3 Best Roland Electronic Drum Sets with Sticks, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need the most compact model for small rooms Roland V-Drums Compact Mesh Drum Set Its 18-inch width and 37-inch length fit tight spaces best.
• You prefer the look and feel of acoustic drums Roland VAD504 V-Drums Acoustic Design It features an acoustic-style form factor with realistic aesthetics.
• You want the largest snare pad for realistic play Roland TD-17KV2 Five-Piece Mesh Kit It includes a 12-inch snare pad for standard playing feel.

Our 3 picks

1 Best overall

Roland V-Drums Compact Mesh Drum Set

Best for: beginners with limited space

Included Accessories

Sticks (what this guide is about)

Snare System

Mesh

Cymbal Features

Dual-trigger

Number of Sounds

184 drum sounds, 20 kits

Connectivity

Bluetooth, USB

Form Factor

Compact

View on Amazon: Roland V-Drums Compact Mesh Drum Set Affiliate link

The Roland TD-02KV is a compact electronic drum set designed for small spaces. It features mesh snare and tom heads for realistic response, along with dual-trigger cymbals for separate bow and edge hits. The module offers 184 sounds and 20 kits. You get Bluetooth and USB connectivity for streaming and recording. This bundle includes sticks and a throne, making it a practical starter kit for home practice.

Pros

• Mesh snare and tom heads for realistic feel
• Dual-trigger cymbals for bow and edge hits
• Bluetooth and USB connectivity for streaming and MIDI
• Includes drum throne and 5A sticks in the bundle

Cons

• No headphone jack listed in specifications
• Limited to 184 drum sounds and 20 kits
• Compact frame may feel less robust than larger racks

Good fit if

• You need a space-saving kit for small rooms
• You want mesh heads for a quieter, realistic feel
• You are a beginner looking for an all-in-one bundle

Skip if

• You require extensive sound customization beyond 20 kits
• You need a full-size acoustic-style rack setup
• You prioritize high-end module features over bundle value

Verdict: Roland TD-02KV Compact E-Drum Bundle is a solid entry point for players with limited space. It delivers essential mesh heads and dual-trigger cymbals at a practical footprint.

2 Best budget

Roland VAD504 V-Drums Acoustic Design

Best for: Acoustic-style aesthetic and dynamic play

Included Accessories

Sticks (what this guide is about)

Snare Size

14"

Snare System

Digital snare

Cymbal Features

Digital ride, crash

Form Factor

Acoustic-style

Dimensions

21 × 6 × 12 inches

View on Amazon: Roland VAD504 V-Drums Acoustic Design Affiliate link

The Roland VAD504 is an acoustic-style electronic drum set featuring a 14-inch digital snare, 12-inch digital hi-hat, and 18-inch digital ride cymbal. It uses the TD-27 sound module with Prismatic Sound Modeling. The bundle includes three pairs of 5A drumsticks and a rugged accessory bag. It suits players who want realistic acoustic aesthetics and high-resolution triggering for dynamic performance.

Pros

• 14-inch PD-140DS digital snare with multi-sensor triggering
• 18-inch CY-18DR digital ride cymbal for positional detection
• TD-27 sound module with Prismatic Sound Modeling
• Includes three pairs of 5A drumsticks
• Onboard Bluetooth for audio playback

Cons

• No dedicated display screen for sound editing
• Lacks a remote control for module operation
• No built-in recording or playback functions

Good fit if

• You prefer the look and feel of acoustic drums
• You want high-resolution triggering for dynamic playing
• You need onboard Bluetooth for music playback

Skip if

• You require a digital display for sound editing
• You need built-in recording capabilities
• You want a compact mesh-head kit

Verdict: The Roland VAD504 Acoustic Electronic Drums offers realistic acoustic aesthetics with advanced triggering. It fits players who value dynamic response and Bluetooth connectivity over digital interface features.

