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.”
If you’re in a hurry and want to check the pricing and availability of the TD-25K and it’s cousin, the TD-25KV, you can click one of the links just below.
If you want to skip ahead to a particular section of this article, you can click a link in the box below.
What Are the Differences Between the TD-25K and the TD-25KV?
The reference above to the TD-30K as Roland’s “flagship” kit was made before the company came out with the set that should now be considered their flagship, the TD-50K. Even so, saying that the TD-25K inherited some features of the TD-30K still means something.
The TD-25KV is an upgrade in several ways from the TD-25K. So let’s compare these two kits so you can see which one is a better fit for you.
Both kits have the TD-25 sound module, as you would expect. They also have a PDX-100 for the snare, a VH-11 for the hi-hat a KD-9 for the kick pad, a CY-13R for the ride cymbal, and a CY-12C for a crash cymbal.
The differences then are these.
The TD-25KV upgrades the two rack toms from the PDX-6 to the PD-85BK and the floor tom from a PDX-8 to a PDX-100. It also adds a second crash cymbal identical to the first, a CY-12C.
To accommodate the additional cymbal, the frame itself includes an extra arm.
PDX-100 drum heads are 10 inch mesh pads that, for the snare at least, have multiple zones for rim shots and cross stick playing.
PDX-6 pads measure 6.5 inches across whereas PDX-8 pads are larger at 8 inches in diameter. The PD-85BK also measures 8 inches across.
CY-12C cymbals measure 12 inches and have a natural swinging motion, edge and bow sensors, and choke control. The CY-13R 13 inch ride cymbal is obviously bigger and adds bell triggering.
Other features that both kits share because they each have the TD-25 sound module include the ability to play along with songs for practice, recording your performances to a USB thumb drive, and using the built in Coach function.
It also has such standard features as a metronome, a tempo knob, and a USB port for connecting to a computer.
For a demo of the TD-25K, watch the video below that features a solo by Beanie.
How Does the TD-25K Compare to the TD-30K?
Almost everything in the TD-30K is an upgrade from the TD-25K. Of course, you’ll pay for the upgrades. It will cost you about twice as much as the TD-25K.
Still, if these better pieces are what you need or want, the price may be worth it for you.
The sound module is the TD-30, which should be better and have more features than the TD-25, but remember that Roland says the TD-25K borrowed some of its quality from the TD-30K.
The snare and kick are bigger and better. All 3 toms – not just the floor tom – have PDX-100 heads.
The hi-hat and 2 of the cymbals are the same, but a larger CY-15R is added for the ride.
What Do Users Think of the TD-25K and TD-25KV Kits from Roland?
Commenting on the TD-25K, one owners says this.
“I have not even begun to learn how to properly use this kit, but already know that I made the 100% absolute correct choice.”
A TD-25KV users likes this electronic set better than an acoustic kit.
“The mesh heads are actually more fun to play than real. The learning curve I had to experience with the hard rubber old heads is gone with this.”
You can usually find a Roland TD-25K for about half the price of a TD-30K. So if this kit has all you are looking for…
Check the pricing and availability of the Roland TD-25K at Amazon now.
If you like the look of a Roland but aren’t sure these sets are for you, check out this overview article of all the Roland electronic drum kits.
Was this article helpful?
Gary Sonnenberg
Latest posts by Gary Sonnenberg (see all)
- How To Promote Your Music Using the Live Event Blueprint - September 7, 2019
- Guitar Bloggers Roundup: 5 of the Best - April 18, 2019
- The Roland TD-17 Series of Electronic Drums: More of a Good Thing - April 4, 2019
