Roland V-Drums just won a Grammy! Well, maybe not exactly a Grammy, but in our industry (musical instrument industry), a MIPA award is just as prestigious. MIPA stands for Musikmesse International Press Award, and it’s determined by more than 100 members of the music industry press from all over the world.  They get together each year and vote for the best musical instruments and audio equipment in more than 40 categories. This year, Roland’s TD-4KP V-Drums Portable drum kit was honored with a MIPA award for the electronic drums category.

Watch U.S. Champ Pat Kennedy train for the V-Drums World Champion 2

TD-4KP V-Drums Portable earns a MIPA at Musikmesse

The TD-4KP V-Drums Portable is one of Roland’s newest and most unique members of the V-Drums family. Unlike any drum kit, acoustic or portable, the TD-4KP features a small footprint and an innovative folding design for fast set-up/breakdown and easy transport/storage, and it is perfectly suited for mobile drumming and small spaces. When you want to play, simply unfold everything and adjust the pad positions, and then you’re ready to roll! With it’s custom-design case, shoulder strap and detachable pouches, drummers can now break down just as fast as the guitar and bass players in the band. Its powerful TD-4 sound module is equipped with a wide range of expressive, editable sounds and essential practice features, and its integrated pads provide a very natural playability.

“Even though this drum set is pint-sized compared to some of the others in the category, it doesn’t mean it can’t pack a punch,” said Roland Corporation U.S. Vice President of Sales Brian Alli. “It’s spectacular to be able to offer a kit that can be used pretty much anywhere and still deliver premium sounds and playability.”

TD-4KP V-Drums Portable

Related links and articles:

• Choosing a Roland V-Drums Kit is Easier Than You Think!
• The Benefits of Electronic Drums
• Learn to Play Electronic Drums
• What are Drum Triggers?
• SPD-SX Vs. SPD-30: What’s the Difference?

The V-Drums Friend Jam Kids is a free software download for children to build drumming skills and compare their progress with other V-Drums users around the world. A special version of Roland’s acclaimed V-Drums Friend Jam software designed for young drummers, V-Drums Friend Jam Kids provides a fun way to practice and enjoy playing drums.

Available for both Windows and Mac OS X, V-Drums Friend Jam Kids helps young drummers improve their skills with enjoyable songs and fun practice evaluation features. It offers a friendly and inviting user interface, plus a continuously growing library of play-along songs that can be downloaded directly within the application from the web. Included are traditional children’s tunes like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” classic pieces such as “Air on the G String,” and a variety of musical grooves in popular styles, all specially arranged for playing along on the V-Drums. Users can also add MP3 files stored on their computer to jam with their favorite songs.

Since its release two years ago, V-Drums Friend Jam has become an extremely popular social networking tool for drummers, with over 30,000 users to date in 175 countries and regions worldwide. The software allows players to share scores and interact with each other via their Twitter accounts while practicing the drums.

V-Drums Friend Jam Kids is a completely self-contained application that does not require Twitter to share scores. Its practice features and functions are similar to V-Drums Friend Jam, but are tailored more to children who are just starting to learn the drums. The software supports 13 different languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Polish, Russian, Turkish, and more.

By connecting a computer to a V-Drums kit, such as the compact and kid-sized HD-3 or TD-4KP, players can capture and evaluate individual performance elements such as rhythm, technique, and variation, then see how their results compare with other V-Drums Friend Jam Kids users around the world via the Internet.

Related links and articles:

• V-Drums Friend Jam Kids
• Press Release: New Roland V-Drums Software Designed for Kids
• Choosing a Roland V-Drums Kit is Easier Than You Think!
• The Benefits of Electronic Drums

With the ever increasing popularity of electronic drums, and the seemingly endless variety of choices in the market, choosing the correct kit for not only your budget but for your needs can be daunting. Roland offers a complete family of V-Drums kits from beginning sets to full professional models to simplify your decision-making process. Lets have a look at the current V-Drums line-up.

