Best Upgrades For The Roland TD17KVX

Lets dial this drumset to eleven and see how far we can upgrade the Roland TD17KVX!
Link To The Roland TD17KVX on Amazon
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[@Edrumcenter]

Great video Justin. We have sold the TD-17KVX with 14" snares we have converted and it does make the kit so much cooler. One thing I would point out is that the ATV AD-H14 hi hats do not 100% work with the TD-17 module. The main issue is the closed chick sound is very hard to get unless you really mash on your hi hat pedal. They work fine with TD-30 and TD-50.

[@ttbu29]

is there a better rack out there - e.g., being able to place a larger bass drum?

[@fuchsia5899]

fwb yes, there’s loads

[@user-sw1wq8lh2w]

I think the VH-11 and Vh-13 are both incompatible with the TD-17 as well.

[@65Drums]

So I recorded myself playing this kit, and totally forgot to include it during editing 😂😂 Don't worry, you'll see it in action during one of the Pearl Mimic videos

[@Jdb_]

65 Drums these Roland drum names are turning into Ibanez names lol

[@johnlopez4487]

I just want to say thanks for putting out all these Roland TD17 in depth videos. They are very helpful in that i bought a td17 module a couple of weeks ago. A major upgrade from my Alesis Command kit. I built a DYI conversion from a junior acoustic kit. Now I'm going to upgrade the hi hat and ride cymbal. Thanks for the td17 tutorials.

[@biekanez1]

For starting e drummers, your channel is so informative with so many tricks and tips. I think your the best Justin, excellent way of explaining things very clearly. Always have some time to help other people, I really respect and appreciate that my dear friend 😎👍👊✌️

[@michaelkruppenbacher1711]

Awesome kit. Your reviews have helped me make the decision to buy this kit. Made a cover of Bat Country with ease!!

[@fucket]

I screwed a tom mount to my 13" A2E conversion snare and put it on the same snare arm that came with the kit. I love it; easy to position and makes getting my double bass and hihat pedals set up easier.

[@arbogast4950]

I broke my kd10, I tried dialing it in but no matter what, it triggered inconsistently. So, I replaced it with a kd120 and wow, it's so much better. I've also converted my 13 inch snare and added an Alesis Strike Multipad. I used the pdx 12 for a floor tom and used the extra 8" to the left of my hihat. This channel has helped me so much with edrums, thanks for the great content.

[@TC-ps9sd]

Justin- I can't tell you how much you are educating me to purchase my first set of eDrums. I'm a retired engineer who is looking to get back into drumming after 45 years of not playing. Thank you for the time and effort that you put into the videos and this site.

[@youngguns996]

Awesome upgrades. Your TD-17 Looks Great. Lots of Info, Thanks Justin!

[@65Drums]

I was surprised how much better if felt after switching a few pads. Glad you liked the video!

[@AcousticAdd1ct]

Great video Justin. It is a really good timing this video is uploaded. I just had a chance to play the td17 kvx in person and the td25 kv. Boy these 2 kits are too small. I was so used to the size of the td20. But these 2 kits are much lighter than the td 20 which we have to carry at the end of sunday service to clear off the stage. I did think of getting td11 kvx or the td17kvx and thinking of upgrading the small size pads to the sizes of the td20 pads but i kept on holding my thoughts for a while just in case if i upgraded it to the wrong pads and it wont work and just a waste of money. Great thing is that now i have decided to get the 17kvx instead of 11kvx. Your info saves me a ton of researching. Great stuff man.

[@petezmaate]

nice vid idea, i bought this kit about half a year ago. Really good for beginners like myself

[@crispylineslim5041]

I love you content bro. You are 90% responsible for my successful journey from acoustic to E-drums. Thank you

[@kbrown649]

I recently bought a couple of new Yamaha crashes to use with my Roland modules due to price, and they work great!

[@MaartenFlaton]

Thank you for this video! It inspired me to do just about the same with my 17KVX. 2 PDX-100's, a CY-15R and an absolutely gorgeous hand hammered 13' Drum Tec Diabolo snare and I just love it! Expensive, bit worth every penny!

[@lgvillamirez582]

Where did you get the diabolo drum I live in the us and how much

[@MaartenFlaton]

@@lgvillamirez582 www.drum-tec.com/drum-tec-diabolo-mesh-head-pad-13-x-5-hand-hammered-design they do ship to the US, but it will cost extra.

[@lobbyrobby]

How did the pdx-100 work as Toms? I hear they will have hot spots

[@beatsdddx]

Very kewl upgrade ,it's good to think outside the box!

