Roland has announced the TD-17 series at its #TotallyDrums event (you can check out the live video from the event, at the bottom of this post), the latest addition to the V-Drums lineup. According to the company, the TD-17KVX, TD-17KV and TD-17K-L kits deliver an experience that’s authentically close to playing acoustic drums, accurately mirroring the physical movement, stick coordination and hand/foot control that every drummer needs.
The kits also include integrated access to an array of motivational coaching functions, plus built-in Bluetooth for playing along with songs and video lesson content streamed wirelessly from a smartphone.
When using a TD-17 series instrument, drummers can play with the same techniques they’d use on acoustic drums, freely and without compromise. At the heart of each kit is the new TD-17 sound module, which provides an impressive drumming experience with advanced Prismatic Sound Modeling inherited from Roland’s TD-50. Its sounds faithfully reproduce the character and tone of acoustic drums, with fast response time, wide dynamic range, and natural tonal changes that vary depending on where and how hard the pads are played, stated the company.
The TD-17KVX and TD-17KV kits come with the new PDX-12 snare pad, which features a dual mesh head and large 12-inch playing surface that supports the development of stick control and proper playing techniques. The head tension can be adjusted for satisfying natural rebound, while the height of the snare hoop enables the player to hit open rim shots with a natural stick angle.
The TD-17KVX also includes the new VH-10 V-Hi-Hat, which mounts on an acoustic hi-hat stand and replicates the natural feel and swinging motion of a real hi-hat cymbal. Offering advanced triggering with continuous open/close detection and bow/edge sounds, the VH-10 allows users to execute traditional playing techniques.
All three kits in the TD-17 series include the new KD-10 kick pad, which combines rock-solid feel with a noise-reducing design that offers quiet operation while playing at home. The KD-10 can be used with any standard kick pedal, and supports dual pedals as well.
The TD-17 module includes 50 ready-to-play kits, plus a wide range of easy-to-use training functions that encourage skill development. Players can improve their time with various Coach Mode exercises, use the warm-up menu to work through a daily exercise routine, and capture progress with the onboard recorder. And by pairing their smartphone via Bluetooth, they can wirelessly stream audio from songs and video lesson content through the module and play along. The TD-17 also integrates with Melodics for V-Drums, a Windows/Mac software application that offers a growing selection of free drum lessons to develop rhythm, timing, and muscle memory.