Roland TD20SX vs TD30K (and TD50k Vs TD30KV)

Its the classic question. Should I buy the k version of the newer drumset? Or the KV version of the previous generation. Go with the better sound module on the TD30k? Or go with the bigger pads on the TD20SX?
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[@MikeLuke]

Agree on the topic. I wanted bigger surfaces, that's why I converted an acoustic set and have 22" kick and a 16" floortom. ;) because of that I'd always pick the TD-30, because it's just the better module. Not only it has the better internal sounds, but the sensivity is way better when using VST.

[@MacYYur4me]

Mike, completely agree. In fact, watching your video of the A2E, convinced me to pull the trigger and follow a similar path as you. Could not justify the cost at this time for 50 Module, but I was fortunate enough to get a 30. For the last 4 years I've been honing my skills on a TD-15. Like you, I now want to play on the more traditional size. Just got the shells and snare. Now working through triggers for toms, bass and snare. I may take your path. Justin does a great job of reviews and I trust his perspective. I feel very confident with the 30 purchase.

[@65Drums]

Mike's video has really inspired alot of drummers to do a conversion, great stuff.

[@65Drums]

Hey thanks mike! I'm still working on that conversion, just ordered another trigger, should be here soon :)

[@MikeLuke]

Hey Kevin, thanks for your kind words. You cannot go wrong with converting "real" shells, won't regret it. Let me know when you're done, I'm really curious to see the final result.

[@Dartanbeck]

Mike's links are mostly EU... Justin, do you know any decent DIY shops (links) in the US?

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

I can't imagine that being a question, sound quality is first. I have a TD 20 sound module but Hart Hart drums. Love em

[@TJ-eq6dl]

In fact that's what I did ,about 4years ago,I took the second hand route,I made a huge saving more than 50% ,on the price of a new td30kv,and pretty much got the same kit,except mines silver.

[@NLind]

I have the silver cymbal pads (2 CY-14Cs and 1 CY-15R) that I got used and fortunately they have little wear. I did see a VH-12 on eBay that was worn all the way to the brown base color.

[@65Drums]

Good to know

[@markricher7362]

Hey Justin thank's for doing all the 'leg work" for us e-drummers. It makes our buying decision much easier!

[@65Drums]

hahaha that's why I'm here for :)

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

A cool video idea, although not directly edrum related, would be to go over how you edit your videos like adding in the pictures sliding in and doing different angles or cuts and making the audio fit while doing everything.

[@65Drums]

I'll keep that idea in mind, thanks :)

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

cool vid! ya do a comparison ya! To me both matters. Sound and playing surface. DIY for the win. Acoustic to Electric conversion team!! lol

[@65Drums]

Thanks man!

[@Clairvoyant81]

I think the reason the 50 K and KV have the same ride and snare is because Roland only has a single digital snare and ride model. So, they don't really have a choice in the matter: They want to advertise the TD-50's improved positional sensing capabilities on ride and snare, so they have to include those two pads.

[@65Drums]

That's true, hadn't thought of that

[@auwdioslave]

Thanks for the informative video. I'm going to pick up a TD-20S with an upgraded TD-30 module in about an hour :)

[@EduTred]

Hey auwdioslave, how’s the td20kx kit with the td30 module? Did you like it?

[@ashleycox432]

Great video Justin. When you do your comparison, and future comparisons, could you do a demonstration of how the kit handles fast buzz rolls? I think this is an area where most electronic kits struggle. I'm with you on the TD-50, though I think the stock sounds are even worse than the TD-30. Is it just me, or is there really no decent, unprocessed acoustic on the 50?

[@65Drums]

I'll keep that in mind, I don't have access to every kit I talk about, but I do want to do that comparison at some point

[@rhythmantic]

If you want better sounds, then trigger drum samples like Steven slate drums, addictive drums, superior drummer, studio drummer, etc. The TD 30 still sounds a bit fake. I would suggest that Roland partner with one of those drum sample software manufacturers that I listed previous,and get real acoustic drum sounds into their modules. CMOS just doesn't sound right.

