Roland TAIKO-1 Electronic Taiko Percussion

Roland TAIKO-1 Electronic Taiko Percussion

Japan’s historic taiko drumming tradition has been deeply woven into the country’s culture since ancient times. Taiko drums (also known as “wadaiko”) are an integral part of traditional Japanese performing arts and rituals, and are regularly played at local events and festivals. As a Japanese company, Roland has always had great respect for taiko culture, maintaining a strong desire to contribute to the tradition by helping bring the dedication and artistry of traditional Japanese music to a wider audience. Born and made in Japan, the groundbreaking TAIKO-1 electronic percussion instrument infuses the classic taiko experience with the many benefits of modern music technology, making playing Japanese percussion more fun and accessible than ever before. Backed by decades of development knowledge behind leading products like V-Drums and the ELCajon EC-10, TAIKO-1 brings the power and convenience of Roland electronic percussion to taiko enthusiasts everywhere.

TAIKO-1’s physical design is based on the katsugi okedo daiko, a popular taiko drum carried with a sling over the shoulder. But the modern digital sound engine takes its range far beyond the capabilities of any acoustic drum, allowing you to play a wide variety of taiko percussion sounds with one instrument. Taiko drums come in many different sizes and shapes, and TAIKO-1 puts them all at your fingertips. The okedo daiko is on board, along with the familiar nagado daiko, the smaller shime taiko, and the enormous odaiko, which produces a massive, thunderous voice. Other sounds include different bachi (stick) variations, chappa (a pair of small cymbals), hyoshigi (a pair of wooden blocks), and layered drumline sounds, plus fun shouts and calls that are common in taiko performances. It’s also possible to customize TAIKO-1 by importing your own WAV sounds via a USB flash drive. Import personal recordings of a taiko instrument you own, or take advantage of the many third-party sounds available. Or get adventurous with non-taiko sounds and blaze new trails with TAIKO-1’s expressive playability. Imported sounds can be played on their own or layered with internal instruments to create unique blended voices.

Thanks to dual-zone trigger technology with positional sensing, you’re able to get a wide variety of tones from just one drum. Center hits are punchy and full, while playing slightly off center provides longer tones. And when you want a crisper sound, simply play near the edge. Playing velocities are perfectly translated too, providing unrestricted dynamic expression. TAIKO-1 lets you practice anytime and anywhere, something that’s impossible with a traditional taiko drum. Specially designed mesh heads provide a familiar, natural feel while keeping the physical noise extremely low; plug in headphones and enjoy big, dynamic taiko tones with barely a whisper heard by family members and neighbors. Ji-uchi patterns, commonly played as backing rhythms in taiko ensembles, are also available for both timing practice and performance accompaniment.

TAIKO-1 weighs under 5kg, about the same as a normal katsugi okedo daiko. But unlike a traditional taiko instrument, TAIKO-1 can be quickly disassembled for carrying in a small vehicle or on public transportation. When it’s time for a gig or rehearsal, simply remove the eight middle rods connecting the two heads and be on your way! Play for up to five hours on eight AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, with no need to fuss with external power. And by connecting TAIKO-1’s audio output to a wireless system such as the BOSS WL series, you’re free to roam the stage with no cables to get in your way.

At Riffs & Licks Music, we think the Roland TAIKO-1 Electronic Taiko Percussion is perfect for drummers who want to play, practice and perform traditional Japanese drumming, with the convenience and extended features of Roland's modern tech.