[@michaelday6987]

I love the Drum-tec demos with their kits. That sounds so much better than the stock kits (I own a TD-17KV). If you want to upgrade the sounds cheaper, that may be a way to go.

[@LeToplache007]

I'm using a TD25KV. Don't really have space for large pads, barely could fit a Drum-Tec 14" pro snare in my setup. BUT, the biggest ugprade yet was SD3. That changed my life. For me personally, it is the single best upgrade I will probobly ever do for an edrum.

[@terrazasound]

Good stuff man, you seem like a nice dude! Very well explained

[@SCDrummer]

Great upgrade here! I may try this myself. Thanks Justin!

[@65Drums]

Glad you liked the video!

[@lawrencepatrick5760]

Great job on this content. I have a TD 17 and will prob do a similar set up change. Thanks.

[@adrianmorales922]

Dude I was at work and saw this vid come up and got so hype lol

[@stephenpetrikowski]

Buying a laptop and drum software was my favorite upgrade so far. Next is toms and cymbals. I actually really like the kd10. I put the screws out and it sunk in to my carpet over the last five months and doesn't move at all. I even have a 10 inch mesh pintech kick drum I could use instead but don't.

[@1rcproductions]

Regarding the KD-10 swaying, I have Velcro on the bottom of my kick pedal plates and I do not notice any swaying.

[@gonzalosanchez6387]

You could use the snare holder pipe to replace the small pipe to get more space for the kick drum

[@Bob-nu3xe]

after 1 hour on the kit my ears are mushed to know what's what and what I was looking for in the first place! I agree Justin that 1, the toms should be 10" and 2,a bigger ride would be nice but it down to a price in a box and Roland have come up with a fair deal I bit like most things more money you throw at it the better it becomes

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Damn got me excited thinking you got a Mimic! So the question remains... WHAT module will Justin choose to replace his TD30?

[@Robinallenyukon]

i bought 2 kits a TD-11K and a TD-11KV used from my local drum pusher man lol ... modified the stands and BOOM ..big kit for half the price !!

[@davidbrown2806]

Love to see the same video for the VAD506. There are three aux's available, six if there is some way to use the spare connections on the cable snake.

[@EricThomasImaging]

Justin, you didn't specifically mention whether the 15" ride cymbal plays better with the bell. I know you were troubled by how hard it was to strike the bell on the 13" ride, does that get any better on the 15"? Thanks, great videos and great information!

[@anthonyscuderijr.cluchfc6602]

Hey Justin…. Thanks for all the great videos. Following your lead I upgraded my TD-17 KVX by purchasing 2 mint dual zone PD -105 pads on eBay. One of them is only triggering in the very center. Could it just be a cone or would it be the piezo? Should I replace both and where do I buy them? Any advice would be great! Thanks so much!

[@larsulrich26ulrich42]

Thank you! One question, how Can I fix the hi-hat problem on Lotgic X? All other pads working but only hi hat and one cymbal the sofyware does not recognizee.

[@route-249]

Hey Justin, You have always put out an honest and sincere presence and it is so much better than the overselling that most people do; you keep it real. I really enjoy your videos. I would like to ask something... I have a Roland TD17KVSX and you made it seem as though you can just plug in another cymbal. I would like to add one, so can you explain just how &/or where you plugged in the extra cymbal? thanks & keep up the great work!!! mark

[@fucket]

Plug it into the aux jack

[@momcilopetrovic4190]

Great vidio Justin. I follow you for a couple years and I love what you are doing here. Quick question. Im thinking about buying ATV exs 5 and maybe roland td17 module or module from ATV. I am not sure. What would you do?

[@Grit489]

Awesome set up

[@65Drums]

Thanks! And keep watching, it just got even better :)

[@davesmith228]

Hi Justin another really good video from your vast collection! I think KZbin and therefore many drummers around the world will have found your stuff very helpful and I'm sure they really appreciate it as I do. I have a question though if that's ok? With the larger ride the CY15R I think is the bell area on it larger (and hopefully better if so) than the original 13" one that comes with the 17 KVX? I tried the 17 KVX and found the bell area on it to be too small and specific to hit the sweet spot I think. I know you mentioned finding this I think and others have said similar things regarding the ride. I would try to test the CY15R at the place where I tried the 17 KVX but I don't think they have one there according to their website unless they have another Roland kit on display that has one and I'm not sure about that either. For this reason I've been considering the 27 KV. Anyway anything would be greatly and genuinely appreciated. Update - from these the CY15R isn't looking great even if I could test it and it had a larger bell area and could also have the same faults as the 13" one on the 17 KVX; 1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHOxmZKppq-sebc 2. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2apaIGaqdGed7M What do you or anyone else think? I think pretty shocking even generally speaking let alone the manufacturer and price.