 HD-3 V-Drums Lite

Designed primarily for beginners, the HD-3 V-Drums Lite features a unique all in one design that is easy to set up and operate. The modern, clean look makes it a welcome addition to any household, and it is also compact enough to fit in the corner of a bedroom. The components are easily adjusted and can be set low or high, making this an ideal choice for the reach of small children. The quiet, integrated pedal design includes a great playing feel and minimizes noise and vibration through floors and ceilings, making this the most family and neighbor-friendly kit around. A dual-trigger mesh head snare pad, responsive cloth style tom pads, dual zone cymbal pads with choke, and expressive hi-hat pedal control enhance the playability. The HD-3 includes 20 preset drum kits, clearly marked function buttons, a built-in metronome with tempo control, and an easy to read display. Like all V-Drums kits, connectors include a headphone jack, an audio-output jack, a Mix-in jack (for connecting a MP3 or CD player), and a MIDI-out connector for interfacing with a home computer* to access optional software like Roland’s DT-1 Drum Tutor or the Free application, V-Drums Friend Jam.

*Requires a MIDI to USB interface. Sold separately.

TD-4KP V-Drums Portable

For the drummer on the go, the TD-4KP V-Drums Portable is the ultimate mobile kit. The innovative folding design allows for quick set-up, rapid breakdown and easy transport/storage. When collapsed, the entire drum kit can fit in the optional CB-TDP bag and be placed easily in a car trunk or the back seat. The TD-4KP is outfitted with responsive rubber pads for the snare and toms, dual-trigger cymbal pads for crash, ride, and hi-hat, and a hi-hat control pedal. The compact and innovative kick pad mounts directly to the stand and uses a standard acoustic kick pedal. The included TD-4 Drum Module features 125 expressive sounds and 25 different kits to cover any musical style. The tuning and muffling for kick and snare sounds can be quickly edited using the front panel controls, and you can also assign any sound to any pad within a kit, allowing you to quickly customize your sound.

TD-11K/ TD-11KV  V-Drums Compact Series

The V-Drums Compact Series has been a staple in the Roland line-up for years, and the latest incarnation is no exception. SuperNATURAL powered with extremely expressive sounds and great playability, the included TD-11 Drum Sound Module features 190 quality sounds and 50 internal kits. Additional customization includes, tuning, muffling, snare buzz, tone color, ambience type and 4 band EQ. Built-in Coach exercises, play-along songs, and the push-button ease of Quick Record makes practice sessions effective and fun. USB and MIDI connectivity allow for even more creativity possibilities.

Mounted on the sturdy MDS-4V stand, the V-Compact Series comes in two different configurations: the TD-11K which includes a mesh-head dual trigger snare pad, three gum rubber tom pads, and two dual-trigger cymbal pads. The TD-11KV is Roland’s most affordable all-mesh-head kit and includes larger V-Cymbals with a 3-way trigger capable ride cymbal pad. Both versions offer the KD-9 kick trigger pad and an expressive hi-hat combination that includes a dual-trigger pad and hi-hat control pedal.

TD-15K/KV V-Drums Tour Series

Consisting of the TD-15K and TD-15KV drum sets, the venerable V-Tour Series adds professional features to this range of the V-Drums family. Featuring 500 expressive sounds and 100 internal kits, the SuperNATURAL powered TD-15 Drum Sound Module also adds a Quick Edit function to instantly access sound-editing parameters, a separate headphone volume knob, two additional trigger inputs for adding more pads or cymbals, and more. The metronome can be routed to headphones only, making it ideal for on-stage use.

Mounted on the rugged MDS-9V stand, both kit models include dual-trigger mesh pads, with the TD-15KV utilizing larger diameter mesh pads and the expressive VH-11 V-Hi-Hat, which mounts on a standard acoustic hi-hat stand.

TD-30K/KV V-Drums Pro Series

For over 15 years, the V-Drums V-Pro Series has set the standard by which all other brands of electronic drum sets are measured. The latest models, the TD-30K and TD-30KV take expressive and dynamic drumming to a new level. The series is centered around the SuperNATURAL TD-30 Drum Sound Module, with over 1000 sounds, extensive editing, and a host of professional features, including 15 lightning-fast, dual-trigger inputs, multiple audio outputs, and physical faders that feature a dedicated Ambience fader for real-time control of overhead and room microphone simulation, plus reverb for stunning results.

