The VAD series is the top option in electronic drums today. They offer the organic look and feel of an acoustic drum kit. They’re also incredibly quiet in any room, with a commanding visual presence that’s fit for the stage. These drums feature Roland’s mesh heads for accurate rebound and incredible durability too.
Every VAD kit comes with full-diameter wood drum shells. This maintains the ergonomics acoustic drum users know and love. Plus, these drums come with Roland sound modules, providing a wide range of old school and new, cool drum sounds.
The VAD series is a great option for learning, recording, and performing drummers at every level. Each model offers specific benefits and use-cases. Make sure to consider your options. Then, choose the kit that’s best for you.
The Module
At the heart of every VAD series drum kit is a Roland sound module. Every module comes with tons of high-fidelity acoustic and electronic drum samples, USB audio output, and MIDI functionality. Each allows for easy customization too.
More advanced modules (like the TD-27 and TD-50X) can send sounds directly to an audio console for independent mixing. It’s also easy to sync other MIDI instruments and triggers to your kit with USB and dedicated I/O connections.
TD-07 and TD-17 give users stereo USB audio and MIDI functionality, while TD-27 and TD-50X provide multiple audio streams out via USB for a high-end recording experience. In either case, it makes both live shows and studio sessions effortless.
"Excel in the recording studio. Excite fans on stage. Go further in the practice room. With VAD, the possibilities are endless."
VAD103: Compact and Affordable
The VAD103 is an affordable entry point to the VAD series. Drum construction includes shallow wooden shells and Roland’s patented double-ply mesh heads. With an 18″ kick drum, this four-piece kit is reminiscent of the drums you’d see in the corner of a jazz club. They’re big enough to handle heavier drumming styles, and they’re compact enough to fit in almost any space.
This kit features Roland’s TD-07 sound module with 25 different preset drum kits right out of the box. The module contains electronic, acoustic, and percussive sounds. Roland works with pro drummers in world-class studios to record samples, so each is sure to impress you and your audience.
VAD306: Upgraded, Expanded
Like the VAD103, the VAD306 is a compact kit for drummers working in tight spaces. The shallow wooden shells and double-braced hardware add to the aesthetic without taking up too much room. The VAD306 also comes with two rack toms for added versatility.
Equipped with the TD-17 module, this model offers more sounds that suit a wide range of drumming styles and music genres. Plus, the VAD306 comes with a custom-built TD-17 module that includes 10 exclusive acoustic-focused presets. Customize your sound with all that’s available in the TD-17, and take your drumming to the next level without the added volume that comes with acoustic drums.
VAD503: Just Like an Acoustic Kit
The VAD503 looks exactly like an acoustic drum kit. The kick drum, rack tom, and floor tom are full-depth and crafted from wooden shells for a classy, authentic look. The 14″ snare made of stainless steel looks slick and natural on any stage. Its digital sensors create a range of tones and accurately mimic the response and behavior of any acoustic drum. You can also tighten any mesh heads to your liking with a drum key. This achieves the familiar rebound and response you’re used to on any acoustic kit.
The included TD-27 module offers in-depth customization to dial in your signature sound. Adjust the snare wire tension, bass drum beater type, and more. Whether practicing in the drum shed or performing under the stage lights, you’re in control with the VAD503.
VAD506: Full-Sized Fun
The VAD506 is a full-sized, five-piece drum kit. The 10″ and 12″ rack toms, 14″ floor tom, and 20″ kick drum come hand-assembled. Each piece features a full-depth wooden shell that mimics the look of an acoustic drum. The VAD506 comes with hi-hats, two crashes, and a ride cymbal that look natural on any gig too.
The kit’s TD-27 module brings it all to life with a wide range of preloaded drum sounds and in-depth customization options. Add toms, cymbals, and auxiliary triggers to expand the setup and your sound. Plus, stream audio from a phone or laptop to headphones using the TD-27’s built-in Bluetooth connectivity. VAD506 offers an entire world to explore for drummers at every skill level.
VAD706: The Biggest and Best from VAD
The VAD706 challenges the status quo. With advanced tech meeting premium wood shells, the percussive possibilities on this kit are endless. The five-piece kit comes in four unique gloss-coated wood veneer finishes. Choose a look that matches your style, and then you’re ready to dial in sounds that feel just like you too.
The VAD706 snare, ride, and hi-hat pads come equipped with precision digital multi-sensors. This creates nuanced performances on stage and in the studio. Tighten the mesh drumheads to optimize the response and rebound to your preference. Customize sounds with the TD-50X module’s unique capabilities too. Then, add auxiliary triggers with ease to curate a personalized setup and sound. It feels good to be in control with the VAD706.
The Choice is Yours
The VAD series has something for every drummer. If new to drumming and without the room for a huge kit, the VAD103 or VAD306 are perfect. Each kit’s compact footprint and low noise level make them an ideal option for shared living spaces. Each kick drum provides the satisfying “push” feel traditionally achieved on acoustic drums without taking up too much room or creating too much noise. Find the perfect spot for your ride cymbal with the convenient boom stand. And know that each kit’s module provides ample sonic possibilities that are ready to explore.
If you’re performing on the big stage and need a more commanding drum kit, consider the VAD503, VAD506, or VAD706. These kits offer full-size wooden shells. The snare and ride also come with complex digital sensors. This offers great response and yields nuanced performance. Roland’s adjustable, multi-ply mesh heads make these electronic drums feel super comfortable too.
"With Roland's VAD series, maintain the acoustic drum set ergonomics you know and love, and add a wide-ranging set of sounds to your sonic palette."
The Bottom Line
Whether a beginner or a pro, you’ll find inspiration in every VAD series kit. Take control of practice sessions with the low-volume mesh heads. Add extra triggers to the highly customizable module to dial in your sound. Send mixes direct to an audio interface for independent mixing in studios. Or command the stage with the bold look of beautifully finished, hand-assembled wood shells. The possibilities are endless. Choose your new VAD series kit and start exploring today.
