The Comprehensive Drummer’s Guide To The Roland TD-17 V-Drums

TD-17

Welcome to the drummer's guide to the Roland TD-17 V-Drums!

Use this TD-17 Comprehensive Drummer’s Guide as a goto resource of practical how-to’s.

In the following TD-17 Comprehensive Drummer’s Guide, we will go from setup through expanding and on to how to use the kit’s features to improve your drumming in a clear and simple way.

Contributed by Simon Ayton for the Roland Australia Blog

In this TD-17 Comprehensive Drummer’s Guide we’ll:

  • Setup the TD-17
  • Configure the TD-17
  • Customize and expand the TD-17
  • Use the TD-17 features to improve your drumming
  • Record the TD-17

The Key to a Smooth TD-17 Setup

Setting up the TD-17 takes around 45 minutes from unpacking to playing.

Setup V-Drums left or right-handed. Choose your preference.

Clear a space and unpack all the items checking them off while referring to the manual as you go.

Start by building the V-Drums rack then attach the pads and cymbals.

Once the rack and pads are in place, connect the module and run the cable loom.

Finally, connect your drum hardware including hi-hat stand, pedals and stool. If you don’t have these optional items yet, see the Roland options here.

See the optional Roland TDM series drum mats here if you are setting up your kit on hard floors. 

https://www.roland.com/au/products/tdm-20_10/

TIP: Don’t discard any V-Drums boxes until you are sure you have all the parts needed!

CONFIGURING THE TD-17 MODULE

The same TD-17 module comes with several kit configurations so the module is pre-configured to match each particular trigger combination.

Make sure your trigger settings for the TD-17 match your actual kit configuration.

CALIBRATING THE HI-HAT – VH OFFSET ADJUSTMENT

With the TD-17KL and KV kits the rack mounted hi-hat requires no adjustment.

The free-standing VH-10 hi-hat shipped with the TD-17KVX kit has a manual open/close adjustment on top which needs calibrating before use.

V-Drums hi-hat offset adjustment is critical so that the module is aware of your hi-hat foot position.

If this adjustment is not performed, you will have a hi-hat that either sounds too closed or open which will be difficult to play with.

CHOOSING THE BEST TRIGGER SETTINGS

Most people are happy to just switch on the TD-17 module and play with the standard factory settings.

The stock settings are carefully chosen to suit a wide range of players.

The TD-17 is completely configurable to suit any player and music style.

Dive in a little deeper once you’re comfortable to take your playing experience to a new level.

PLAY ALONG TO YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC WIRELESSLY WITH BLUETOOTH AUDIO

The Bluetooth audio/MIDI streaming feature of the TD-17 is designed for fun and effective drumming sessions.

For a really fun and rewarding practice session, connect your smartphone directly to the TD-17 module and stream audio through the TD-17 audio outputs and headphones directly.

There’s a dock built-in to the top of the TD-17 module and you can even record the incoming Bluetooth stream along with your playing. 

TD-17 COACHING FUNCTIONS

Getting continual and accurate feedback on your playing is the most effective way of improving your drumming.

The TD-17 has extensive coaching functions built-in which helps you to identify your weaknesses and tackle them head-on in a fun and rewarding way.

Coaching modes are a button press away and range from realtime TIME CHECK to WARM UPS and QUIET COUNT. 

Each of these coaching functions is specifically designed to help you refine your technique and develop your internal clock. Two things are great drummers have in common. 

Good technique allows you to comfortably play what you want as you feel it without limitation.

Building a strong sense of internal clock allows you to keep a steady and dependable beat for fellow musicians to follow. They are listening to you!

TIP: Read this for more ideas on building your drumming skills 10 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR DRUMMING SKILLS

CREATING YOUR OWN TD-17 KITS

Creating your own kits on the TD-17 is easy and expected!

The TD-17 sound engine is loaded with sounds arranged into kit patches for quick selection.

Each kit has its own sound assignments for each pad trigger zone along with any effects or special playing features you can choose. 

Trigger zones have two instrument layers main and sub that can be mixed, cross-faded or switched.

Snare head & rim for example each have their own uniquely tuned and muffled sounds.

Assign a hi-hat sound to any trigger zone and control it from the hi-hat pedal.

User WAV samples can be imported, tuned and adjusted and assigned to trigger zones too and even combined with the internal factory sounds. 

To explore the incredible TD-17 kit creation possibilities, see the detailed info here.has

ADDITIONAL TD-17 FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

A song player function is built in to the TD-17 to allow MP3 and WAV files to be played directly from an SD Card.  

The song player has a loop function allowing you to repeat any section of music again and again until you perfect it. 

