Become a better drummer, faster

When you’re serious about drumming, you need a kit to match your ambition. The V-Drums TD-17 series lets your technique shine through, backed up with training tools to push you further. Combining a TD-50-class sound engine with newly developed pads results in an affordable electronic drum kit that’s authentically close to playing acoustic drums – accurately mirroring the physical movement, stick coordination and hand/foot control that every drummer needs. Meanwhile, an array of built-in coaching functions will track your technique, measure your progress and increase your motivation. Becoming a better drummer is still hard work, but the TD-17 can help you get there.

Authentic playing feel and skill-building tools

If you regularly play acoustic drums, you shouldn’t have to change your playing style to use an electronic drum kit. You can use the same playing techniques you’d use on an acoustic kit, without compromise, thanks to the large 12-inch snare* and a natural feeling hi-hat** that can even be mounted on an acoustic hi-hat stand. And being based on the flagship TD-50 sound engine, the sounds faithfully reproduce the character and tone of acoustic drums, with lightning fast response time.

* PDX-12 12” snare pad included with TD-17KV and TD-17KVX only
**VH-10 hi-hats included with TD-17KVX model only

Realistic pads for uncompromising performance

Some electronic kits use much smaller pads than you’d typically find on an acoustic kit – but because the drumstick has to hit the center of each drum, these smaller pads can actually feel further away from you. This is especially true if you’ve moved from playing a 14-inch acoustic snare to an 8-inch rubber pad. The 12-inch dual-mesh PDX-12 snare* is tension-adjustable for authentic and satisfying rebound, while the height of the snare hoop is much closer to that of an acoustic snare so you can hit an open rim shot with a natural stick angle. If you’re serious about drumming, the TD-17 lets your technique shine through without asking you to compromise.

* PDX-12 12” snare pad included with TD-17KV and TD-17KVX only

Ideal for perfecting hi-hat techniques

The TD-17KVX comes with the VH-10 V-Hi-Hat which uses a single-cymbal floating design that can be mounted and played on a traditional acoustic hi-hat stand. It provides the same playing feel as an acoustic hi-hat with natural rebound feel and swinging motion of the hi-hat cymbal. It also features open/closed motion and bow/edge sounds for executing traditional playing techniques to perfection.

*VH-10 hi-hats included with TD-17KVX model only

Great sounds lead to great performances

The TD-17’s sound engine delivers a superior drumming experience thanks to Prismatic Sound Modeling technology inherited from the flagship TD-50 sound module. Begin playing and you’ll notice a wider dynamic range and dramatic tonal changes, depending on where and how hard you strike the pad. From rim shots, rolls, flams, and ghost notes on the snare to dramatic crash hits, sustained cymbal swells, and half-open position on the hi-hats along with different sounds for the bow and edge, every nuance is detailed, accurate, and ultra-smooth.

The feel of an acoustic kick drum (but quieter)

A nice solid kick drum usually comes with a nice loud noise. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want, but your family or neighbors may not feel the same way. The KD-10 kick pad absorbs much of the noise thanks to its rubber cover combined with a dedicated cushion, but retains that satisfying kick drum ‘thud’ when a beater buries into a bass drum head, so it’s ideal for playing at home where loud noise may cause problems. It’s compatible with all standard kick pedals, single or double kick.

Acoustic drumming techniques accepted here

Although each model in the TD-17 series is compact, they’re all kitted out for professional performance – especially the TD-17KVX which comes with two crash cymbals and the VH-10 hi-hat. Across the entire range, the position and angle of each pad is fully adjustable, while the distance between the pads and the drummer is similar to what you’d find on an acoustic kit.

The essential tools to improve your drumming

First thing’s first: drummers should be able to keep a solid beat before moving on to the exciting stuff. But mastering the basics is exciting too, as it provides a solid foundation for building your skills, not forgetting that tracking your progress is highly motivating too. The TD-17 module includes a Coach Mode to support your daily exercise regime. You can warm up, develop your sense of groove, tempo and timing, and even work on your stamina – all with a score that tells you how you’re doing.

Deepen your sense of groove

The Time Check mode develops your accuracy when playing to a click track. The number of accurate strikes is shown as a percentage value, and the screen indicates whether your pad strikes were on, ahead or behind the beat. Used often, Time Check is an invaluable aid to working the groove.