[@larsheavy]

Hi Justin, love the channel... Have found all vids very helpful trying to pick a kit.... I'm thinking I want to go the dtx8 mesh..what are your thoughts on a second kick pad rather than upgrading to the kp100 and using a double kick? Also in your opinion would you upgrade a 17kvx or get the dtx8? Cheers from Australia.

[@andreamccormick2178]

Well I just ordered this kit. I think it will take time to see.

[@mrricharddunsmore8023]

Hey Justin,a bit late here,but just purchased a TD-17module,and wonder if you know if it’s possible to transfer sounds/kits from an older module(TD-8),to the TD-17?.I understand that most folk would just buy/download a sample pack,but I love some of those sounds on that older module!!.Great vids your producing btw.Thanks.

[@davidbantle5866]

Hi Justin and thanks for the video. Two questions please why can't I use the same crash cymbal sample on both the right crash and left aux pad and how do you use the cymbal choke function? Thank you, Dave

[@NecroMorrius]

I have a TD15KVX and made all of these upgrades. Next stop will probably be a TD25 or TD50 upgrade kit.

[@dynabrass]

I use EZ Drummer 2 with my TD-17KVX, but I can't find a kick drum that I like. They all sound very thin. I also have the Country pack and there aren't any great kicks there either. One tip: I was having trouble playing hi hat barks and was finding the VH-10 would not track quick openings. I finally tried cranking up the spring tension on my hi hat pedal and suddenly it worked perfectly.

[@BenevolentDrums]

nice justin.. id love to switch those toms out like you did... but yeah budget. funny enough im going smaller to a 8 pdx for first tom.. for now. i also use a old tama rack as i dont like the look of this rack. far as sound of kit.. my presonus mixer i now use the compression and reverb from that (and eq but i really so far have kept it flat as is) but i feel this has really brought the sound out of the kit for me a little more... my next upgrade will prob be dm2 just to mix in some more pads etc. im sure most would hate using more than one module but i dont mind and the flexibility of the mixer allows me to pan them or even add certain effects to one module not the other or change the kit one one module for percussion or alt snare pads while leaving the base kit alone.

[@NickBauman]

Hey Justin great video I am getting upgraded toms when I order mine in couple weeks they said they keep pdx8 pads and sell in store as long as they come in box do u know if each pad comes in its own box ?please reply thanks alot.

[@clownbaby9552]

Been working on doing a kit build similar to what you've set up in this video but using the TD-17KV as the starting point. Just wondering if you've had a chance to check out Jobeky's 3 spoke or 4 spoke design triggers on snare drums and if so what were your opinions of those triggers? Want to make a conversion snare but the R Drums triggers are definitely out of my budget.

[@derekcheung3069]

Hi bro thanks for the video. I’ve been playing drums for a long time but just about to purchase my first electric kit - when you talk about changing the pads or cymbals etc does this actually change the sound? Is the sound not dependant on the module and settings? Does different size pads change the sound?

[@superdrummer3578]

Don't forget that there is a free version of Steven Slate Drums 5, which has only 1 kit, but otherwise has all the tuning features of the full version.

[@EmondJeremie]

Thank you so much

[@kevindillman7167]

Is this rack the “ compact” rack for the kvx? Did you add any pieces to it to make longer? I want to add another PDX12 as a 4th Tom but I hearing from people that it won’t fit and the rack will be too tight.

[@Slavetskiy]

Hey, thanks for the video. What about BFD2 software?

[@minooperations5198]

Thank you for all these reviews. I am currently looking into buying the 17kvx kit very soon, and your videos have been so helpful - really appreciate it! I have a quick question though, is it possible to reverse the left and right bars of the frame? To my understanding the left bar is longer as it is meant to rack the td17 module, but I was hoping I could use that extra length to create a two floor tom setup. Do you think this would be possible? Thank you

[@MahonaBona]

yes it's possible. just loosen the screws and remove each pole and switch them. I have the kvx and honestly the rack is one of my least favorite things about it. the tiny gap for the bass drum makes it so you really don't have much freedom to position it anywhere you want it. I also find that the mount for the module makes it really hard to get it anywhere near you given the shape of the rack (esp if you have a double bass pedal). And the wire snake really doesn't give you the ability to relocate it. Those are my biggest gripes with the kit. I still very much enjoy it and think it's probably best bang for your buck edrum kit you can get right now. just need to spend some additional time/money/effort to switch a couple things out and make it so it works for me.