See 4 Fun Things V-Drums Things with the Song Player

 

If the song you are learning is too fast, use the realtime speed control to slow down the tempo of the audio and slowly build back up to original speed as your skill improves.

EXPANDING THE TD-17

Each TD-17 model is easily expanded.

Add extra triggers such as an additional crash or floor tom or even another side snare. 

There are a huge range of compatible triggers for the TD-17 including bar triggers, acoustic triggers, cymbals and pads. Each trigger comes with its own cable to get going quickly.

Each of these additional triggers can have its own sound or two if it’s a dual trigger which can be different for each and every kit patch.

Download the TD-17 user manual here.

RECORDING THE TD-17

Record the TD-17’s audio and MIDI using one USB cable.

Audio and MIDi are recorded digitally in one pass with standard DAW software such as Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro or any other recording software.

For the complete ins and outs including an explanation on MIDI, see the article on recording the TD-17 here.

SIGN UP TO DOWNLOAD THIS TD-17 V-DRUMS CUSTOM PATCHES

Created by Roland V-Drums specialist Simon Ayton, these patches were designed using the internal factory sounds and many of the techniques covered in the TD-17 guide. Enjoy exploring the possibilities!

Register Your Interest

The TD-17KVX2 takes the acclaimed TD-17 V-Drums series to the next level with an enhanced TD-17 module and essential pad upgrades. To find out more [and keep updated!], register your interest below and we'll keep you in the loop!

Marketing Opt In*
Roland Indonesia Privacy Policy

We ( Roland Corporation ) process your personal data in order to provide high quality services according to the characteristics of each of our customers. We process your personal data according to the following principles because we are aware of our social responsibility to protect it.

1. Intended use
We always limit the use of personal data limited to the scope of purposes as specified below.
The intended use

I. Provision of services on membership websites, such as on Roland Cloud, Roland Backstage, etc.
To identify applicants for member registration (creating a Roland Account), membership, and users of various services To check user legitimacy when using the service To provide various services for the members

II. Provision of various information via email and direct mail
To offer information related to our and our group companies' products and services (including promotions and advertising) as well as information about events
To offer information regarding third party products and services we distribute (including promotions and advertisements) as well as information about various events
To notify and inform registered users of various other information

III. Customer Support
To receive and answer various questions and consultations with users
To provide after-sales services, such as version updates, to users
To deliver the repaired product to the user

IV. Marketing (to plan, develop and improve various products and services)
To understand the user registration status and conditions of use of the membership site
Conducting questionnaires/surveys and monitoring various surveys

V. Others
To comply with legal or regulatory obligations, and to notify changes to the purposes for which personal data are used
In addition, for use within the range of consent provided separately by members
We will process your personal data when you consent to our processing of your personal data for the purposes stated above, when we need to process the same for the performance of the contract, and/ or when there is another legitimate interest.

2. Categories of personal data
In order to achieve the "Purpose of use" stated above, we collect your personal data as listed below in an appropriate and fair manner:

Personal data that you provide at the time of registration for membership (creation of a Roland Account) such as name, address, telephone, email address, gender, date of birth, etc.; And
Cookie information, IP address, etc.
Disclosure to third parties

Taking into account applicable laws and regulations and your interests, we will not disclose your personal data to any third party except under the provisions below:
If you consent to the disclosure
When shared within our company group (please note that our company group is responsible for protecting your personal data.)
If we need to outsource the processing of personal data, and the outsourced company is obliged to protect the personal data
Where appropriate to allow our group companies, outsourcing companies or distributors to respond to your inquiries
If we are required to disclose or provide such personal data on legal or regulatory grounds
Where disclosure is necessary to protect human health or safety or assets, and it is difficult to obtain your prior consent
When we need to cooperate with the central or local government in their official duties
Where disclosure is permitted by applicable laws and regulations

4. Overseas transfers
We store your personal data on servers located in the US and managed by Roland Corporation. In addition, we may transfer your personal data abroad in the cases listed in section 3 above, taking into account applicable laws and regulations and your interests. For the protection of your personal data, if it is transferred abroad in such cases, we have provided appropriate measures to safeguard personal data.

5. Period of retention of personal data
We will retain your personal data only for the period necessary to fulfill the "Purpose of use" stated above. Periods for specific retention will be determined taking into account the intended use, property, and the legal or operational need for storage, of personal data.

6. About cookies
A "cookie" is a small piece of data sent from a web server and stored on your computer. Although our web server can identify your computer using cookies, these cookies will allow you to efficiently access our web pages.

You can opt out of cookies being stored on your computer via your computer's browser settings, but please note that, in such cases, our website may be partially limited in functionality for you.