Fine-tune your internal timing

Quiet Count mode helps refine your ‘internal’ sense of time and tempo. For the first few measures, the click is heard at the specified volume, but for the next few measures the click cuts out. During the silenced bars, you will rely on your internal sense of timing, aiming to stay in time as the click returns. Your internal metronome will grow stronger the more you use it.

Effective warmup routines made easy

WarmUp mode makes your daily practice sessions more enjoyable – which means you’re more likely to do them. Choose to warm up over five, ten or fifteen minutes, with varying rates of difficulty, and then select a tempo. A range of exercises will then prepare you for some serious drumming, including changes to rhythm type, changes to tempo and evaluating the accuracy of your playing. At the end, you’ll get an overall grade – which you’ll want to improve on.

Join your favorite band – no audition necessary

Although playing endless drum solos is undeniably fun, it only takes you so far. Push your drumming further by playing along with your favorite bands, or rehearse the tunes you’ll be playing on stage. Wirelessly stream favorite songs from your smartphone to the TD-17 via Bluetooth audio, and hear the entire performance through your headphones. You can even record your performance and then listen back, to decide where you need to improve.

Play with your band – wherever they are

If you’re in a band, getting everyone together can be tough. But rather than go to rehearsals, how about bringing rehearsals to you? Even with no band, you can still work on your drum parts every day, by playing along to your song demos streamed from your smartphone. And once you really are in the same room, you’ll be more than ready.

Record. Listen. Learn.

Listening back to your drumming is one of the best ways to improve. The TD-17 module has an onboard recorder so you can play and then review what you actually played, not what you thought you played. You can even play along and record with the onboard demo songs or audio stored on SD card – it’s also a great way to capture audio for YouTube videos.

Preparing to play live

When rehearsing, it’s important to play with the same familiar drum sounds that you’ll be using on stage. The TD-17 includes a variety of expressive modelled drum sounds inherited from the flagship TD-50, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect drum sound as you prepare for the gig.

Find the perfect kit for the music you play

The TD-17 module includes 50 premium quality drumkits for a range of professional musical scenarios. The warm, wooden vibes of ‘Acoustic’. The small-but-tight ‘Compact’ which captures the sound of smaller stages. The wide-open expanse of ‘Arena Stage’. The clarity of “Studio” which is perfect for recording. The richness of “Fat Rock” or the intensity of “Speed Metal”…whatever music gets you going, the TD-17 will help you get there.

Get to know your gig venue – before you arrive

Before the gig, become familiar with the acoustics of the venue you’ll be performing at. Use the onboard reverb and ambience of the TD-17 module to simulate the sound and become acclimatized to the venue – all from the comfort of your home.

Create your very own signature drum kit

Today’s pro drummers craft their signature drum sounds by layering many sound elements; a snare sound is made by layering different snare sounds, each with their respective attack elements, ambience and so on. The TD-17 also lets you create your signature drum kit, by using onboard pitch control, EQ, effects and more.

Import samples and sound just like the record

For some performances, you simply have to use a specific sound. The TD-17 module can import samples so you can trigger original single-shot drum samples, or introduce entire audio phrases, sequences or vocals. Imported samples can even be mixed and layered with internal TD-17 sounds, to create a powerful and full drum sound that matches the real thing.

Learn at your own pace with online lessons and desktop applications

Aside from studying with a drum teacher, there are plenty of online drum lessons or computer-based learning methods. The TD-17 is designed to help you improve – however you like to learn.

Play along to video lessons – streamed wirelessly from your smartphone

Place your smartphone on the module’s front panel, connect wirelessly via Bluetooth and hear the drum lesson audio (along with your playing) coming loud and clear through headphones or monitors. Watching a video lesson and then playing along has never been easier.

Have fun improving – with Melodics

Have fun and become a better drummer by downloading Melodics for V-Drums: a free application for Windows or Mac computers. With a series of free drum lessons that develop your sense of rhythm, timing, and muscle memory, subscribers can also access additional premium content including over 70 lessons, with more being added each week.

Performance under pressure, for years to come

Roland V-Drums are built to be reliable – from the sound module, to the pads, right down to the pedals; each component must deliver, across every scenario and in every performance. The pads and pedals used in the TD-17 series are engineered to take a beating, but their playability also endures. And as your skills and ambitions grow, you can expand your TD-17 by adding an extra crash cymbal or second snare – safe in the knowledge that you’re using the same durable components favored by pro drummers.