3 Also great

Roland TD-17KV2 Five-Piece Mesh Kit

Best for: Drummers seeking realistic pad sizes and included sticks

Included Accessories

Sticks (what this guide is about)

Pad Count

Five-piece

Snare Size

12"

Snare System

Double-mesh head

Cymbal Count

3

Number of Sounds

70 preset drum kits

View on Amazon: Roland TD-17KV2 Five-Piece Mesh Kit Affiliate link

The Roland TD-17KV2 is a full-size electronic drum kit featuring a 12-inch PDX-12 snare with a double-mesh head and three cymbals. It includes the TD-17 sound module with 70 preset kits. This bundle provides three pairs of 5A drumsticks and a carrying bag for storage. It is designed for players seeking realistic pad sizes and expressive sound control in a complete package.

Pros

• 12-inch PDX-12 snare with double-mesh head
• TD-17 sound module with 70 preset kits
• Includes three pairs of 5A drumsticks
• Comes with a rugged drumstick bag
• 14-inch CY-14R-T ride cymbal with thin profile

Cons

• Does not include a kick pedal
• Does not include a drum throne
• Does not include an SD card

Good fit if

• You want a full-size snare for better stick control
• You need a bundle that includes drumsticks
• You prefer realistic cymbal movement and feel

Skip if

• You need a kick pedal included in the box
• You require a drum throne included in the box
• You prefer a compact or space-saving form factor

Verdict: The Roland TD-17KV2 Electronic Drum Set fits drummers who value a large 12-inch snare and realistic cymbal response. It is a solid choice for those who want a complete kit with sticks included but are prepared to purchase a throne and kick pedal separately.

Specifications side by side

How to Choose Your Roland E-Drum

1. Check Your Room Dimensions

   Measure your practice space before buying. The TD-02KV measures 18 inches wide and 37 inches long. This compact footprint fits small rooms or apartments. The VAD504 is smaller at 21 inches long but has a narrow 6-inch width. The TD-17KV2 is much larger at 51.5 inches wide. Ensure you have enough floor space for the kit and your movement. Larger kits require more room for comfortable playing and setup. Verify your space can accommodate the specific width and length of your chosen model.

2. Select Your Preferred Form Factor

   Decide between traditional mesh pads and acoustic-style designs. The VAD504 offers an acoustic-style aesthetic with realistic looks. It suits players who value visual authenticity. The TD-02KV and TD-17KV2 use standard mesh heads. These provide a traditional electronic drum feel. Your choice affects both appearance and playing response. Acoustic-style kits may look better in living spaces. Standard mesh kits are often more familiar to drummers. Choose the form factor that matches your visual and tactile preferences.

3. Verify Included Accessories

   Confirm what comes in the box. All three kits include drumsticks. The TD-02KV bundle includes a drum throne. The TD-17KV2 requires separate purchase of a throne and kick pedal. Check the accessories list carefully. Missing items like a throne can add cost and setup time. Sticks are essential for playing. Ensure the bundle provides them. Verify if you need to buy other components separately. This affects your initial setup and total equipment list. Plan your purchases based on the included items.

4. Consider Pad Size and Feel

   Pad size impacts playing realism. The TD-17KV2 features a large 12-inch snare pad. This offers a more realistic feel for experienced drummers. The TD-02KV uses compact pads suitable for beginners. The VAD504 focuses on acoustic aesthetics. Your preference for pad size depends on your skill level. Larger pads offer more room for technique. Smaller pads save space. Match the pad size to your playing style and space constraints. This spec is crucial for long-term satisfaction.

5. Assess Connectivity Needs

   Check for Bluetooth and other connections. The VAD504 supports Bluetooth connectivity. This allows wireless audio streaming for practice. The TD-02KV and TD-17KV2 specs do not list Bluetooth. If you need wireless music playback, the VAD504 is the choice. Other connectivity options may vary by module. Verify the connection types you need. Bluetooth is useful for playing along with tracks. Ensure the kit matches your digital workflow requirements for a seamless practice experience.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best roland electronic drum sets under 2000
• best roland compact electronic drum sets
• best roland electronic drum sets
• best roland electronic keyboards