Roland V-Drums: The Complete Series Guide for Every Drummer

Why Are Roland V-Drums Still the No. 1 Electronic Drum Kit?

Roland has been making electronic drums since 1997. Over 28 years, V-Drums built their reputation the simple way: every stroke is recorded exactly as you play it.

It's not just about volume. Roland's digital sensors capture ghost notes, pianissimo strokes and powerful hits with equal precision. That's why V-Drums appear in home studios, rehearsal rooms and on major stages.

Today Roland offers two main series: the V-Drums Series (classic electronic drums) and V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) with wooden shells that look like an acoustic kit. Within each series you can choose from affordable starter sets to professional kits.

What Roland V-Drums Series Are There and Which One Is Right for You?

Which Roland V-Drums Kit to Buy for Children and Complete Beginners?

Model	Snare	Stand	Who for
TD-02K	PD-4 (rubber)	MDS-MINI	Children, complete beginners
TD-02KV	PDX-8 (mesh)	MDS-LITE	Beginners, young players

The most compact and affordable sets in the whole family. The TD-02 Series is built on decades of V-Drums innovation in a package everyone can afford.

TD-02K is the smallest kit in the series. It includes a snare pad, three tom pads, a quiet beaterless kick pedal and three cymbal pads (hi-hat, crash, ride) on a height-adjustable stand ideal for younger players.

TD-02KV is the top-line model. The PDX-8 mesh snare pad delivers a natural acoustic stick feel and the wide-layout stand offers plenty of room to move.

Which Roland TD-07 Kit Is Best for Home Practice?

Model	Hi-hat	Crash/Ride	Kick
TD-07DMK	CY-5	CY-5 / CY-5	KD-2
TD-07KV	CY-5	CY-8 / CY-8	KD-10

Compact sets with a professional feel at a reasonable price. The TD-07 module has Bluetooth, training functions and a wide range of built-in sounds.

TD-07DMK is the entry point to the series. Roland's ultra-quiet mesh heads on the PDX-8 snare and PDX-6A toms mean the neighbours hear nothing. The stand-mounted kick pad keeps the footprint minimal.

TD-07KV adds a dedicated KD-10 kick pad and larger CY-8 cymbals for crash and ride. The pedal feel is noticeably more realistic.

How Can You Play Drums in a Flat Without the Neighbours Hearing?

The VQD106 is built for one purpose: to play drums any time without anyone knowing. Special PDQ pads and CYQ cymbals with sound-absorbing materials isolate kinetic energy from the floor and walls. The VQD106PADS version is sold without the TD-07 module, useful if you already own one.

What Does the V3 Series Offer Players Looking for Great Value?

Mid-range kits with the V31 sound module (TD313) and TD-17 module (TD316). Both kits feature a mesh snare and a fully adjustable rack system, suitable for apartments and smaller studios.

TD316 also includes a VH-10 hi-hat with an analogue pedal for a natural feel and two CY-12C-T crash cymbals, giving the player more creative room.

When Is It Worth Going for the V5 Series?

When you're recording or need full expression during rehearsal, the V5 Series delivers. Both models use the V51 module, the same foundation as the flagship V71.

TD516 is the more interesting of the two: the PD-140DS digital snare, VH-14D digital hi-hat and CY-18DR digital ride deliver precision you feel with every stroke.

What Does the V7 Series Offer Compared to Other Electronic Drums?

Model	Module	Snare	Kick	Who for
TD713	V71	PD-14DSX	KD-12	Hobbyist, occasional player
TD716	V71	PD-14DSX	KD-18-BK	Pro, demanding player

The flagship electronic drums from beginners to professionals. The V71 module is redesigned from the ground up: new display, DW Soundworks integration, wireless connection to Roland Cloud.

TD713 has four PDX-100 toms, a PD-14DSX digital snare with snare throw-off and tension knob, and a compact KD-12 kick pad with a realistic pedal feel.

TD716 is the flagship of the entire V-Drums line. The KD-18-BK kick has a full-depth wood shell with a drumhead-mounted sensor. The PD-10X and PD-12X toms feature a redesigned sensor system. Two 16-inch V-Cymbals complete the professional setup.

What Is the Roland VAD Series and How Does It Differ from Classic V-Drums?

Why Does Roland VAD Look Like an Acoustic Kit Even Though It's Electronic?

The VAD series is Roland's answer to the question: what if I want electronic drums but want to look like a real acoustic kit on stage? Every VAD model has full-size wood shells for the bass drum and toms, chrome hardware and cymbals that are visually rooted in acoustic aesthetics. Behind that facade is full Roland digital technology.

Which VAD Model Is Right for You?