[@65Drums]

Yeah I have Superior Drummer and Ezdrummer but I never use them. I hate having to lug my laptop downstairs, turn it one, load Ezdrummer 2, and finally start playing. It sounds incredible, but I like the simplicity of drum modules.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

I also hate having the drums be unproportional. The snare being 14" but the the floor tom being 12" or 10" doesn't feel right. I'd rather have a 12" snare and a 14" floor tom so even though still smaller than acoustic, it's evenly smaller by 2". I think I'm weird about it tho.

[@65Drums]

I get what you're saying, but any pad is easy to swap out with another off ebay :)

[@wavecs1179]

Great vid man, I'm currently thinking over whether to buy the Td50K or the TD 30k, what would you buy? I played the 50K once & enjoyed the digital pads, but for some reason I'm leaning more towards the TD 30 sound module.

[@rjsal246]

Wave CS what did you end up getting ?

[@andrewlee9108]

Hi ive been wanting to buy a edrum kit and ive been pretty much binge wanting your videos. Theyve been super helpful and I think from what Ive seen the 800-1000 dollar price point fits the best for me. Im not a beginner drummer but I also do not have the funds to buy an expensive kit especially when Im new to edrums. Like you have said in other vids I feel that the 1500 dollar price is not worth for the little extra features. ANYWAYS thanks for the vids

[@65Drums]

Thanks for watching Andrew!

[@TJ-eq6dl]

Great video,personally I would buy the td20 sx ,sell the module,and buy a td30 module,hey presto Full Roland td30 KV drum kit,

[@65Drums]

That's an interesting strategy

[@guerson99]

Hello, I really liked your video and your explanations about the products but I have several questions that I need to clarify and if you can help me I would appreciate it very much. 1. I have thought about buying the Roland Td50 module but I want to buy certain parts of the acoustic battery, for example. I want to buy an acoustic snare and put a Trigger connected to the module just like the bass drum. Is that possible?. Cymbals would also be acoustic. 2. The Rack of the Td30 or Td50 offers you some advantage as if I bought an apart rack? I ask because I want to buy more pads and combine acoustic with digital and to be able to transport it easily. 3. In this case a hybrid battery, which is more convenient, amplifiers or PAs? Taking into account the ease of transport. 4. Which mixer model I need for the idea I have, more or less I would buy ten pads. Including here another question, does the Td50 module support ten pads? I ask why I want to know if you can put a bad sounding drum in the place where a cymbal is connected, that is to expand the set.

[@65Drums]

1. Yes 2. Yes you could put acoustic drums on a TD50k/30k or a TD50kv/TD30kv Rack, but you'll need to get some different clamps to hold any acoustic drums you want to add. 3. Amps 4. You'll need a nice drum module to power 10+ drum pads. The TD30 and TD50 will both handle that (up to 14)

[@guerson99]

I love reading all this. One last question has to do with the pad spaces inside the modem. I want to simulate the following drums: 2 snares 14x6, 12x5, air toms 8 x 6, 8 x 7, 10 x 8, 12 x 10, 14 x 12, 16 x 16, 18 x 18, 2 bass drum 24 x 16. Is this possible with the Td50?

[@standouglas3277]

Great Video. I have the TD-20x. I'm thinking about upgrading the module to a 50. My question is are my pads outdated? Will they do whatever the new 50 is capable of?

[@troublesomecorsair]

That bonus footage will be good for future reference.

[@65Drums]

Thanks :) I thought I should include it

[@WhyNotDrum]

Awesome comparison, thanks for the info!