In addition, in order to provide the best advertising to our customers, we use behavioral targeting advertising services provided by the following companies (third party distribution service operators) by means of cookies. Operators of third-party distribution services deliver advertisements based on previous access information to our website using cookies. They may also be able to deliver advertisements based on matching personal data held by us and those held by them after being permanently converted to non-personally identifiable data. They may not use the data for any purpose other than advertising delivery. If you wish to disable this service, access the company page provided below and follow the instructions.

Google, LLC

https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads

Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/policies/cookies/

7. About access records
Our website records contain information about the persons who have accessed our website, in access records, as described here:

Access records include IP addresses, domain names, browsers, access dates/times, etc., of persons accessing our website.

We will notify you of any purposes for which your access records are used in combination with your personal data when we use them for any purpose except as specified below:
Answer questions that arise when you use our services
Create statistical data, which do not identify individuals

8. About Tracking system
A tracking system based on the use of our corporate cookies used on Roland websites functions to collect IP addresses, access dates/times, etc. We will not use it in combination with any information that can identify individuals, beyond what is stated in the "Purpose of use" as stated above.

There is also a tracking system based on the use of third-party cookies that is used on parts of the Roland website to collect anonymous statistical information that is not linked to specific personal data.

9. Use of the YouTube API Service
When using this website or our application, videos and other content may be displayed through the YouTube API service provided by Google LLC. Please refer to YouTube's Terms of Service and Google's Privacy Policy for more information.

10. Permissions
If you are required to obtain parental or similar consent by laws and regulations in your jurisdiction of residence to allow you to enter this Privacy Policy and to obtain consent for you to receive information (including promotions and advertisements) from us, please complete the necessary procedures before give consent.

By agreeing to this Privacy Policy or agreeing to receive information (including promotions and advertisements) from us, you will be deemed to have performed the necessary procedures for such consent.

You are not obligated to provide us with your personal data by law or regulation. However, if you choose not to provide your personal data, you may not be able to utilize our services. In addition, if we process your personal data based on your consent, you can withdraw the consent at any time, but withdrawing the consent will not affect the legality of processing our personal data based on your consent before you withdraw.

11.Modification of personal data
To confirm or change your registration information, please log in to Roland Cloud or Roland Backstage and confirm or modify in “Profile” or “Account/Settings” respectively.

Roland Cloud

Roland Backstage

In addition to the above, to request suspension of use, deletion of your personal data or other inquiries, please log in to Roland Cloud and submit your inquiries in "Support". We will carry out the necessary identification and investigation and respond to the extent and extent possible under applicable laws and regulations.

Services are only available in English. Please send your questions in English.

Data Controller :

Roland Corporation

2036-1 Nakagawa, Hosoe-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-1304, Japan

Global Marketing Division

12. Amendments to the Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations.
Register Your Interest

The TD-17KVX2 takes the acclaimed TD-17 V-Drums series to the next level with an enhanced TD-17 module and essential pad upgrades. To find out more [and keep updated!], register your interest below and we'll keep you in the loop!

Marketing Opt In*
Roland Indonesia Privacy Policy

We ( Roland Corporation ) process your personal data in order to provide high quality services according to the characteristics of each of our customers. We process your personal data according to the following principles because we are aware of our social responsibility to protect it.

1. Intended use
We always limit the use of personal data limited to the scope of purposes as specified below.
The intended use

I. Provision of services on membership websites, such as on Roland Cloud, Roland Backstage, etc.
To identify applicants for member registration (creating a Roland Account), membership, and users of various services To check user legitimacy when using the service To provide various services for the members

II. Provision of various information via email and direct mail
To offer information related to our and our group companies' products and services (including promotions and advertising) as well as information about events
To offer information regarding third party products and services we distribute (including promotions and advertisements) as well as information about various events
To notify and inform registered users of various other information

III. Customer Support
To receive and answer various questions and consultations with users
To provide after-sales services, such as version updates, to users
To deliver the repaired product to the user

IV. Marketing (to plan, develop and improve various products and services)
To understand the user registration status and conditions of use of the membership site
Conducting questionnaires/surveys and monitoring various surveys

V. Others
To comply with legal or regulatory obligations, and to notify changes to the purposes for which personal data are used
In addition, for use within the range of consent provided separately by members
We will process your personal data when you consent to our processing of your personal data for the purposes stated above, when we need to process the same for the performance of the contract, and/ or when there is another legitimate interest.