Model	Module	Snare	Kick	Colours
VAD103	TD-07	PDA-120LS-BK	KD-180L-BK	1
VAD316	V31	PDA-120LS	KD-18-BK	1
VAD516	V51	PD-14DSX	KD-20-MS	1
VAD716	V71	PD-14DSX	KD-22	5 (incl. Satin Walnut)

VAD103 is the entry point into the Acoustic Design world. TD-07 module, shallow wood shells on DCS-10 stands. Looks like an acoustic kit in the rehearsal room, plays like Roland electronics.

VAD316 has the same compact footprint as a mid-level V-Drums set. The shallow shells save space but the feel behind the kit is instantly familiar. Ideal for home use or small stages. V31 module.

VAD516 is a premium kit with full-depth wood shells and an attractive wrap finish. The PD-14DSX digital snare, VH-14 hi-hat and CY-18DR digital ride are driven by the V51 module, capturing every ghost note with the detail you feel in your fingertips.

VAD716 is the flagship of the series. V71 module, PD-14DSX snare with snare throw-off and tension knob, KD-22 kick with full-depth wood shell and drumhead-mounted sensor. Six-piece kit including two floor toms. The new Satin Walnut colour (VAD716-SW) joins four classic finish options.

What Are the Key Digital Pads and Cymbals of Roland V-Drums?

VH-14D — Digital Hi-Hat: Captures open, closed, half-open, heel-toe and choke with precision that analogue hi-hats cannot match.

PD-140DS / PD-14DSX — Digital Snare: Two snare pads with wood shells. The PD-14DSX also features a snare throw-off and tension knob, giving exactly the feel you're used to from an acoustic kit.

CY-18DR — Digital Ride: The 18-inch digital ride captures the bow, bell and edge zones. Smooth swells and delicate ghost rides are transmitted with precision.

All three work in harmony with V5 and V7 modules. High-speed processing ensures latency is imperceptible.

Which Roland V-Drums Series Is Right for You? Full Comparison

Series	Models	Module	Who for	Key advantage
TD-02	TD-02K, TD-02KV	TD-02	Children, beginners	Compactness, price
TD-07	TD-07DMK, TD-07KV	TD-07	Home player	Quiet, mesh heads
VQD	VQD106	TD-07	Living with others	Minimal noise
V3	TD313, TD316	V31/TD-17	Mid-range	Value for money
V5	TD513, TD516	V51	Recording, rehearsal	Digital pads
V7	TD713, TD716	V71	Pro, stage	Flagship tech
VAD103	VAD103	TD-07	Visual aesthetics	Acoustic look
VAD316	VAD316	V31	Home, small stage	Compact acoustic design
VAD516	VAD516	V51	Stage, studio	Full acoustic set
VAD716	VAD716	V71	Pro, colour choice	Flagship acoustic design

What Else Do You Need for Roland V-Drums?

Drumsticks — electronic pads tolerate most sticks, but Roland recommends sticks with nylon or wood tips in standard sizes. We stock hundreds of models from Vic Firth, Zildjian, Meinl and Ahead.

Cymbals — if you want to add an extra crash or ride to your kit, Roland offers V-Cymbals individually too.

Sound modules — want to upgrade an older kit with a new brain? Roland sound modules are backwards-compatible with many older sets.

Hardware for electronic drums — pedals, stands and mount systems for every configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roland V-Drums

Are Roland V-Drums Really Quiet?

It depends on the model. The TD-07 Series with mesh heads and the VQD Series with special pads are among the quietest electronic drums ever made. The mechanical noise from sticks and pedals is minimal. We recommend adding damping mats under the stand to further reduce vibrations through the floor.

What Is the Difference Between V-Drums and V-Drums Acoustic Design?

The V-Drums Series are classic electronic drums with rubber or mesh pads. V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) adds full-size wood shells, chrome hardware and an acoustic appearance. The technology underneath is the same. The difference is in the visual presentation and the feeling of sitting behind an acoustic kit.

Can I Use Roland V-Drums for Live Performances?

Yes. The VAD516 and VAD716 are designed specifically for the stage. The TD716 and TD713 from the V7 Series are also fully stage-ready. The advantage over acoustic is no need for microphones, instant kit switching and consistent sound on every stage.

Which Roland V-Drums Kit to Buy for a Child?

TD-02K or TD-02KV. The adjustable MDS-MINI stand can be set to the child's height. The TD-02 module features built-in practice functions that keep motivation going longer.

Can You Connect Roland V-Drums to a Computer?

Yes. All V-Drums modules have a USB MIDI output and connect directly to a DAW (Ableton, Logic, Reaper). V7 modules (V71) also support wireless connection to Roland Cloud and DW Soundworks.

Find the full range in the Roland V-Drums section. Individual kits are listed in Roland electronic drum sets.