[@yoavcohen3318]

Hi Justin, I’m having the same problems with the tom pads. if you can, can you please put some links to the toms and the snare. Thanks a lot

[@07acanoia]

Mine sways side to side, not back and forth. Not sure if that's what you meant, but it has no problem with sliding forward. Great content as always!

[@matic1203cc]

Every video I've watched, the pdx10 snare is always flopping around. Can a person use a regular snare stand instead of the wonky snare mount?

[@drumdude68]

Hold on to that Mimic for as long as you need. A tutorial would help me in the biggest way.

[@noiro5738]

How did u connect a second module cos I'm consi buying that kit and I'm wonder how can I expand the set later

[@MeThOdMaNlililhkjg]

Hey including superior drummer 3 How much all in all would everything cost with these upgrades??

[@etbatera]

Justin, what do you think is the best choice for those who want to save money and want to have an electronic drum to record and study using VST as the Superior Drummer? TD17, TD25 or other older ones do the job? Greetings from Brazil

[@dustinyeary8266]

Thanks for the video sir! I've a question, will a VH-12 work with the TD-17 Module? I know there is no preset in the settings for a VH-12 ( only VH-10 and VH-11) and Roland claims it doesn't support VH-12 for the TD-17 Module, (but its doesn't claim to support the GoEdrum controller either, lol, even though it will for the most part.) Just wondering if you have actually tried using a VH-12 with a TD-17.

[@iancassidy1048]

I have the TD-17 and want to upgrade to a floating Hi Hat and Snare stands, I have looked on Zzounds, Reverb and Roland for these items but still can't find the individual product #'s? I just want to make sure everything plugs into my midi and WORKS! Any suggestions as to where to find these stands, incl model #'s please. Thanks

[@michaelhugh-bloch1356]

Hello Justin, could you please be so kind to provide the exact name if the snare and toms you used to upgrade. I am thinking of upgrading mine in a similar way. Thank you in advance. Michael

[@Fast4VVard]

when you take out the cable for the bowed edge of the ride can you still use the bell and the ride but not be able to crash with it ? or can you only use the bell at that point ? im trying to upgrade ekits and am considering this one but I want to add a cymbal to it

[@mobeenrehman2379]

Justin, I have the TD25 And it comes with the smaller bass drum. I’m wondering why people upgrade to the larger size bass drum. Does it make a difference in playing or sound? Since I’m triggering most of the time using EZdrummer.

[@ericteneyck3809]

Please post details of the snare upgrade parts etc. Thanks!

[@johnvilardi9763]

What trigger did you use for that snare. I'm very new to this.

[@michaelday6987]

I just bought a TD-17KV and my long term plan is close to this. Adding a CY-15R will be the first step though. How sets over $1000 don't come with a 3 zone ride is beyond me. I almost bought the Simmons DS1200 extended kit for $1199, but everyone complained about the hotspots.

[@abc456f]

The cy-13r is a 3 zone cymbal.

[@pepec52]

What about trigger modules for superior drummer with this these pads? Is it compatible? Does it work well? Cheers! 🤘🏻

[@roddavies576]

Would be interesting to know what alternatives there would be once you've spent a billion dollars on all the upgraded parts. ATV/Mimic, Pearl/Mimic, Anything Else/Mimic ?

[@tomcamp7112]

I am considering upgrading my snare, but really want to be able to do side stick hits. What do you recommend?

[@ZandrielGrimm]

Personally I would've used a discarded tom as an extra one instead. But thats just me :)

[@CSProduction12]

Can the td17 support two ride cymbals so that you can set up a crash with a bell?

[@greghill500]

Hey Justin do you have pricing info on each overall upgrade?

[@jonahpaz.]

6:16 Justin, it would be cool if you could make a video about songs recorded using drum software!

[@Johnyevil]

Are VH-13 hats compatible with the TD-17 module? I've read multiple sources saying they aren't?

[@alexfung6321]

Is the arm of the drum rack allowed to place 1 10 inches and 1 12 inches pad?

[@monktimusprime]

Can you show how the extra cymbal was connected to the module? Pls

[@MisterToadwart]

Does anyone have a link to free settings packs for the TD-17? I couldn't find any and it would really help me as an e-drum beginner :)

[@jeffwaters2470]

Was going to upgrade the hi-hat but now that I played for a while an understand more now what your talking about - what’s the ATV snare all about

[@jeffwaters2470]

Does somebody give you all this stuff. Impressive that you have stuff just laying around.

[@Eknot445]

Do you have any idea why the td17 snare drum is so wide, not the head, but the drum. It extends far beyond the head.

