD-17KV Electronic Drum Kit

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. 

TD-17KV Features 

• Authentic and dynamic drum sounds sourced from the flagship TD-50 sound engine.
• Develop better timing and other skills using the free to download 'Melodics for V-Drums software'.
• Play along to your favourite songs or video lessons via Bluetooth. 
• Import your own custom samples. 
• Customise and alter the preset drum kits to build your perfect drum sound. 
• Apply and adjust the ambience preset on each kit. 
• Select from 50 preset drum kit sounds. 
• Use the warm-up menu and access a fun daily playing exercise. 
• Work on your timing using Quiet Count and Time Check coaching modes. 
• Room to expand your kits configuration at a later stage. 
• CY5 hi-hat cymbal. 
• PDX-12 pads create a realistic playing experience. 

About the Roland TD-17KVX Electronic Drum Kit

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. 

TD-17KVX Features 

• A large 12-inch double-mesh snare ensures you'll develop proper technique. 
• Use any traditional acoustic hi-hat stand with the VH-10 hi-hat cymbal (featuring natural motion with sensitive open/close detection).
• Realistic and dynamic drum sounds sourced from the flagship TD-50 sound engine. 
• One more cymbal pad than the other two kits in the range (3 in total). 
• Room for further pads if you want to expand your kit. 
• Develop better timing using the Time Check and Quiet Count coaching modes. 
• Access the warm-up menu for a daily playing exercise. 
• Stream your favourite tunes or video lessons to the kit using Bluetooth. 
• Choose from 50 preset drum kit sounds. 
• Tweak the ambience present on each kit. 
• Customise every single preset kit to build your ideal drum sound. 
• Import your own custom samples. 
• Improve your chops by downloading the free ‘Melodics for V-Drums’ software. 

About the Roland TD-27KV Electronic Drum Kit

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. 

TD-27KV Features

• Improve your drumming chops using the onboard practice functions.
• Built-in Bluetooth allows you to play along to your favourite tunes via a laptop or smartphone.
• Expand your kit using three auxiliary trigger inputs.
• A 28-channel USB audio interface allows for professional level music production.
• Import custom WAV samples using an SD card.
• Two assignable outputs and a stereo mix output let you send separate drum sounds to a PA system.
• Select and craft drum sounds via the hands-on interface.
• PureAcoustic Ambience Technology lets you place your drums into realistic sounding spaces.
• The large mesh head pads and cymbals offer a playing experience comparable to an acoustic kit.
• Both the 14" snare and 18" ride cymbal offer high-res, multi-sensor triggering. They deliver accurate positional detection of each strike and excellent dynamics.
• Best in class sound is generated by the TD-27 sound module, featuring Prismatic Sound Modelling influenced by the renowned TD-50.

About the Roland TD-50K Electronic Drum Kit

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. 

TD-50K Features 

• Brand new TD-50 sound module with Prismatic Sound Modelling.
• Over 400 kits and percussion sounds to choose from. 
• Customise and tweak every sound (you can apply up to 30 effects, or layer your own WAV's).  
• Larger snare (PD-140DS) and ride cymbal (CY-18DR) with high speed digital connections. 
• Dynamic and expressive pads and cymbals react realistically to your playing. 
• Load your own custom samples onto the kit using an SD card. 
• Connect to a DAW via USB and send up to 10 channels of audio. 
• Master XLR outputs and eight TRS balanced outputs make stage performances run smoothly. 
• Metronome with Quiet Count feature and integrated audio recording and playback benefit your practice sessions.

About the Roland TD-50KV Electronic Drum Kit

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. 

TD-50KV Features 

• Built around the TD-50 sound module with Prismatic Sound Modelling. 
• Over 400 kits and percussion sounds to select from. 
• Deeper and larger toms, snare and kick drum when compared to the TD-50K.
• Bigger cymbals than the TD-50K.
• Customise the shell wraps as you see fit. 
• VH-13 V Hi-Hat provides a more realistic playing experience, with better open and closing operation. 
• New snare (PD-140DS) and ride cymbal (CY-18DR) with high speed digital connections. 
• Load your own custom samples onto the drum kit using an SD card. 
• Connect to your favourite DAW via USB and send up to 10 channels of high-quality audio. 
• Master XLR outputs and eight TRS balanced outputs ensure stage performances are possible. 
• Three layer mesh head snare. 
• Multi-sensor digital ride responds to every strike from the bell to the edge. 