[@65Drums]

Awesome! Glad you liked it :)

[@tommiepumpkin5382]

I got the Td50k and I love it. I really thought it would be easier to connect the td50 module via midi to my soundcard and then to my macbook pro(2017). I really haven't found any videos on how to do it. Could you please explain this in a video? I want to record my drums on my bands album because I don't want to pay for studio time(and I sold my pdp x7. What is the best way to record? I can just connect one tele cable out from td50 to my soundcard into my mac. But then I get everything in mono and I cant Pan the individual drums then. :( This is really much more complicated than I thought! :/ PROPS for your Channel man! It is really helpful and enjoying! (I play progrock mostly). //Anton

[@65Drums]

Well I believe the roland Td50 has Multi Channel USB audio. Run it into audacity and see how many channels pop up. You might be able to do all the stuff you want with just a regular usb cable (like a printer cable)

[@Hotdang617]

Go to setup then F2 or USB audio options---> then make certain driver mode is set to vendor. You should now be able to record via USB 10 tracks. I never use straight midi out... So can't help there. Hope this helps.

[@swankieracorn2170]

Great Video, but people who have a ton of money will just by the TD50KV without even thinking about just the regular TD50K even though, as you said at the end, they are both similar

[@65Drums]

Thanks man! I really do think the TD50k is a worth a look over the TD50KV because of all those similarities.

[@lucifersspawn4050]

my friends td 30 (keep in mind he has hade if or about 4 and a half years) the ride cymbal has stopped working, the crash cymbal only registers sometimes, and the hi hat pedal broke

[@65Drums]

Ouch that's alot of things not working. I've had 1 crash cymbal go bad and hihat issues after years of use by 2 drummers. Unfortunately if you hit something for 5 years it's going to break eventually. It also depends on how hard you hit. Some guys play edrums for 15 years without breaking anything.

[@BranlandadventuresGaming]

how good is the 20's module

[@motodrummer]

Thinking of delving into the electronic world, are the pads all interchangeable? Can you use TD30 kv Pads on a TD50 module or any other version?

[@Heatherhigleydrums]

RolandTd30 (£1500)or td27kv2(£2300)? Probably won't be doing much gigging with it or overly elaborate recording. Basically, old flagship or new high/mid level with the new digital pads and coach mode... cannot decide.

[@brohoop]

I miss my TD-20SX! I sold it and got the TD-30KV flagship and hated it! Then I sold that to get the TD-50KV flagship and hate it even more! Feels bad, sounds bad, just so disappointed! I read that you can dload this and dload that and tweak this and tweak that but I didn’t have to do any of that with my TD-20SX! I’ll lose so much money if I sell. I’m perplexed! I trust your opinions and have always agreed. But on this we differ. I’m so sad. What do I do? I’m crippled and can’t go try things out. Any suggestions? Updates? Downloads that really make a difference? Any help would be so very much appreciated.

[@drumyogi9281]

brohoop no offense but maybe the problem is you?

[@brohoop]

Jason Bay, you know, why didn’t I think of that! You’re brilliant! I mean, you read I’m crippled, so you put 2 and 2 together! OF COURSE!! I SUCK!! Thanks for solving that puzzle, Jason! You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. You’re goin’ places!

[@AIn366]

What do you think about buying a td 20 for 2000 and then buying a pearl mimic mudul

[@Izzy-nj1su]

Hey Justin... just wanted to know if you know what the K and KV stands for when it come to Roland? Thanks for the help and keep on doing you!!!

[@65Drums]

I have no idea honestly.. But thanks :)

[@chongzilla]

Hey, I have the TD-20X, I want better sounds. In your opinion: Would it be better to upgrade to the TD-30, the TD-50, some other module, use easy drummer, or superior drummer to upgrade?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

It would be cool to see you're​ demo of Kat KT4 module too. They have it a SamAsh by me but none of it is hooked up of course cause everything is set up for shit there except the TD50. If they have the KT4 by you a kind of inconvenient way to get it for demo purposes would be maybe to just buy it and return it once demod lol It would also answer if it's compatible with Roland Pads and cymbals too.

[@65Drums]

Sam ash sucks at setting up edrums. They really don't give a care. I've demoed it before, but I've never tried the kt4 with roland pads. None of the music stores for about 100 miles around me have one in stock.

[@JohnDRobinsonelectronicdrums]

excellent video, Justin

[@65Drums]

Thanks John :)

[@patrikmilo5003]

Oooor, you buy a used td-30 module for 1000 bux and then order pads from Drum-tec or Jobekey to save alot of money :) I started with a td-11kv and I only have the cymbals and the kick-pad left.

