Choosing between the Roland TD-17KV2 and the TD-50K2 depends on individual needs, budget, and level of expertise. The TD-50K2, with its greater variety of sounds, larger pad sizes, and advanced module, is suited to professional musicians seeking the best possible performance and sound quality. On the other hand, the TD-17KV2 is an excellent choice for beginners, intermediates, or those on a limited budget, offering a good balance between price and performance.
Roland TD-17KV2 vs Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums (2024) Head to Head
Hailing from Roland's diverse lineup, the TD-17KV2 and TD-50K2 V-Drums stand as a testament to electronic drum versatility. Simply put, the TD-17KV2 is all about value and adaptability, while the TD-50K2 commands a higher price for its superior, professional-grade features.
Key Differences
The TD-50X drum module is more advanced than the TD-17 in terms of sounds and additional features it offers. The TD-50X comes with around 900 sounds, allowing the players to enjoy different instrument sounds to play in almost every genre, whereas the TD-17 only has 310.
The TD-17 module offers two additional pad-cymbal inputs, whereas the TD-50X features four inputs, offering more flexibility to expand your kit.
The TD-17 has Bluetooth audio to stream tracks from your smartphone to the module, while the TD-50X does not offer that.
Regarding playability, the TD-17KV2 comes with a kick tower, but the TD-50K2 comes with a large kick drum, which offers an almost acoustic drumming experience. This is a crucial difference in playability as the large kick drum increases the authentic feeling significantly.
The TD-50K2 has an extra crash, allowing the drummers to diversify their playing more compared to the TD-17KV2.
Regarding the pad sizes, the TD-50K2 has larger snare, crash, tom, kick, hi-hat, and ride pads, which offer better playability and more realistic drumming.
The TD-17KV2 features an electronic hi-hat pedal and a snare mounted-to-rack, whereas the TD-50K2 has an acoustic-style hi-hat and snare stands, giving you the freedom to position them according to your liking. This is also a crucial difference that affects the playability and realistic experience.
With all these extra features, sonic versatility, and better playability, the Roland TD-50K2 costs significantly more than the TD-17KV2.
The Roland TD-17KV2 is equipped with the TD-17, while the Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums uses the TD-50X.
Key Features in Common
Some common features between the two kits include the MIDI-over-USB and MIDI-5-Pin connection capabilities, which allow you to connect the drum module to computers to use the kit as a MIDI controller. You can also connect them to different MIDI devices, thanks to these connections.
Both kits also allow audio-over-USB recording, which means you can connect the kits to a computer via USB to record your playing without using an audio interface.
Plus, you can use the SD-card slot to use your sound samples for custom sampling, allowing you to play your own unique sounds when you want through the kit.
Check out the Roland TD-17KV2 in action.
And here's a video of the Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums.
Price Comparison Between The Roland TD-17KV2 and Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums
Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Roland TD-17KV2 and Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums
Hi-Hat
Cymbal Pads
Toms
Drum Module
Snare
Kick
Overview
Verdict
Both the Roland TD-17KV2 and the Roland TD-50K2 are high-quality electronic drum sets from a reputable manufacturer. However, they cater to different markets. While the TD-17KV2 provides value for its price and is equipped with modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity, the TD-50K2 offers a premium, professional experience with a wider range of sounds and larger pad sizes. Thus, the decision between the two will come down to your specific needs and budget, however, the clear winner is the TD-50K2.
Berk Oztuna