About the Roland TD-50KVX Electronic Drum Kit

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.    

TD-50KVX Features 

• Brand new bass drum (the KD-220) featuring smart air-dampening technology. 
• Built around the TD-50 sound module with Prismatic Sound Modelling. 
• Over 400 kits and percussion sounds to select from. 
• Deeper and larger toms, snare and kick drum when compared to the TD-50K.
• Bigger cymbals than the TD-50K 
• VH-13 V Hi-Hat provides a more realistic playing experience, with better open and closing operation. 
• New snare (PD-140DS) and ride cymbal (CY-18DR) with high speed digital connections. 
• Load your own custom samples onto the drum kit using an SD card. 
• Connect to your favourite DAW via USB and send up to 10 channels of high-quality audio. 
• Master XLR outputs and eight TRS balanced outputs ensure stage performances are possible. 
• Three layer mesh head snare. 
• Multi-sensor digital ride responds to every strike from the bell to the edge. 

About the Roland VAD306 Electronic Drum 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! 

VAD306 Features 

• TD-17 sound module with Prismatic Sound Modelling. 
• Select from a range of high-quality sounds, including 10 acoustic-influenced presets developed specifically for the kit. 
• Craft and edit each of the preset drum kits available using the hands-on interface. 
• Load custom WAV's onto the module and mix them with existing sounds. 
• Compact, shallow wooden shells combined with double-braced stands create an acoustic aesthetic.
• Custom integrated sensors integrated within each drum delivers better natural response. 
• Tension adjustable, multi-ply mesh heads. 
• Integrated Bluetooth lets you play along to your favourite tunes or lessons via smartphone, laptop or tablet. 
• Improve your skills using the built-in practice functions. 

About the Roland VAD503 Electronic Drum Kit

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. 

VAD 503 Features 

• TD-27 sound module with Prismatic Sound Modelling. 
• One up, one down configuration. 
• Tension adjustable, multi-ply mesh heads. 
• Full-size wooden shells and chrome, double-braced stands result in an acoustic look. 
• Place your kits in natural sounding environments using PureAcoustic Ambience technology. 
• Customise and create entirely unique drum sounds via the set of intuitive-hands on controls. 
• Import your own custom WAV samples using an SD card. 
• Send individual drum sounds to a PA mixer via the stereo mix output and two assignable outputs. 
• Integrated 28 channel USB audio interface allows for high-quality music production using your laptop or computer. 
• Room to expand your kit via three auxiliary trigger inputs. 
• In-built Bluetooth ensures you can play along to your favourite tunes or video lessons without the need for more cables. 
• Work on your chops using the range of onboard practice functions.

About the Roland VAD506 Electronic Drum Kit

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. 

VAD 506 Features  

• TD-27 sound module with Prismatic Sound Modelling. 
• Full five-piece configuration. 
• Two crash cymbals, one ride cymbal. 
• Tension adjustable, multi-ply mesh heads. 
• Full-size wooden shells and chrome, double-braced stands create a proper acoustic look. 
• PureAcoustic Ambience tech allows you to place your kit in natural sounding spaces. 
• Customise and create completely unique drum kits using the hands-on controls. 
• Import custom WAV samples via SD card. 
• Send individual drum sounds to a PA mixer via the stereo mix output and two assignable outputs. 
• Built-in 28 channel USB audio interface allows for high-quality music production using your laptop or computer.
• Expand your kit at a later date using the three auxiliary trigger inputs. 
• In-built Bluetooth ensures you can play along to your favourite tunes or video lessons without the need for more cables. 
• Work on your technique and timing using the range of onboard practice functions.