Electric drums are becoming more popular with modern drummers and music lovers. And the Roland V-Drums TD-1DMK solidifies that claim.
I was recently asked to try out this product for a friend. I’ve been reviewing drum kits for years, and I must admit this is one of my favorites.
Roland is known for its mid and high-level electric drums. Other than the Roland TD-6V, The release of the TD-1DMK makes the electric drum experience more admirable. Any drummer would love to have this in their home studio.
In this review, you will learn why V-drums have become the talk of the town, and why you should consider owning one. Continue reading.
Something about Roland and the TD-1DMK electronic drum set
If you are looking for a perfect electronic drum set to improve your drumming skills, this drum set or even a pocket-friendly set will work wonders. As a beginner, you’re going to have to spend hours rigorously practicing the basics. So there’s no point in investing in a costly high-end drum set.
In this case, Roland V-Drums TD-1DMK electronic drum set should solve your problem. The set comes at an affordable price and excellent features that will help you get a realistic playing experience. The toms and snare come with mesh drumheads, which can be appropriately adjusted for better tension. This feature lets you get the feeling of playing acoustic drums.
Besides, it comes with a wide array of presets in different genres for play-along.
Whether you are a professional or an amateur player, this drum kit has a wide enough range of features to serve your needs. However, in my experience, I wouldn’t recommend it for expert drummers. It is more suitable for individuals seeking to practice more.
About the Roland TD-1DMK electronic drum set
Roland V-Drums TD-1DMK drum set has a lot to offer to student drummers wanting to learn music, especially for its coaching functions.
Hardware, Features, Drums, and TD-1 Module
The drum kit comes with all mesh snare and tom drum pads. Whether you want to use it is up to you, but it’s a super cool feature to say the least.
Mesh pads are much quieter than rubber pads, and they feel better when you play.
For me, this is a huge plus on the TD-1DMK electronic drum set. Many low-priced electronic drums come with basic rubber pads. There is nothing wrong with rubber; only that mesh is much better.
Snare and tom drum pads
This drum kit comes with a standard snare-and-three toms setup. It is, therefore, fit for drummers who don’t need a huge full-sized kit.
The mesh pads are designed with two layers of mesh. Hence they are tough enough to serve you for a long time. The snare drum pad measures 8 inches in diameter, with two trigger zones (for different sounds). The three toms measure 6 inches and have a single zone each.
You can tune the mesh heads for a range of different sounds. And this is why they feel great when you hit them.
The mesh pads are the signature of the Roland TD-1DMK electronic drum set. They make the kit stand out from other electronic equipment in the same price range.
Compatibility
The TD-1DMK electronic drum set is great for both single and double-pedal drummers. This is because the rubber bass drum pad can fit both pedal types.
Contrary to other drums, the “bass drum” on this kit is not a full drum pad per se. It is a small soft pad shaped in an oval design. It has just enough space to comfortably play.
Hence, it is a bonus for those with limited space. You don’t need a large kick drum tower to play your gig.
I noticed, however, the rubber bass drum pad is noisier than the mesh one. But the mesh heads may not come at this price range.
However, I used a very soft drum beater, which helped to soften the noise. If that’s not an option, then perhaps you may want to tie a towel on the drum pads to minimize the impact.
In normal cases, noise shouldn’t be a problem. Drums are noisy anyway. Only that, you may not want your neighbor downstairs to feel annoyed every time you practice.
In a nutshell, the bass drum pad on the Roland TD-1DMK is another feature that makes it different from similar products. Aside from being compatible with a double bass pedal, Roland provided real bass drum pads, as well as onboard coaching functions. Many sets in this price category come with a pad-free pedal; so you cannot add your own.
Cymbal pads
Two rubber cymbal pads are included in the v-drums TD-1DMK. Also, there is a rubber hi-hat pad.
The cymbals are quite responsive when you play. They are dual-zone, so you can hit the bow or the edge for varying tones. Also, when you press the edge of the cymbals, it chokes the sound, a brilliant feature.
There is a separate pedal for controlling the hi-hat. This allows you to get a wide range of open and closed sounds. The drummer can also get an extra pad input, in case you need an extra cymbal.
The frame
The frame is solid and stable which holds everything perfectly in place. It is wide enough for all drummers, and it is similar to the frames of more Roland models.
There is an allowance for a moderate adjustment on the frames. Hence, you can change the height and placement of the cymbals, and swivel the drums. This feature replicates standard drumming setups, especially with the snare.
You can also adjust the bass drum height with ease. So it is suitable for all heights.
There frame isn’t very significant. However, it serves well for most drummers. It is stable enough to hold every member of the set in place, and that should be enough.
The Sound
The lack of customizability of the TD-1 module is perhaps the biggest limitation for this drum set. The powering module comes with many restrictions, such as only 15 presets
This means it may not be possible to edit the sounds and the kits. Also, you cannot mix-and-match samples, as in other electronic modules, perhaps for onboard coaching,
These are not necessarily bad things, especially for beginners and those seeking to practice, but there are only 15 preset kits choices in the TD-1DMK electronic drum set. The built-in sounds are great for most drummers. They cover different genres of music and make it easy to start playing.
You get a fantastic range of varying acoustic, percussion, and electronic kits. And you can choose between different genres you want, as well as the coaching functions. That should fit the standard needs for beginners.
Who is the Roland TD-1DMK drum set for?
The Roland V-Drums TD-1DMK is suitable for:
- Beginners. If you have never played drums, perhaps you imagine it is too difficult. Well, get the TD-1DMK, and you will discover how easy it can be. It is cost-friendly, easy to set up, and compatible with any space.
- Rhythm. Electric drums are silent, hence suitable for parents seeking to teach rhythm to their kits. Your child will also be learning the foundations of music theory.
- Students. Are you looking to become a better player for your band, or just develop solid drumming skills? The TD-1DMK can help you get there. It responds nicely to your playing, enabling you to learn better ways of presenting your sound.
What to consider when buying an electric drum set
There is no denying that electronic musical instruments are becoming more and more applicable to modern musicians. Even though some still prefer more traditional acoustic drums, electric ones are in high demand, especially for beginners.
However, finding the right electric drum kit isn’t always easy. There are several things to put into consideration, especially in the case of beginners. Here are a few ideas:
- The brand. Brand consideration is vital in choosing the best electronic drums kit. Always go with a reputable brand that is backed by positive reviews online.
- Your needs. Electric drums offer an easier solution for a wide variety of drumming needs. They are therefore built according to these needs. If you are a beginner, for instance, you should go for a less sophisticated drum kit. For expert players, you probably want to invest in a full-sized kit.
- Your playing space. The good thing about electric drum sets is that they are suitable for most playing spaces. However, some occupy larger areas. Therefore, it would be better if you considered your playing space.
- The price. You want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. If you’re a beginner, there’s no need to buy an overly expensive drum kit. Most electric drums come with enough presets to make the experience enjoyable.
Whatever the case, quality should always be the number one consideration on your list. Sometimes people assume it is the only price that determines quality. This may be true, but there are cheaper drum sets with higher quality than expensive ones.
The Roland TD-1DMK can be linked with most of these qualities. Or perhaps even more.
Conclusion
If you love music, or your goal is to start playing drums, I would recommend you get the Roland TD-1DMK drums kit. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t require much space. This electronic kit can be the gateway for beginners to gain experience before investing in a conventional acoustic drum kit. It’s one that you can rely on and start playing immediately.
This drum set will help you become a more reliable drummer. But for an experienced drummer, you may need a more sophisticated kit. Needless to say the Roland TD-1DMK is a useful addition to any home studio.