The TD-30K includes mesh V-Pads for kick, snare, and three toms, along with V-Cymbals that feature a pair of dual-trigger crash cymbals, a three-way ride, and the V-11 V-Hi-Hat. The flagship TD-30KV includes all-mesh pads for snare, four tom pads, and the ultra-rugged KD-140 kick pad. The snare and tom V-Pads include an improved rim sensor for increased sensitivity. All V-Pads include the ability to interchange the shell wraps to customize the look of the kit. The TD-30KV also includes a full array of V-Cymbals, and the advanced VH-13-MG V-Hi-Hat. Both kits are mounted on road-worthy stands with an internal cabling system for a clean professional look and quick set-up.

Take the V-Drums Challenge

With all these great choices, features and product specifications are just a part of the story. With any drum set, playing is believing. We invite you to play Roland V-Drums. Compare the feel, responsiveness, sound quality, and construction to other brands of electronic drum sets. We’re confident that you’ll agree that Roland makes the finest and most versatile electronic drums and percussion available.

Related links and articles:

• The Benefits of Electronic Drums
• Learn to Play Electronic Drums
• What are Drum Triggers?

Considering playing drums or adding an acoustic drum set to your household, lesson room, or house of worship? Take a look at the unique benefits provided by electronic drums and percussion, especially Roland V-Drums.

Quick Access to a Wide Variety of Sounds
Electronic drum kits allow you to change the sound of your drum kit with a touch of a button. Studio-quality acoustic kits, huge arena rock kits, world and orchestral percussion, electronic and techno kits, funky hip-hop kits, and more are all immediately accessible. With hundreds of drum, percussion, and effects sounds at your fingertips, an electronic kit will let you play authentic sounds in wide variety of musical styles.

Volume Control
One of the main challenges with acoustic drums, cymbals, and percussion is the extreme volume levels these instruments can produce. An electronic drum kit’s drum and cymbal pads make very little acoustic noise when played, and the volume of the sounds can be easily controlled with the volume knob. This makes electronic kits a great choice for small stages, churches, or anywhere stage volume may be a problem. At home, the sound can be monitored with headphones making late night and apartment drumming practical. And for recording enthusiasts, electronic drums make it easy to achieve professional sounding tracks by eliminating the need for multiple microphones and preamplifiers.

Practicing, Play-along, and Built-In Recording
Roland electronic drum sets include valuable practice, play-along and recording tools. All models feature a built-in metronome with adjustable tempo, and a mix-in jack for connecting to an MP3 or CD player so you can jam with your favorite songs. Some also include Roland’s Coach, a unique tool that helps improve drumming skills with challenging exercises and drills, providing feedback on your performance. With many models you can explore different drumming styles by playing along with onboard songs and musical patterns, or access MP3 and WAV files with a USB thumb drive. Even record and play back your drumming performances with easy-to-use recording features, now a common built-in feature with nearly every current model of Roland V-Drums. And for the TD-30, TD-15, and TD-11 series V-Drums Kits, the optional Roland Wireless Connect allows you to record or just have fun jamming using the FREE apps Air Recorder and V-Drums Friend Jam for iPhone.

MIDI
You can also expand your sound palette and recording capabilities by connecting your electronic drum set to computers and software, external sound modules, samplers and other electronic musical instruments via MIDI. MIDI is the worldwide standard for connecting electronic musical instruments and computers. All Roland V-Drums models include a standard MIDI out connector that requires a separate MIDI interface, and many also include USB for simple connection to a computer with a single cable. Either method allows you to utilize any number of software applications including Roland’s DT-1 Drum Tutor and V-Drums Friend Jam.

Familiar Playing Feel
You’ll experience a great acoustic drum feel when playing Roland V-Drums, and all your acoustic drumming techniques translate seamlessly to V-Drums, from rim shots on the snare to grabbing a cymbal to choke its sound. Even nuanced techniques such as buzz and press rolls, brush play, hi-hat heel splashes, and more are easily performed on virtually all Roland electronic drum sets.

Take the V-Drums Challenge
We invite you to play Roland V-Drums. Compare the feel, responsiveness, and sound quality to other brands of electronic drum sets. We’re confident that you’ll agree that Roland makes the finest and most versatile electronic drums and percussion available.

Related links and articles:

• Learn to Play Electronic Drums
• What are Drum Triggers?
• V-Drums Contest U.S. Finals Results