It’s been eight years since Roland released the TD-17, a kit that changed the drumming world forever. Affordable, packed with features, and built with Roland’s bulletproof reliability, it became the benchmark for e-kits everywhere. The TD-17 and TD-27 weren’t just popular; they were the standard. If you asked teachers, stores, or even us at Drumeo which electronic kit to start with, these were the ones we pointed to.
They also meant a lot to us personally. For years, we outfitted our Drumeo VIP camps with TD-17s; fifteen drummers, side-by-side, all locking in on the same kit. They’ve been the heartbeat of thousands of lessons, practice sessions, and performances inside our community.
That’s why the release of the new V-Drums 3 and 5 Series has been one of the most anticipated drops in the electronic drumming world. Everyone’s been waiting for the next evolution of these legendary kits, and Roland didn’t disappoint with these new kits from each series: TD313, TD316, VAD316, TD513, TD516, VAD516.
The V-Drums 3 and 5 Series kits bring a complete overhaul in sound, features, and feel. They share the new flagship-level sound engine, a full-color screen (yes, finally!), onboard wireless connectivity, and the kind of expressive touch that blurs the line between digital and acoustic.
And to make things even more exciting, we’re giving away a TD316 and TD516. That’s right… two drummers from the Drumeo community will take home the brand-new TD316 or TD516 and experience them firsthand.
Watch Brandon’s real reaction as he opens the TD516 kit, sets it up, and plays it for the very first time! Then read on for a full breakdown of what makes the new V-Drums the most exciting electronic kits Roland has released in years.
There are three models in the 3 Series to choose from. In this article, we will focus on the TD316.
Click here to see the comparisons of each model.
Who it’s for: Home practice, songwriting/recording, tight spaces; players who still want dual crashes, a real hi-hat on a stand, and a path to add one digital pad later.
Configuration at a glance: V31 module; PD-12P snare; PD-8H/PD-8H/PD-10H toms; VH-10 hats; CY-12C-T ×2; CY-14R-T ride; KD-10 kick; MDS-Compact 2 stand.
So what does that really mean for drummers? It means the cymbals feel more natural, they move, react, and sound closer to traditional acoustic cymbals. The new pads track every nuance, from ghost notes to rimshots, with more sensitivity and less “machine” in the response. Everything feels tighter, cleaner, and more expressive. Simply put, it’s a better version of the TD-17 in almost every practical way.
Explore more: Roland V-Drums 3 Series page
There are three models in the 5 Series to choose from. In this article, we will focus on the TD516.
Click here to see the comparisons of each model.
Who it’s for: Serious players who want the flagship feel without the flagship size or price; recording multi-outs, streaming, or gigging small/medium venues.
Configuration at a glance: V51 module; PD-140DS snare; PD-10P/PD-10P/PD-12P toms; VH-14D hats; CY-12C-T & CY-14R-T crashes; CY-18DR ride; KD-12 kick; MDS-Standard 3 stand.
And for players stepping up from a TD-27 or another pro-level kit, the difference is instantly noticeable. The digital pads feel more responsive, the cymbals react more like their acoustic counterparts, and the new sound engine delivers clarity and punch that’s hard to believe from an electronic kit. The feel, sound, and playability have all levelled up light-years beyond the originals.
Explore more: Roland V-Drums 5 Series page
| Feature | Roland V-Drums 3 Series: TD316 | Roland V-Drums 5 Series: TD516 |
|---|---|---|
| Space & Feel | Compact footprint with full “acoustic-style” layout; dual crashes and stand-mounted hi-hat make it perfect for tight spaces. | Larger, sturdier frame with full-sized kick and wider setup for more natural rebound and stage ergonomics. |
| Expression | Supports one digital pad upgrade for future expansion. | Ships with three digital pads (snare, ride, hi-hat) right out of the box for top-tier dynamic control. |
| Connectivity | USB-C multi-channel audio/MIDI and Bluetooth audio built-in. | USB-C + Bluetooth + two direct outs + extra trigger I/O for advanced studio and live setups. |
| Interface | New full-color screen; easy to navigate and visually clear for editing kits. | New full-color screen + expanded module controls for deeper editing and faster workflow. |
| Use Case | Ideal for home practice, recording, and smaller studio setups. | Designed for pro performance, streaming, and studio integration. |
| US Launch Pricing | $1,999 USD | $3,699 USD |
Roland’s TD316 and TD516 aren’t just new kits; they’re gateways. Whether you’re shedding fundamentals in your apartment or recording your first full-length project, these kits take the boundaries off what’s possible with electronic drums. Every nuance, every ghost note, and every dynamic hit translates into genuine musical expression. That means more practice that actually feels like performance and more performance that teaches you something every time you sit down.
This launch represents the sweet spot we’ve all been asking for: kits that merge the realism of acoustic drums with the flexibility of the digital world. They make it easier for students to learn without noise limits, for creators to capture their ideas instantly, and for pros to refine their sound without compromise.
So whether you’re stepping up from your first kit, returning to drumming after years away, or expanding your creative setup, the TD316 and TD516 are the next logical leap. They’re not just built for practice. They’re built for progress. And in the end, that’s what Drumeo is all about.
Play more. Learn more. Sound better.
The tools keep evolving… but the mission stays the same.
We’re giving away one TD316 and one TD516 to celebrate launch day.
Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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