V-Pro Series TD-20S
New kit redefines electronic drumming

By Steve Fisher

In 1997, Roland raised the bar for electronic percussion with the original V-Pro Set. Now for 2004, we’re doing it again with the new V-Pro Series TD-20S. It’s appropriately called the “new V-Pro Series” because, like the first V-Pro Set, it takes another big leap forward in electronic percussion technology. The playability of the V-Pro Series TD-20S is truly remarkable and the new COSM® modeling and sound quality will blow you away. But before we get into playing, let’s get set up.

Take a Stand
Thanks to the newly designed MDS-20BK Drum Stand, setting up the V-Pro Series TD-20S has never been easier. The stand comes out of the box ready to unfold and put into place. The telescoping legs are not only easy to adjust due to the new quick release cam levers, but also allow for easy adjusting of the drum set’s height. They also make moving the set a heck of a lot easier.

Once you start placing the pads on the stand and plugging them in, you’ll really appreciate the new design because the cables are now built into the stand and labeled for each component. The cable junctions are at both front vertical tubes and include four auxiliary female ends (for the TD-20’s four Auxiliary inputs) in case you want to add more pads to the set.

The “raked” design of the stand (higher in the center and graduating down to the two sides) is due to the new, angled, aluminum “T” fittings. This makes the stand very sturdy and, more importantly, ergonomically comfortable to play.

Now that we’re set up, let’s power up and start playing!

Diving in
After firing up the TD-20 Percussion Sound Module, you’ll see the first Patch called “V-Pro.” Just a few hits around the set and you’ll know that this is going to be quite a ride! Playing this great-sounding acoustic kit is incredible; the snare is full, toms are punchy, the cymbals crisp and clean - �and this is just ONE of the 50 kits! This is all very impressive, but it’s the subtleties that are going to make you flip.

Say “Hi” to the V-Hi-Hat
The V-Pro Series TD-20S is the first V-Drums kit to feature Roland’s new VH-12 V-Hi-Hat with full motion capability and knockout performance. This latest addition to the
V-Cymbal family can be mounted on a conventional hi-hat stand, giving you smooth sounds - from open to closed - �that perfectly match the physical motion of the hi-hat’s pads. For example, you can play the top cymbal of an open hi-hat and hear just the top cymbal. When you play hard enough to make the cymbal pads hit together, you’ll hear the sound do the same. And when playing on the top cymbal of a closed hi-hat, pressing a little harder on the pedal will give you that slight pitch change. Wow!

Express yourself
After playing for a bit on the snare drum, the dynamic range is noticeably greater - from full rim shots to the lightest hit and everything in between. For example, playing across the newly designed PD-125 Mesh V-Pad, the triggering is smooth and even for both head and rim. Besides the positional sensing across the head, you can get tonal changes from the rim shots as well. You can lay into full, fat, rim shots and as you pull the stick back to the edge of the drum, the rim shots become more “shallow” sounding.

For me, the acid test for any electronic drum set is playing jazz. The reason is that, unlike other musical styles, the range of sounds and dynamics are really put to the test. Start with a swing hi-hat beat - �a la Buddy Rich count-off style. The hi-hat moves and plays just like its acoustic counterpart. The three-way ride lets you play all the ride cymbal sounds - �including the ability to “dig” the shoulder of the stick on the edge of the cymbal - �and the snare picks up every ghost note. The clincher is the bass drum; when playing “heel down” on the bass drum pedal, you hear that full, round, open sound. When you play “heel up” and press the beater into the head, the sound slightly mutes and the pitch goes up ever so slightly - �amazing!

Heading for a buzz roll on the snare is equally impressive. Although the single hits have a full attack, the buzz rolls play like soft butter. This is the new “interval control” hard at work. It constantly adjusts the sound according to how fast the sound is played. This also works great as you play the edge of the crashes or ride from fast to slow. The single hits are pronounced with the sound smoothing out when playing faster.

Let’s talk toms
The dual-trigger PD-105 and PD-125 toms let you play rim shots on all the toms to get that “timbale-like” sound - �perfect for Latin and reggae styles. And how many times have you wanted to get really dynamic in the middle of your solo and just play your sticks on the metal rims of your toms? Now you can do that as well - �complete with hearing the slight, resonant pitch of the drum. Again, a complete mind-blower.

Catch the Buzz
After playing some of the kits, you’ll get the sense that you’re playing a complete instrument. A large reason for this is that you can now hear the snare buzz in the tom and bass drum sounds. This is where we can focus our attention on the TD-20’s advanced COSM modeling. In this case, I can add, vary, or take out the snare buzz for any of the sounds. And, while we’re on the Jazz kit, I might want to turn one of my cymbals into a sizzle cymbal. Just go to the Cymbal Modeling page and add rivets to the ride for a smooth sizzle sound, or select the chain model for a coarser sizzle sound.

But what about a rock kit? If you want really huge power toms, use the shell modeling to vary the tom depths. Adjusting size of the cymbals is just as easy since the COSM editing can change the cymbal diameter. You can select from one-inch all the way to a 40-inch diameter cymbal - �now that’s a big cymbal!

We’ve barely scratched the surface of the TD-20 Percussion Sound Module, but it’s packed with tons of great features you’ll want to check out. From the 15 lightning-fast dual-trigger inputs to the 10 outputs (including a digital out), to the built-in sequencer, digital effects, EQ and compressors, this is one beast of a module!

Although each of the new components in the TD-20S is strong in its own regard, the synergistic effect of them all working together makes for one incredible electronic drum system. Just sit down to play the V-Pro Series TD-20S once, and you’ll know why it’s the flagship of electronic drum systems everywhere.

*Kick pedals, snare stand and Hi-Hat stand not included.

Buy a V-Pro Series TD-20S today!