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.
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.
TAIKO-1 lets you practice any time 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.
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!
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.
Features
- Classic taiko experience infused with modern music technology
- dual-zone trigger technology with positional sensing
- Centre hits are punchy and full
- Slightly off centre provides longer tones
- Playing near the edge produces crisper sound
- Playing velocities are perfectly translated for unrestricted dynamic expression
- Specially-designed mesh heads provide natural feel
- Can be quickly disassembled for transport or storage
- Over 100 instruments, 20 effects, and 100 presets
- Import up to 500 WAV (44.1 kHz, 16 bits, Stereo/Mono) samples to craft your own sounds
- Requires AC adaptor or 8x AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
- *Alkaline and Carbon-zinc batteries cannot be used
- 500mA current draw
- Maximum 5 hours battery life