Roland TAIKO-1

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. 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.

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 neighbors. 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 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.

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 energize 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.

About Kodo

The taiko: a traditional Japanese drum with limitless rhythmic possibilities. Kodo’s mission is to explore these possibilities, and in the process forge new directions for a vibrant living art form. Since the group’s debut at Berliner Festspiele in 1981, Kodo has given over 6,500 performances in 50 countries on five continents. This figure includes 4,000 performances under the “One Earth” banner, a theme that embodies Kodo’s desire to transcend language and cultural boundaries, all while reminding their audiences of the common bonds we all share as human beings.

In addition to its theater schedule, Kodo enjoys working with thousands of school children across Japan through its ongoing “School Workshop Performance” tours. The ensemble also participates in a wide range of projects and events, which includes headlining major international festivals, contributing to motion picture soundtracks, and collaborating with a wide variety of global performing arts leaders.

SPECIFICATIONSPads14 inches(Head/Rim) x2Drums kit100 (Preset: 50)Instrumentsmore than 100User Sample ImportNumber 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 Chains16 chains (32step per chain)Effectmore than 20 typesBluetoothSupported 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)DisplayGraphic LCD 128 x 64 dotsExternal MemoryUSB Flash drive (sold separately)ConnectorsOUTPUT 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 1Power SupplyAC adaptor (DC 12 V) or AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries x 8
*Alkaline and Carbon-zinc batteries cannot be used.Current draw500mA (DC IN)Battery Life for Continuous UseAA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries: Maximum 5 hours
*This figure will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.AccessoriesOwner's manual
AC adaptorSIZE AND WEIGHTWidth430mm
16-59/64 inchDepth430mm
16-59/64 inchHeight521mm
20-33/64 inchWeight4.5Kg
9lb 14oz (excluding AC adaptor)