Roland RMP-5 Rhythm Coach

The patented mesh head delivers exquisitely natural playing feel but the RMP-5 really shines thanks to the 54 preprogrammed sound options.

Overall User Ratings (based on 19 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    2.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(19) (see rating details)
Submitted October 14, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Drummers of all skill levels will benefit greatly from this device. BUY IT!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I see this as being the last piece of practice equipment that I will need or want to buy. I see myself only repalcing the head in the future and perhaps buying better quality external triggers. I just simply love this unit.
Sound
The sounds are very clean and distinct to my taste
Features
I enjoy all of the features of this unit. It is very interactive to your playing and responds quickly its feedback. I also like the fact that the two external inputs can be used as well for coaching.
Ease of Use
This units is very easy to learn to use. Extremely intuitive with very little reading of the manual. Roland products in my experience are easy to use.
Quality
I have no real issues with how it is made. Plastic is the way everything is made and this is no exeption.
Value
It is a bit pricey for what it is but it has made a world of difference in the quality of my playing. Because of the value that I have gotten from this device, I have no problem with the money but I believe that many others that would benefit from it are being priced out.
Manufacturer Support
No issues thus far so no comment.
The Wow Factor
I love the mesh head. it is an awesome experience playing on it and encourage everyone to try it at least once.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Rock, Christian, Jazz
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Submitted January 4, 2008 by a customer from comcast.net

"rmp5 is the last practice pad you'll ever need"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
i expect this piece of gear to last and serve my practice needs. i would purchase it again.
Sound
the sounds are realistic to their description and typical Roland quality.
Features
the coaching features are great. its like having your very own drumteacher at your disposal. i wish it had come with the DC wall unit, it is sold seperately, as is the mounting stand. a little extra volume on the internal headphone jack would be nice too.
Ease of Use
the manual is easy to follow and walks you through step by step. it provides for a quick reference.
Quality
Roland quality at its best. i've only had it for a short time but believe it will take care of my needs.
Value
it's a little spendy but i feel it is worth the investment. it is an instrumental tool for improvement.
Manufacturer Support
i haven't required any service or support as of yet and do not anticipate so.
The Wow Factor
i bought for the right reasons and it has served that purpose for me.

Musical Background:

active musician-semi pro

Musical Style:

alternative, rock, jazz, orchestral
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Submitted October 24, 2008 by Joe

"The RPM5 sounds great and makes doing rudiments fun!"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
zZounds Employee Written by a current zZounds employee or former employee during the time of their employment.
I think it would continue to serve as a useful training tool for a long time provided that Roland continues making replacement heads. If I bought one, I know I'd add the external triggers and make a little practice set for at home. Go to Roland to see a great video of one of their techs playing this practice kit set up. I like the interface and the sensitivity trigger pad, and the factory sound samples. It's lightweight and easy to use and overall a fun little machine.
Sound
The sound are much better than drums sounds in some lower priced electronic drum kits. the pads are very responsive. You can actually adjust the responsiveness to your liking. You can also adjust the head tension to resemble that of an acoustic head or tighten it up to feel like a traditional practice pad.
Features
This item came with a drum key for tuning the head. It does not include the stand. It could have a higher quality, external speaker for playing without a headphone. Only the metronome can be heard through the external speaker. The headphone sounds are great and allows for adjustable volumes and click sounds, practice speeds (30-200) and a variety of time signatures to practice to. You can set the pad timing to grade you less precise or more precisely, at a variety of measures. The Accuracy Score, Quiet control and Stroke balance are features I liked most for improving timing and dragging/rushing problems. It doesn't matter how good your technique is, no one will want you in their band if you can't keep good time. Quiet Control- Especially helpful with note accuracy, tests your ability to stay in time while click disappears and reappears, much like when working a fill or a stop in a live setting. Auto/UpDown- conditioning your timing from fast to slow and back in a controlled exercises to click. Stroke Balance: Measure the exactitude of your R, and L stroke for balanced sound when striking the drum- a very important element in producing a clean roll on the snare.
Ease of Use
Manual is a must, the interface is pretty intuitive once you've walked through the functions. It really helps to simultaneously follow along with manual, as you learn to how to use it. The learning curve is fast, but it's really easy after a once through with the manual.
Quality
The quality seems good. It is not made as sturdy as mesh drum triggers that Roland uses with the V-Drums, but it is built sturdy enough to meet its purpose. I wouldn't travel without a gig bag for it.
Value
In terms of value, this product worth its typical selling price compared to other items. The reason I'd pay more for RMP5 instead of RMP3 is because the RMP5 allows you to add Roland external triggers for a Hi-Hats, Bass drum, and Cymbals. It is a bit pricey, but its worth the price ---with the RMP5 you have the starting block from which you can build a low-cost, awesome-sounding, electronic drum kit for quiet, in-home practicing/or midi controller for recording basic drum sounds.
Manufacturer Support
I have not dealt with Roland before except when playing a synth. My impression of years in music is that Roland is a great company who takes pride in their products.
The Wow Factor
It's a sleek design, and feels great to play.
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