The best Roland modules on the used market for electronic drummers

 

The Best Used Roland Drum Modules for E-Drummers

When it comes to electronic drum gear, Roland is a name that stands above the rest. Known for their durability, realistic sound engines, and player-focused design, Roland's drum modules are widely used in both home studios and professional stages. They're extremely accurate triggering also makes them the perfect e-drum controller for software like EZ Drummer 3 or Superior Drummer 3! But if you're not looking to drop $2,500 on the latest TD-50X, there’s good news: the used market is full of fantastic, road-tested Roland modules that still deliver the goods in 2025.

Here’s a rundown of some of the best used Roland drum modules worth hunting down, whether you’re building a hybrid kit, upgrading from a basic brain, or seeking studio triggers on a budget.

🥇 Roland TD-17
Best All-Around Value

• Used Price: $450–$650
• Why It’s Great: The TD-17 is often called a “baby TD-50” for a reason. It has many of the same sound modeling features and a highly playable feel without the flagship price tag. Bluetooth audio streaming, advanced coaching tools, and deep editing capabilities make it a fantastic all-purpose module for practice, recording, and live use.
• Ideal For: Intermediate to advanced players, hybrid drummers, and home studios.

🥈 Roland TD-30
Best for Advanced Users on a Budget

• Used Price: $700–$1,000
• Why It’s Great: The TD-30 was Roland’s flagship module before the TD-50 series. It has expressive sound modeling, dozens of inputs, and deep parameter control. While it lacks the newer Prismatic Sound Modeling tech, it's still a powerhouse.
• Ideal For: Pro drummers, recording engineers, and tech heads who want deep customization.

🥉 Roland TD-11
Best Budget Entry to Mid-Level Module

• Used Price: $250–$400
• Why It’s Great: The TD-11 punches above its weight with Roland's SuperNATURAL sound engine. It has enough editing power and inputs to make it useful for practice kits, small gigs, or triggering samples in a hybrid setup.
• Ideal For: Beginners and intermediate players, or anyone needing a dependable backup module.

🧠 Honorable Mention: Roland TM-2
Best Compact Trigger Module

• Used Price: $150–$250
• Why It’s Great: The TM-2 is a two-input trigger module built for hybrid drumming. You can load your own samples via SD card and trigger them with any pad or acoustic trigger. It’s small, simple, and super effective.
• Ideal For: Acoustic drummers adding electronics, live performers, or minimal rigs.

🏆 Legacy Gem: Roland TD-20
Still a Studio Favorite

• Used Price: $500–$800
• Why It’s Great: The TD-20 was revolutionary in the 2000s and still holds up for many producers today. Its interface is a bit dated, but the sound quality and connectivity (MIDI, audio outs, V-Link) make it useful in many scenarios.
• Ideal For: Vintage gear lovers, e-kit enthusiasts, and studios with a rack of old gear.

🔍 What to Check When Buying Used

• Firmware: Make sure it's updated or you can update it yourself. Some older modules gained new features through updates.
• Inputs & Outputs: Check that all jacks work—especially the USB, MIDI and trigger inputs.
• Pad Compatibility: Verify your existing or planned pads are compatible (especially if you're mixing brands).
• Save Functions: Test saving kits or loading samples if applicable.