Roland VAD103 V-Drums Acoustic Design Electronic Drum Kit

As the entry point to the V-Drums Acoustic Design series, the VAD103 is the affordable all-digital kit that captures the vibe and feel of a traditional acoustic set, complete with shallow-depth wooden drum shells. Keep the noise down with Roland’s acclaimed double-ply mesh heads and a smart air-damping system in the kick drum, and then let loose when it’s showtime. Stay focused with a streamlined tom layout or express yourself with a full array of cymbals. Mount the VAD103’s large drum and cymbal pads to regular stands to accompany the 18″ kick drum for a classic acoustic kit vibe, and set it up anywhere in your home thanks to the compact footprint. Go beyond acoustic drums with the TD-07 module offering authentic kits for every musical style, deep editing for creating your signature sound, a built-in Coach mode for developing your technique, plus Bluetooth connectivity for drumming along to your favorite bands—streamed from your phone, tablet or computer.

The latest generation of V-Drums
In 1997, Roland pioneered electronic drum kits as they are known today and ever since, V-Drums lead the way when it comes to innovation. Often imitated but never bettered, V-Drums set the standard by which all other electronic drum sets are measured, and the VAD103 upholds that tradition with unbeatable durability, precision sensing and sound, class-leading pad designs, and behavior modeling technology developed over decades of R&D. As part of the acclaimed V-Drums Acoustic Design series, the electronic drumming experience goes deeper with real wood shells and acoustic drum presence. With the VAD103, you get a truly exciting and unique drumming experience—not just a simulation.

Bigger pads, better feel, smaller footprint
Generally, larger drums mean better performance—until you realise your new full-size kit takes up more space than you have available. The VAD103 is the perfect balance of playability, pad size, and compact footprint. An 18″ kick provides that satisfying ‘push’ as your foot activates the beater but is purposefully shallow for where space is tight. The 12″ snare and floor tom pads, along with 10-inch rack tom pad, are sizeable enough for an authentic kit feel, but compact enough to fit into smaller spaces. Mounting to an acoustic stand, the VH-10 hi-hat cymbals complete the acoustic vibe, while dedicated 12″ crash and 13″ ride cymbals feel satisfying to play without swamping your space. Choose the VAD103 for a kit that feels substantial to play, but is compact enough to fit into everyday life.

Drum tones for every genre, song and band
At the heart of the VAD103 is the TD-07 sound module, offering 25 ready-to-play drum kits. Recorded by pro drummers in high-end studios and brought to life by Roland’s advanced behavior modeling technology, each kit sounds and reacts just like acoustic drums. With kits that span acoustic, electronic and percussion sounds, the TD-07 module puts it all at your fingertips for when you just want to get drumming. And if you want to go deeper, you can dream up and create up to 25 of your own kits.

The quietest electronic drums around
It’s a game-changer to discover that electronic drums let you connect headphones and play properly without disturbing those around you. But liberating as that may sound, lesser electronic drums are compromised by loud pad noise and vibration, so while it feels like you’re playing quietly, the noise spills through walls and floors. The VAD103’s pads are designed to be truly quiet, reducing stick noise and vibration without compromising playing feel.

Unbeatable feel from Roland’s revolutionary mesh heads
Back in the mid-’90s, Roland’s engineers wanted to move on from the solid rubber pads of the day, to offer something that looked and felt more like a traditional drum head. Roland’s double-ply mesh heads were launched in 1997, quickly becoming the standard for electronic drums—but not all mesh heads are created equal. While other electronic drum kits use a single layer of mesh, Roland’s mesh pads use two layers of advanced custom material that are aligned using a precise method, plus tension adjustability for accurate rebound, better durability, and lower noise. And despite countless imitators, it’s still the choice of drummers who demand the best.

Stream audio and jam with your favorite bands
We all have a favorite song that we’d love to play along to. Close your eyes, pick up the sticks, and imagine being onstage playing to a capacity crowd. The VAD103’s TD-07 module gives you that same thrill, even if you’re playing alone at home. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can hook up your phone, tablet or laptop and stream audio directly to the module. You’ll hear your drumming along with the audio—and suddenly you’re a member of your favorite band. Audio from videos can be streamed via Bluetooth too, so you can play along to tutorials and develop faster.

Onboard Coach mode for sharpening your skills
Whether you’re taking drum lessons or teaching yourself via online tutorials, you’ll need a way to stay focused and keep improving. The VAD103’s Coach mode tests your timing and accuracy with a series of fun and engaging challenges that go from easy to hard. Highlighting what you’re doing right and where you need to tighten up, it’s like having a drum coach to guide you whenever you pick up the sticks.

Free online drum lessons with Melodics
Melodics is an online tuition platform that breaks down a drumbeat step-by-step and helps you play it within the context of a song. Hook up your V-Drums kit to Melodics via a computer or tablet and play along with a variety of interactive lessons from total beginner to expert, complete with pointers on what you need to work on. Start off with free access to 40 lessons, plus the opportunity to upgrade for more lessons as you need them.

Record your drumming in seconds
The TD-07 module connects directly to your computer via a single USB cable, for easy stereo audio recording of your performances, whether you want to listen back and assess your progress or even share a drum performance with the band. Better still, MIDI can also be sent down the same single USB cable.

Note: Kick pedal, hi-hat stand and snare stand sold separately.