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Here at Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center, we’ve been hands-on with the brand-new Roland V-Drums 3 & 5 Series, and we’re blown away. Roland’s latest generation of electronic drum kits — including the TD-516 — brings flagship sound and feel into more accessible setups, built for drummers who want professional performance without the flagship price tag.
Our own Sam took the new TD-516 for a spin, and the verdict was clear: these kits sound incredible, feel even better, and make you want to keep playing.
A Whole New Feel: Pads That Play Like Acoustic Drums
The first thing you notice when sitting down behind the new TD-516 is the redesigned tom pads. They feature die-cast chrome hoops with inset rubber rims for a more natural feel, reduced hotspots, and a sleek new look. As Sam put it, “They feel great, they look great.”
The 5 Series also introduces the KD-20-MS — a full-size 20-inch kick drum pad with a wooden shell for a real acoustic vibe. It’s wide enough for double pedals and responds just like the real thing.
Flagship Sound Comes Standard
Inside, the new V-51 module powers the TD-516 with the same advanced sound engine found in Roland’s flagship V-Drums 7 Series. That means identical realism, expression, and response — plus a full suite of DW-sampled sounds, thanks to Roland and Drum Workshop (DW) now being part of the same family.
You’ll hear the same depth, tone, and character found in DW’s Soundworks libraries, right inside the module. It’s a level of quality that used to be reserved for top-end kits.
Hands-On Control and Smarter Features
Roland’s new V-51 module doesn’t just sound great — it’s built for real-world use. With dedicated faders, adjusting your mix is easier than ever. Need to bring your cymbals down in a live setting? Just grab a fader — no menu diving required.
Three Sound Modify knobs let you instantly tweak instruments, tuning, or muffling, while built-in effects like reverb and room sound help you shape your kit on the fly.
And when it’s time to practice, the Coach Mode tools — including Time Check, Quiet Count, and the new Phrase Trainer — keep your timing sharp and your chops improving.
Connect, Customize, and Expand with Roland Cloud
Every new V-Drums module in the 3 & 5 Series connects directly to Roland Cloud, giving you access to an ever-expanding library of kits, sounds, and genre packs. You can even browse and install them wirelessly from your phone using the V-Drums Play or Roland Cloud Connect apps.
Plus, you’re not locked to one model — all V71 expansions work seamlessly on the V51 and V31, so you can bring flagship sounds to any setup.
Our Take
The new Roland 3 & 5 Series are a serious step forward for drummers who demand realism, flexibility, and power in one package. Between the DW-sampled sound engine, improved pads, and cloud-ready expandability, these kits deliver professional performance without compromise.
As Sam said best: “They trigger right, they feel good, and they just make you want to play.”
You can try out the new Roland TD-516 and more right here at Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center, or check them out online now!