Roland Taiko-1 Electronic Taiko Percussion

ROLAND TAIKO-1  ELECTRONIC TAIKO PERCUSSION

Classic Japanese Percussion, Infused with Modern Technology
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.

Standard Features

• Premium electronic taiko instrument, based on the katsugi okedo daiko
• Versatile sound engine provides a wide selection of Japanese percussion instruments, including okedo daiko, nagado daiko, shime daiko, and more
• Dual-zone, three-ply mesh heads on both ends provide natural playability and acoustically quiet performance for practice with headphones
• Roland’s positional sensing technology accurately reproduces natural tonal differences across the playing surfaces
• 35 cm in diameter, approximately the same head size (excluding rim) as a 1.5 shaku okedo taiko
• Weighs 4.5 kg/9 lb., similar to a normal katsugi okedo daiko
• Quick and simple disassembly for carrying convenience
• Play your own sounds by importing WAV audio via USB memory
• Drum for up to five hours with eight AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
• Built-in ji-uchi backing patterns for practice and performance
• Bluetooth function for playing along with music wirelessly from your smartphone
• Fits on a standard taiko stand for fuse-uchi playing styles (drum vertical on the floor)

A Taiko Instrument for Everyone
Over a million people in Japan play the taiko, and the instrument’s popularity is spreading around the globe. However, the giant sound, large physical size, and regular maintenance needs of taiko drums make them impossible for many people to play and learn. Professional taiko performers face challenges as well, as the drums are hard to carry and costly to ship. And getting consistently good sound in different venues is also difficult.

In 2017, Roland partnered with Kodo, Japan’s world-renowned taiko performing arts group, with a vision to free taiko players from these obstacles and expand the creative possibilities of taiko music. Completed to coincide with the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, we are proud to introduce TAIKO-1 and share our passion for Japanese drums with the world.

The Most Versatile Taiko Drum Ever
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.

Explore a Variety of Japanese Percussion Instruments
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.

Unlimited Dynamics and Expression
Thanks to dual-zone trigger technology with positional sensing, you’re able to get a wide variety of tones from just one drum. Centre hits are punchy and full, while playing slightly off centre 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.

Practice Quietly at Home
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 neighbours. Ji-uchi patterns—commonly played as backing rhythms in taiko ensembles—are also available for both timing practice and performance accompaniment.

Portable Convenience
TAIKO-1 weighs 4.5 kg/9 lb., 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 Your Own Sounds
It’s also possible to customise 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.

Enhanced Mobility with Battery Power
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.

Stream Music via Bluetooth
With onboard Bluetooth support, it’s easy to energise your playing sessions with backing music and lesson content. Wirelessly stream music from a smartphone to TAIKO-1, and then listen through headphones or a connected speaker. Play with favorite songs, learn new skills with tutorial videos, or practice with rehearsal recordings to get ready for your taiko group’s next performance.

Pads

14 inches(Head/Rim) x2

Drums kit

100 (Preset: 50)

Instruments

More than 100

User Sample Import

Number of User Sample: Maximum 500
Sound Length (total): 24 minutes in mono, 12 minutes in stereo
File formats that can be loaded: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16 bits, Stereo/Mono)

Kit Chains

16 chains (32step per chain)

Effect

More than 20 types

Bluetooth

Supported standards: Bluetooth Ver 4.2
Supported profile: A2DP (Audio), GATT (MIDI over Bluetooth Low Energy)
Codec: SBC (Support to the content protection of the SCMS-T method)

Display

Graphic LCD 128 x 64 dots

External Memory

USB Flash drive (sold separately)

Connectors

OUTPUT jack x 1: 1/4-inch phone type
PHONES jack x 1: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
MIX IN jack x 1: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
TRIGGER INPUT connector x 2 (Original)
FOOT SW jack x 1: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
Foot pedal jacks x2
USB Memory Port x 1
USB COMPUTER jack(MIDI) x 1: USB Mirco B type
DC IN jack x 1

Power Supply

AC adaptor (DC 12 V) or AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries x 8
*Alkaline and Carbon-zinc batteries cannot be used.

Current draw

500mA (DC IN)

Battery Life for Continuous Use

AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries: Maximum 5 hours
*This figure will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Accessories

Owner’s manual
AC adaptor

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Width

430mm
16-59/64 inch

Depth

430mm
16-59/64 inch

Height

521mm
20-33/64 inch

Weight

4.5Kg
9lb 14oz (excluding AC adaptor)

Roland products are covered by a 1 year manufacturer warranty.
Although we are not authorised to determine if any repair is covered under warranty, if the item was purchased through World of Music, then we are often the best people to facilitate the claim for you and will do so as timely as possible. Warranty does not apply to cosmetic damage or faults that are a result of user neglect. Although your mate is really handy with a soldering iron, any product modification or home repair will also result in a void warranty.
Quite often, something perceived as a fault is as simple as a faulty cable or power issue so we always suggest checking over Frequently Asked Questions on the manufacturer website first. It can be a helpful approach to getting to the bottom of a problem and save you a lot of time in getting your gear back up and running!

Roland products ship via courier from either our Melbourne store or Roland’s warehouse in Sydney; fully insured for your peace of mind. Orders require a signature on delivery and we suggest using an address where someone will be present for the speediest delivery time. For delivery attempts with no one present to sign, your order will be taken to the courier depot and a card will be left for you to organise redelivery.