[@65Drums]

True. But shipping from Europe to the USA for an entire Drumtec or Jobeky kit would be murder. Just 1 trigger costs $40

[@patrikmilo5003]

I hear you, but they mostly give you a lower price for shipping if you order more; for me it was 500 euros or above for free shipping. Just ordering a trigger would not be worth it, indeed. Then again, I am lucky because I live in Sweden, very close to Germany. With that being said, the drum-tec diabolo toms are totally amazing to play!

[@patrikmilo5003]

I just checked their webpage and they have free shipping to USA if you order for 1000 euro or more. www.drum-tec.co.uk/shipping-costs-und-payment-options

[@65Drums]

thanks:)

[@martinspecht7667]

Would the td25kv do for a studio where it's mainly going to play metal?

[@65Drums]

There is a decent metal kit on that module, you'll want to tweek it to fit your stlye. and the set will take the abuse (very durable). It should work well for you.

[@rasmuswellejus2809]

Thank you for the quick answer 🤘🏼

[@michaelotoole1659]

Td20 sx is 1500.00 a good price for the drums that I want to buy it comes with cases and double Bass peddles and high hat stand two legged stand they wanted 3500.00 with an amp and two speakers I just offered at first 2000.00 for the drums and now I am going to offer 1500.00 just for the drums what do you think?

[@bartomiejmanko1188]

What do you think about quality of sound in td20 vs td25? My keyplayer still reminds me that i should have bought secondhanded td20 but i bought td25 because of year of production i was new and i thought that samples will be better

[@Dartanbeck]

I wish there wasn't such a trend to go with proprietary cable snakes. I can't stand those things. One connection goes bad... screwed. Certainly not for the gigging drummer. Bums me out that all of the new Alesis kits except for the Strike kits use those. The DM10 had the individual inputs. The MKII's don't. Bummer.

[@65Drums]

I hadn't thought of that, the MKII doesnt have individual inputs huh?

[@Dartanbeck]

Neither MKII :( Actually, none of the Alesis kits except for the Strike kits, I think. Right when they had such a good thing going too.

[@Dartanbeck]

LOL! This was all supposed to be on the Yamaha vs Alesis video comments... Sorry about that!

[@markricher7362]

Justin I just got an email for the Alesis Strike Pro 6 piece mesh kit for $2,299.00. It looks awesome, have you heard anything about this "new" e-kit? I don't know...I'm really tempted to buy this one. So if it sounds like crap I can always use third party drum software. Check it out, let me know. It's not even in stores yet Sweetwater is doing pre ordering.

[@65Drums]

+Mark Richer Yeah we've been speculating about that kit for over a year now. I made a video on a few weeks back, hope it turns out well

[@markricher7362]

I checked out your video on the Strike Pro, excellent info, it really looks like a winner! I noticed the kit does not come with a hi-hat stand so that's a little extra $$$ to purchase that! Of course I'll be using my DW Pedals so no problem there. I think this kit is coming home with me! Thank's again for your awesome info!

[@65Drums]

Glad you liked the video :)

[@65Drums]

Let me know if you buy the kit.

[@markricher7362]

Ok, nobody seems to have them in stock.

[@mannyswan]

I have access to a standard td-20 with Vexpressions pak loaded on it...or a stock td-30 for use on a few gigs, to be supplied by the production company. I have to choose one in advance without being able to compare them both prior to the gigs. I am concerned about the cymbals and hi hats....among other things. Can you tell me if they are close? or if the td-30 is better or?

[@modernbeachball]

justin, what is the name of your other channel ? (the one that you talked about in your 5k milestone video)

[@65Drums]

Message me on facebook and I'll send you a link to it. It's a history channel

[@iCarbonHDx]

Hi justin, so im a begginer drummer and i dont know what e drum to get idk if i should go for the roland td 1kv or the alesis command, thanks :)

[@65Drums]

I think the alesis command would be great for you :)

[@iCarbonHDx]

Thanks

[@brandamnRN]

Is it kind of dumb to want to buy a TD-20/TD-20SX drum kit then buy a TD-30 or even TD-50 drum module to use for the pads?