2. Categories of personal data
In order to achieve the "Purpose of use" stated above, we collect your personal data as listed below in an appropriate and fair manner:

Personal data that you provide at the time of registration for membership (creation of a Roland Account) such as name, address, telephone, email address, gender, date of birth, etc.; And
Cookie information, IP address, etc.
Disclosure to third parties

Taking into account applicable laws and regulations and your interests, we will not disclose your personal data to any third party except under the provisions below:
If you consent to the disclosure
When shared within our company group (please note that our company group is responsible for protecting your personal data.)
If we need to outsource the processing of personal data, and the outsourced company is obliged to protect the personal data
Where appropriate to allow our group companies, outsourcing companies or distributors to respond to your inquiries
If we are required to disclose or provide such personal data on legal or regulatory grounds
Where disclosure is necessary to protect human health or safety or assets, and it is difficult to obtain your prior consent
When we need to cooperate with the central or local government in their official duties
Where disclosure is permitted by applicable laws and regulations

4. Overseas transfers
We store your personal data on servers located in the US and managed by Roland Corporation. In addition, we may transfer your personal data abroad in the cases listed in section 3 above, taking into account applicable laws and regulations and your interests. For the protection of your personal data, if it is transferred abroad in such cases, we have provided appropriate measures to safeguard personal data.

5. Period of retention of personal data
We will retain your personal data only for the period necessary to fulfill the "Purpose of use" stated above. Periods for specific retention will be determined taking into account the intended use, property, and the legal or operational need for storage, of personal data.

6. About cookies
A "cookie" is a small piece of data sent from a web server and stored on your computer. Although our web server can identify your computer using cookies, these cookies will allow you to efficiently access our web pages.

You can opt out of cookies being stored on your computer via your computer's browser settings, but please note that, in such cases, our website may be partially limited in functionality for you.

In addition, in order to provide the best advertising to our customers, we use behavioral targeting advertising services provided by the following companies (third party distribution service operators) by means of cookies. Operators of third-party distribution services deliver advertisements based on previous access information to our website using cookies. They may also be able to deliver advertisements based on matching personal data held by us and those held by them after being permanently converted to non-personally identifiable data. They may not use the data for any purpose other than advertising delivery. If you wish to disable this service, access the company page provided below and follow the instructions.

Google, LLC

https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads

Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/policies/cookies/

7. About access records
Our website records contain information about the persons who have accessed our website, in access records, as described here:

Access records include IP addresses, domain names, browsers, access dates/times, etc., of persons accessing our website.

We will notify you of any purposes for which your access records are used in combination with your personal data when we use them for any purpose except as specified below:
Answer questions that arise when you use our services
Create statistical data, which do not identify individuals

8. About Tracking system
A tracking system based on the use of our corporate cookies used on Roland websites functions to collect IP addresses, access dates/times, etc. We will not use it in combination with any information that can identify individuals, beyond what is stated in the "Purpose of use" as stated above.

There is also a tracking system based on the use of third-party cookies that is used on parts of the Roland website to collect anonymous statistical information that is not linked to specific personal data.

9. Use of the YouTube API Service
When using this website or our application, videos and other content may be displayed through the YouTube API service provided by Google LLC. Please refer to YouTube's Terms of Service and Google's Privacy Policy for more information.

10. Permissions
If you are required to obtain parental or similar consent by laws and regulations in your jurisdiction of residence to allow you to enter this Privacy Policy and to obtain consent for you to receive information (including promotions and advertisements) from us, please complete the necessary procedures before give consent.

By agreeing to this Privacy Policy or agreeing to receive information (including promotions and advertisements) from us, you will be deemed to have performed the necessary procedures for such consent.

You are not obligated to provide us with your personal data by law or regulation. However, if you choose not to provide your personal data, you may not be able to utilize our services. In addition, if we process your personal data based on your consent, you can withdraw the consent at any time, but withdrawing the consent will not affect the legality of processing our personal data based on your consent before you withdraw.

11.Modification of personal data
To confirm or change your registration information, please log in to Roland Cloud or Roland Backstage and confirm or modify in “Profile” or “Account/Settings” respectively.

Roland Cloud

Roland Backstage

In addition to the above, to request suspension of use, deletion of your personal data or other inquiries, please log in to Roland Cloud and submit your inquiries in "Support". We will carry out the necessary identification and investigation and respond to the extent and extent possible under applicable laws and regulations.

Services are only available in English. Please send your questions in English.

Data Controller :

Roland Corporation

2036-1 Nakagawa, Hosoe-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-1304, Japan

Global Marketing Division

12. Amendments to the Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations.

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THESE TD-17 CUSTOM PATCHES

TD-17 Patch

Created by Roland V-Drums specialist Simon Ayton, these patches were designed using the internal factory sounds and many of the techniques covered in the TD-17 guide. Enjoy exploring the possibilities!

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THIS TD-50 CUSTOM PATCHES

Created by Roland V-Drums specialist Simon Ayton, these patches were designed using the internal factory sounds and many of the techniques covered in the TD-50 guide. Enjoy exploring the possibilities!