When looking for a professional electronic drum kit, you will quickly come across two major players on the market: Efnote and RolandBoth brands have a good reputation and focus largely on advanced drummers.
But, which of these two suits your style and needs best? In this blog we explain the differences between the two manufacturers so that you get a good idea of how the brands are similar or different.
Efnote
Efnote is a relative newcomer to the electronic drum kit market, but has become very popular in a relatively short time. The brand focuses on creating drum kits that have an acoustic appearance but still offer all the benefits of electronic drumming.
This makes Efnote an interesting choice for drummers who value the look of a real drum kit that at the same time blends in nicely with the surroundings of a living room. A drum kit is not a small object and if it is something you look at every day, it is nice if it looks a bit sleek!
What is Efnote known for?
- Acoustic design: Efnote's kits are visually almost indistinguishable from the "real thing", with realistic looking cymbals and toms. This makes the kit stand out not only at home, but certainly on stage.
- High quality: When you sit down behind an Efnote kit and hit your first notes, it really feels like you're playing an acoustic drum kit. I've experienced this myself several times with both the Efnote 3X if the Efnote 5.
- Bluetooth and technology: All Efnote modules have integrated Bluetooth, allowing you to easily play along with your favorite music. This is ideal, especially for most smartphones that do not have a headphone output these days.
- Simple module: Efnote's modules are clean and uncluttered, focused on simplicity and ease of use. Almost all of the sounds on the modules are sounds from acoustic kits.
Would you like to know more about Efnote? You read it in this blog.
Roland
Roland is a brand that every musician knows. It has been the name in the world of electronic drums for decades and is often seen as the standard in the industry together with Yamaha. Roland is there for all levels. Beginners can start with the TD-02K and for the professional drummers there is the TD-50KV.
Roland is known for:
- TD Series and V-Drums: Roland's TD series (e.g. TD-17, TD-27, TD-50) are solidly built drum kits that will last for years. You will notice this when you use the Roland TD-02KV Compared to Alesis Nitro Max. Both good drum sets, but the TD-02KV wins in terms of stability.
- Advanced technology: Roland continues to lead the way in innovation, with features such as the Prismatic Sound Modeling, which delivers super detailed and realistic drum sounds. In addition, Roland excels in trigger sensitivity and dynamics, which provides a very natural playing feel.
- Extensibility: Many Roland kits, especially in the higher price ranges, are extremely expandable. You can easily add extra pads, triggers and cymbals to expand your setup.
- Modules: Roland modules are powerful and complex, with hundreds of sounds, effects, and in-depth settings. This allows you to customize your kits to your playing style and needs. They also offer Bluetooth in select models and extensive recording capabilities.
💡 Tip: Are you interested in electronic drums with an acoustic look? Then also take a look at the electronic drum kits from GEWA.
What are the main differences?
While both Efnote and Roland offer high-quality drum kits, there are some notable differences between the two brands:
| Efnote | Roland | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Realistic acoustic appearance | Mainly electronic, but functional |
| Sound technology | Mainly acoustic sounds | Different sounds from all kinds of genres |
| Modules | Simple, user-friendly | Advanced and in-depth |
| Extensibility | Limited expandability | Highly expandable |
| Bluetooth | Standard included | Present on almost all models |
| Price | Higher price range (from approximately €2200) | Available for every budget |
| Target audience | Drummers looking for an acoustic feel | Drummers who go for 100% quality |
Efnote is ideal for drummers who like a tight, acoustic-looking drum kit with a simple module and very good sound quality. On stage, the Efnote kits are also better, but that is a matter of taste.
Roland, on the other hand, offers an enormous versatility of technological innovations and are more suitable for the studio.
Conclusion
For the record, we are comparing two brands that are at the top of the market and offer excellent drum sets. Neither is bad, it is more a choice between “super good” and “excellent”.
Whether you choose Efnote or Roland depends on your personal preferences. If you choose look and feel If you think an acoustic drum kit is important, then Efnote an excellent choice.
However, if you value more technological innovation and extensibility then it is Roland probably the better choice, especially if you want a lot of control over your drum sounds and settings.
In short, for a tight, acoustic-inspired experience, choose Efnote, while Roland gives you maximum flexibility and technology. Both brands won't disappoint, no matter what you choose!