[@65Drums]

They are all compatible too :)

[@ajko2530]

Not much to say on this as I dont own nor need a roland set rn. Still has alot of details, good job! Hope you do that snare comp. tho ;)

[@65Drums]

That would be a fun comparison

[@ajko2530]

65 Drums Also a question. Ever did marching?

[@65Drums]

nope never have, but I sometimes use a pattern or two from marching beats I've heard

[@ajko2530]

65 Drums Suggestion, if any of your friends play the marching snare, you should team up and make a collab vid or something.

[@fordummieslikeme7575]

Hey Justin you mentioned the 30 can plug directly into a computer via USB bypassing a third-party box but I wonder when you get these third-party boxes I know you get software with it to make your edits and even record perhaps? However with the 30 when you go directly into a computer USB without the third party box what type of software do you recommend? would it be typical recording DAW software sorry I'm kind of new to this I have a Roland TD 6v but want to upgrade I would like to go right to the 30 series perhaps... if anyone could help with this I would greatly appreciate it Thanks!

[@Azzthedrummer]

Great video

[@65Drums]

Thanks Az :)

[@juanpabloloayza5921]

Getting a TD-20SX for $2000, it's in almost mint condition... would you consider it a deal?

[@65Drums]

Sounds like a great price to me

[@juanpabloloayza5921]

65 Drums thanks!!!

[@barrycomer3688]

TD20SX with TD30 module

[@josephgizzi373]

Do you think Roland is coming out with a new flagship model soon?

[@65Drums]

Nope

[@josephgizzi373]

Good. Thanks for your reply! I will be trading the strike pro kit for the Roland td 50k when the Alesis arrives Monday. I will be going straight to guitar center without opening the box to trade for the Roland. I guess I had second thoughts. Do you think I should get coverage from guitar center for $350 for 24 months? Thanks for all your videos!

[@journeyseb]

Nice vid!

[@65Drums]

Thanks :)

[@harryrobbins10]

I'd probably talke the td20sx it seems better to me.

[@65Drums]

Well then its the right drumset for you :)

[@maurizioita86]

Do you think td50k has any better midi features to use with sd3 than the td30k?

[@65Drums]

As far as MIDI goes, there's no drastic advantage to my knowledge. The TD50k is more fun to play though because of that incredible snare and ride cymbal

[@maurizioita86]

Thank you, I'm following your channel, you're great! I just wanted to buy a v drum that let cover every of the SD3 features, but actually don't know if it's more convenient to buy single pieces. The best of the best would be an acoustic drum trigger that can understand zones, but I think it is impossibile. Could you suggest me a solution to not spend thousands dollars regardingless the playability?

[@Subilon]

Hey Justin could you please review the td4kp? Thanks

[@65Drums]

I will probably make a video on it when I get a chance to play one.

[@purevanillacookie9977]

I thought the TD30 ride was a 15”

[@vishwanathbalakrishnan1620]

Which One Should I Buy

[@65Drums]

I'd get the TD20sx

[@benjibanks7894]

What about the 25

[@swarnavaroy2923]

this video is best :)

[@65Drums]

Thanks!

[@SpencyP92]

Where on earth can i get a td50 for 4700?!!

[@65Drums]

The TD50k is 4800. The TD50kv is the really expensive version.

[@socalbengal3087]

Gutair Center!

[@dw_drummer3828]

so buy the td50 set for $4700 got it

[@65Drums]

TD50k rocks, love playing that thing

[@dw_drummer3828]

65 Drums You have any videos showing it off?? The TD50 i mean

[@hotdog3392]

Why are people so rich?

[@fordummieslikeme7575]

Use your imagination before you pre-judge that is most likely why you are probably a young person imagine somebody older in their fifties even still playing drums finally saving up after Decades of working for something they wanted all their life try imagining that and it might answer your question before you post so glibly

[@llih0074]

No, I sold my house to buy a Roland TD-30.