Roland Archives - My Musical Picks

Roland TM-1 Trigger Module for Hybrid Drumming

If you’ve been considering diving into the world of hybrid drumming but thought it cost more than it was worth, think again. Roland has released the TM-1 (I assume TM stands for Trigger Module) which gets you started for under $200.

Pait the Roland TM-1 with any of their RT series triggers or use the TM-1 with any compatible Roland trigger pad to add a whole new range of sounds to your acoustic drum kit.

The TM-1 is a floor module with two switches that you control with your foot, similar to what many guitarists use.

What’s Built into the TM-1?

There are 30 pre-loaded sounds and 15 kits already inside the TM-1. You can add up to 30 more sounds using the (Windows or Mac) software that works with the module.

You get a USB cable (type B) to connect the module to your computer for editing sounds.

All this is programmed into the unit that weighs about 1.25 pounds and measures roughly 6 inches wide by 3.75 inches wide by almost 2.5 inches high.

The TM-1 is battery-powered (battery included), but you can also get a DC adapter separately.

Total Control of the TM-1 Is Yours

As you might expect, Roland gives you all the control of your sounds that you could possibly want. Knobs on the top of the module include Sensitivity (SENS), Pitch, Decay, and Level.

You get switches for changing kits, muting, and (on the back) selecting power source. There is also a button for selecting the various modes within the unit.

Also on the back side, besides stereo headphones, output, USB, and DC jacks, there are 2 trigger input jacks. You can set these to either mono or stereo.

How Do I Get Started?

The TM-1 is really quite simple to setup, but if you want help, Roland has a series of excellent videos that shows you exactly what connects where. They also show you the basics of using the built-in software and how to work with the Editor on your computer.

As of this writing, major online retailers are accepting pre-orders for the Roland TM-1, but by the time you actually read this, they will probably have them in stock.

So if you are an acoustic drummer who has been thinking of going hybrid, I think you should seriously consider ordering a Roland TM-1 today.

Roland TD-30K and TD-50K Review: Best Electronic Drum Kits

Note: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

The Roland TD-30K and the Roland TD-50K (and their near relatives the TD-30KV and the TD-50KV) are arguably the best electronic drum kits in the market today.

If you need top notch equipment and sounds, you will want to check out these V-Pro flagship sets from Roland.

I’ll take a look in this article at each of these four sets and compare them so you can decide which one is best for the money in your situation. Continue reading “Roland TD-30K and TD-50K Review: Best Electronic Drum Kits”

Roland TD-25K Electronic Drum Set Review: Near the Top of the Line

Note: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

You say you want a top of the line electronic drum set from Roland but can’t swing the price tag?

Check out the Roland TD-25K which Roland says has an “advanced SuperNATURAL sound engine based on the flagship TD-30” and the “sound quality and expressiveness equivalent to the top-of-the-line V-Drums.” Continue reading “Roland TD-25K Electronic Drum Set Review: Near the Top of the Line”

Roland TD-11K Electronic Drum Set Review: Best Compact Kit?

Note: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

While not as small as the TD-4KP, the Roland TD-11K electronic drum set is considered a compact kit. If a compact drum set is what you need due to a limited amount of available space, you should check out this kit.

In this review, I’ll look at the TD-11K in some detail and compare it to the TD-15K which is in many ways very similar. Continue reading “Roland TD-11K Electronic Drum Set Review: Best Compact Kit?”

Roland V-Drums Overview and Review: The Best Electronic Drums Available?

If you’re in the market for a really, really good set of electronic drums, you simply must check out the kits that Roland offers. Many drummers consider these to be the best electronic drum kits available today, especially if the set includes mesh drum heads.

But I’m getting ahead of myself just a little.

What I’m going to do in this article is introduce you to the 6 basic kits that Roland manufactures today. You may see older kits still available online or in a store, but these are the models that Roland touts on their website as of this writing. Continue reading “Roland V-Drums Overview and Review: The Best Electronic Drums Available?”

Roland TD-4KP Review: The Portable Kit for the Drummer on the Go

Roland TD-4KP Portable Electronic Drum Kit

Note: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Are you looking for a great sounding electronic drum kit that you can pack up quickly and carrying to a practice session or a gig all by yourself? If so, then you’ve come to the right place, because the Roland TD-4KP (P = Portable) fits the bill.

If you just need a small e-kit for a tight space, you’ve found the right one in the TD-4KP as well. This set has a tiny footprint compared to most others in the market.

In the review, I’ll take a look with you at this sometimes overlooked offering from Roland. I think you’ll see that, just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it’s lacking in quality. Continue reading “Roland TD-4KP Review: The Portable Kit for the Drummer on the Go”

Roland TD-1K Electronic Drum Set Review: Small Set, Big Sound

Roland drum sets are known for their great sounds. Even in a starter kit like the Roland TD-1K, they use their signature V-drums which just might be the best electronic drum in the business. (The “V” may stand for “virtual”. If it doesn’t, it should.)

Let’s take a quick look at what you get in this drum set. You can also watch a very good video demonstration of the set that will probably convince you that this is the kit you were looking for. Continue reading “Roland TD-1K Electronic Drum Set Review: Small Set, Big Sound”

Reviews of the 5 Best Electronic Drum Sets for Beginners

Electronic drum sets for beginners aren’t really all that much different from more “advanced” kits. The main thing is that they don’t cost a lot.

If you’re not sure that drums are for you or for someone who thinks they want to give them a shot, you don’t want to make a huge investment up front.

Below I’ve collected what are probably the best, most popular, and least expensive electronic drum sets for you to consider. Continue reading “Reviews of the 5 Best Electronic Drum Sets for Beginners”