The Roland TD-50K2 is a higher-end electronic drum kit that offers much more creativity and playability than the TD-17KVX2. That being said, the price difference is huge so for those on a more strict budget, the TD-17KVX2 is still a viable option that offers good playability, portability, and features that are still top-notch for beginners, intermediates, and even advanced players.
Roland TD-17KVX2 vs Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums (2024) Head to Head
From Roland's lineup of electronic drums, we have the Roland TD-17KVX2 and TD-50K2 V-Drums. Both drum kits are extremely popular models but cater to different needs. While they have a significant difference in price, they also differ in many other ways and today, we're taking a deeper look into their differences and similarities.
Key Differences
The TD-17KVX2 has a 5-inch tower kick while the TD-50K2 features a full-sized, 14-inch kick drum. A full-sized kick offers better and more realistic playability as well as the option to implement double bass pedals.
The TD-17KVX2 comes with a rack-mounted, 12-inch (dual-zone) snare, whereas the TD-50K2 has a 14-inch (triple-zone) snare with a dedicated snare stand. The obvious benefit of a snare stand is that you can position it to your liking.
The TD-50K2 is superior when it comes to the number of sounds, with 900 in total, in comparison to the 310 of the TD-17KVX2. This means more creative options and room to experiment.
The TD-17KVX2 has Bluetooth connectivity while the TD-50K2 does not. This means that the option to stream backing tracks is only available for the TD-17KVX2.
The TD-17KVX2 has three 8" toms while the TD-50K2 has three 10" toms. Bigger toms mean that playability is more reminiscent of conventional drums.
While the TD-17KVX2 has two 12-inch crash cymbals, the TD-50K2 has a 14-inch and 16-inch crash. Again, this is the more optimal size that is similar to conventional drums, meaning more realistic playability.
They differ in ride cymbal size as well. The TD-17KVX2 has a 14-inch ride, while the TD-50K2 has an 18-inch ride.
The TD-50K2 has a 14-inch hi-hat, whereas the TD-17KVX2 has a 10-inch hi-hat. A 14" hi-hat is the same size as conventional drum kit hi-hats, meaning optimal playability.
Lastly, the TD-50K2 has 4 additional pad/cymbal inputs, whereas the TD-17KVX2 has only two for expanding the drum kit configuration.
The Roland TD-17KVX2 is equipped with the TD-17, while the Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums uses the TD-50X.
Key Features in Common
Both models offer MIDI-over-USB and MIDI 5-pin connectivity.
Both kits have audio-over-USB recording and custom sampling (importing external drum samples) via an SD card.
Both drum kits have the same additional features like the metronome function and onboard recording (of internal sounds).
Check out the Roland TD-17KVX2 in action.
And here's a video of the Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums.
Price Comparison Between The Roland TD-17KVX2 and Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums
Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Roland TD-17KVX2 and Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums
Hi-Hat
Cymbal Pads
Toms
Drum Module
Snare
Kick
Overview
Verdict
The TD-17KVX2 and the TD-50K2 are very popular e-drums from Roland's lineup but differ in several ways and cater to different needs. The TD-50K2 is a higher-end (hybrid) e-drum with superb playability and a realistic playing experience with a full-sized kick and snare stand. Plus, it comes with a pro-grade drum module that is more feature-packed than its competitor. That being said, the TD-17KVX2 is still a good option that offers good playability and portability at a modest price. While both kits are good for all skill levels, the TD-50K2 is the clear winner with more high-quality features and stage presence. The optimal kit for your needs will depend on your preferences and budget.
Alan Walsh