Roland was one of the first companies with a media moment at Winter NAMM 2013. The day before the NAMM Show opened, the Japanese multi-instrumental company launched no less than 18 new products for 2013. On the drum division the BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad was the newest, after releasing the TD-4KP portable V-Drums a couple of months before NAMM. The BT-1 is a cool, compact add-on that you can attach to nearly all V-Drums or acoustic drums. Steve Fisher, product marketing manager for Roland's drums and percussion products, demonstrates the BT-1 in two videos.
Not only is the BT-1 a useful device to play any sound available in your drum module, when plugged in to a V-Drums module or SPD-series percussion pad it also triggers a wide variety of functions. Functions like start/stop of songs and phrase loops, kit selection, tap tempo, effects on/off, and many others that are available in your system. With its curved shape, it attaches easily to the hoop of most drums using a tension rod or a standard rod-type mount. The necessary attachment parts are included when you buy the BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad.
V-Drums players are even luckier: the BT-1 incorporates additional triggers without having to add more pads. Acoustic drummers can enjoy the BT-1 just as much. It is a very easy product to add to your drums, and -very important- also a very affordable way to integrate electronics with the drumkit. In the first video, Jules Tabberer-Stewart from Roland UK gives you the full details on how the Bar Trigger Pad is integrated with V-Drums and acoustic drums.
TD-4KP portable V-Drums In November 2012 Roland launched a portable electronic V-Drum. At NAMM 2013 these super cool TD-4KP drums were featured at the Roland booth as well. Read all the details about the TD-4KP in this drummerszone.com article: Roland launches portable electronic V-Drum set.
If you just want to watch the video of the TD-4KP, click the play icon on the right to see how travelling with drums, so all of a sudden, becomes quite easy.
With the BT-1, and the portable V-Drums, Roland have proved their connect statement: these products make it really easy to add new layers to your music, without the hassle of having too much or too difficult gear and... having doubts about the costs involved. The BT-1 should be available for about $99.