[@xdanulicious4275]

i upgraded my td-17kvx with an mds-9cs rack and a kd-120 kick pad and it just feels much better. i plan on upgrading the toms to pdx-100 becuz i don’t like the plastic rims on the pdx-8, as well as getting a bigger ride.

[@antondubkov]

hi! I also want to upgrade the kd-10, do you think it's worth buying the KD-120? Is it really much better? KD-10 is ok but due to its complete lack of rebound it can't play double bass on it as fast as on a real kick drum (which is a bummer). So i was wondering if KD-120 would be better... unfortunately where I live there is nowhere to try it.

[@TheRealBarkinMadd]

Thanks for the video, Justin. Can you recommend another Roland v-drum snare to replace the pdx12 when I move it over to the floor tom? I'm wondering which is compatible with the TD-17? Thanks.

[@TheRealBarkinMadd]

I'll reply to my own post, lol. I see in another video you did on the TD-17 that you show a table of compatible Roland toms, kick pads, cymbals, etc. Would there be any advantage to upgrading the snare to a PD-125, for example? Thanks in advance.

[@Aurum1977]

Can you specify the acoustic snare item #?

[@johndef5075]

Have you tried Vexpressions Justin or anybody? What do you think of them?

[@MrSlaveSP]

Can you do a video for upgrades for the Alesis Nitro Mesh

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

"You COULD go up to the VH-13? That'll be like $800".... ........ BAHHHAHAHAHAHA Anyone that invests $800 for a HiHat on THIS KIT needs a damn financial advisor

[@65Drums]

That's why I said not to haha!

[@kevin5k2008]

If i am not mistaken the td17 module only supports up to vh-11

[@dimakeylin]

@@kevin5k2008 yes. Only vh-10 and vh-11

[@KingCrimson82]

nailed it

[@robertlucas9867]

You may need to upgrade the firmware on the Mimic. That looks like last version. It's easy.

[@4232468509]

What are the models of the Tom’s and snare?

[@shemrandall7035]

Awesome video, was wondering where you would find these free settings packs?

[@DanielRatspliff]

ever find?

[@MrEltaka10]

Would these upgrades work on a TD-7 kvx?

[@SegahHQ]

Anyone knows which toms is he using ? I'd like to change those but I wanna be sure of what I'm buying

[@sandrasage346]

Whats your thoughts on Yamaha Cymbals? they are at a lower price point?

[@ananlama1]

Yummy setup oohh and Can you do a review of Roland CYR15 ride cymbal or compare against cy13r

[@1rcproductions]

Would be interesting to know how the bell response compares between the 13" and 15" cymbals.

[@leocioffi1766]

Where do you get the new snare from?

[@rjsal246]

Will a snare stand hold my pd125 snare?

[@landonp629]

Alesis strike cymbals, in my experience, are more expensive than Roland or ATV. A 14" crash is like $350 new. You also didn't mention some 'real feel' cymbal options like Field. They are still fairly budget, or at least on-par with ATV and Roland prices, and feel vert good. Throw on a cymbal mute and/or rubber tips on drum stick and they are just as quiet as rubber cymbals.

[@mikemurphy8580]

You can't use the VH 13 with the td 17 kv ?

[@TSTatum]

Will a KD-120 work on my TD-6V?

[@RDGub]

Anyone know what the 65 in 65 drums is in reference to?

[@joelhammond2842]

Did you bought the pearl mimic pro

[@rockinvida1960]

Justin….great vid…I am desperate for some help getting decent drum sounds in my newly set up project studio. I got the Roland TD-17 KVX since I had already had V-drums once upon a time. I added some kit samples from a few reputable sources and while better than the module’s stock sounds they were still not great. So I invested in EZ Drummer 3 and set up (with the help of one of your vids) the Roland pads to trigger the software on my computer. (Connected by USB.) No real issues getting things to work and latency is minimal and not really my problem. What I am perplexed by, is that when I mouse click on the EZD3 drums on my computer, they sound phenomenal. Problem is, they sound far less good in my headphones and by the time they make it to my recordings - they sound like complete shit. Yet, I know for sure I am triggering the kit on my computer. Honestly, the best drum sound so far is using a Yamaha keyboard and playing finger drums. (No way to do fills.) I am obviously bummed, but there must be a way for me to get those stellar sounds of EZD3 onto my recordings? I do not use a DAW (Use a Tascam DP-24) but that is not the issue. Any thoughts on why I can’t get decent drums sounds from this rig? Thanks! Thought I’d ask the guru of the Edrum YT world….

[@scottbyrne2122]

What is that laptop stand? I need that in my life.