Roland TD-9KX V-Drum Electronic Drum Kit

by Gig Stig

The TD-9KX arrives around March 2008 and will undoubtedly be a best seller for Roland. They seem to have learned important lessons from previous generations of V-Drums such that the TD-9 range is a near perfect as you're gonna get for an electronic drum kit ...

Firstly, the sounds contained in the TD-9 drum module are much more useable for everyday purpose, previously Roland had included some strange electronic noises and kits such as the drum samples from the Boss 808 rhythm unit, and whilst historically these sounds were iconic during the 1980's, in reality they are seldom used today. So I was glad to hear that Roland have stocked the TD-9 module with a great range of practical, useable drum sounds ... and indeed there are many fine sounds here most of which are refreshingly natural.

The large back-lit LCD screen makes it much easier, simpler and quicker to navigate around and edit, swap and replace individual drum samples or whole kits.The addition of the USB port for importing of .wav files will also be greatly appreciated by many drummers - as will the triple ride trigger feature and the double Toms trigger capability. These are the types of additions that will allow drummers to play in a completely natural style and truly express their creativity.However it's worth remembering that this kit doesn't include a Kick Drum pedal so you'll need to allow for the purchase of this item in your budget nor does it come with a drum stool ...

I'm sure many magazines will be reveiwing the TD-9KX over the coming months before its arrival on our shores in Spring 2008, having seen it demonstrated at the NAMM show all I can say is that the wait will be worth it ...