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Roland Alpha Juno-2

$449.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (40)

3 Critic Reviews

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Roland Alpha Juno-2

5 community setups

18 wishlisted

83 saved

Page last updated Jun 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 2, 2026.

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5.0 (7)

$449.99 8 available Used

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Average Price: $450

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Roland Alpha Juno-2 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Unleash your musical creativity with the Roland Alpha Juno-2, an iconic analog polyphonic synthesizer from the golden era of synths. Born in 1986, this vintage gem is celebrated for its innovative use of digitally controlled oscillators harmoniously paired with analog filters. The standout feature is its unique, user-friendly alpha dial that effortlessly controls multiple parameters, making your sound design process smooth and enjoyable. The Alpha Juno-2 goes a step further by offering an extended 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard and a slot for an external memory card, opening up a world of possibilities for your music production.

Key Features:

Analog polyphonic synthesizer
Unique Alpha Dial for controlling multiple parameters
MIDI In, Out, and Thru functionality
Digitally controlled oscillators paired with analog filters
Extended velocity-sensitive 61-key keyboard
Slot for an external memory card

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	Alpha Juno-2 61-Key Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	1985 - 1988
Categories	Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Polyphony	6 Voices

FAQs

Is the Roland Alpha Juno-2 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Roland Alpha Juno-2 is suitable for live performances, thanks to its 61 velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keys, allowing expressive playability. Its polyphonic capabilities and programmable features enable versatile sound options on stage.
How does the sound of the Roland Alpha Juno-2 compare to other synthesizers?: The Roland Alpha Juno-2 offers a distinctive sound with its analog architecture, featuring a single oscillator with PWM and a resonant low-pass filter. It is known for its warm, rich tones and the iconic "hoover" sound, making it unique among synthesizers of its era.
Can the Roland Alpha Juno-2 be integrated into a modern MIDI setup?: Yes, the Roland Alpha Juno-2 can be integrated into a modern MIDI setup, as it includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, allowing it to communicate with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
What are the standout features of the Roland Alpha Juno-2's sound engine?: The standout features of the Roland Alpha Juno-2's sound engine include its 6-voice polyphony, single oscillator with saw/pulse/square waveforms, and a rich chorus effect, which together provide a wide range of sound possibilities.
Does the Roland Alpha Juno-2 have built-in effects?: Yes, the Roland Alpha Juno-2 includes a built-in chorus effect, which enhances its sound by adding depth and richness, a signature feature of many Roland synthesizers from that era.

Videos

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Espen Kraft

Roland Alpha Juno 2 | The best Roland synth ever?

Espen Kraft

Roland Alpha-Juno 2 Polyphonic Synthesizer Demo

Perfect Circuit

Alpha Juno-2: That Hoover Synth!

Alex Ball

ROLAND Alpha JUNO-2 Demo & Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

BRILLIANT BUT FATALLY FLAWED // ROLAND Alpha Juno 2 // 80'S CLASSIC SYNTH // Full Walkthrough

Starsky Carr

Roland Alpha Juno 2 Demo | No Talking |

DKS SYNTH LAB

Roland Alpha Juno-2 | I like it too much

Espen Kraft

Is It Worth It?: Roland Alpha Juno-2

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Roland Alpha Juno 2 | All 64 factory sounds

Pat's Corner of the Universe

Roland Alpha Juno 2 - No Knobs No Trouble

Glenn Main

Reviews

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PROS

Characterful sound, blending digital control with analog warmth
Comparable to high-end Oberheims in sound quality
Excellent for pads, basses, and versatile sound production
Remarkable filter quality, even with a digital oscillator
Under-appreciated, offering unique sounds beside DX-7 dominated era
Offers MIDI integration, enhancing versatility
Slim-line design with great keybed action for comfortable play
Presents a cost-effective alternative to pricier Juno 106 and 60 models
Simplistic programming appealing for ease of use

CONS

Keys may become silent with age, requiring maintenance
Limited budget poly-synth with no sliders, affecting tactile sound control
Editing can be cumbersome, complicating sound customization

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Alpha Juno-2.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend the retroaktiv MPG50 for its macro controls and random patch generator, although it's priced similarly to the Alpha Juno 2 itself.
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DIY MIDI SysEx controller is praised for its affordability and functionality, similar to Stereoping but at a third of the cost.
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Features and functionality

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The "brilliance" control on the Alpha Juno 2 simultaneously adjusts PWM, LPF, and HPF, offering smoother sweeps compared to traditional knobs.
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A DIY MIDI SysEx controller offers a hands-on approach, enhancing the user experience for those who enjoy electronics and soldering projects.
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Software and compatibility

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A BCR 2000 is favored for affordability with a "midi learn" function, allowing users to map Juno 2 controls despite its menu-based interface.
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An RK002 cable is capable of advanced functions, offering unexpected utility beyond initial expectations for Juno 2 users.
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iPad apps and aftermarket controllers are reported effective in managing the Alpha Juno 2's interface challenges.
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Use cases and applications

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The Alpha Juno 2 is highlighted as a top choice for rave music, contrary to assumptions about its envelope speed limitations.
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User experience

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The Alpha Juno 2 is praised for its ability to easily blend into a mix with minimal effort, making it a favorite among various Juno models.
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Comparisons

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The Alpha Juno 2 is likened to a hybrid of the JX-10 and Juno-106, offering a unique sound profile.
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Value and pricing

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The Alpha Juno 2 is considered an affordable alternative on the second-hand market compared to the pricier Juno 60, despite its lesser popularity.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland Alpha Juno 1 & 2

soundonsound.com

The Roland Alpha Juno-2 is a well-constructed analogue synth, with improvements like velocity and aftertouch sensitivity, but its lack of extreme filter resonance and self-oscillation limits its sound capabilities. Its sophisticated DCOs and diverse waveforms offer some digital-like timbres, yet its single oscillator per voice can be restrictive. Despite its features and affordable price, it never gained the popularity of its predecessors, possibly due to a lack of endorsement and timing within the market's shift towards digital technology. However, for the adventurous musician, it's a reliable, flexible instrument worth exploring.

neutral

Full Review

Roland Alpha Juno 2 – An Underrated Classic? – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

The Roland Alpha Juno 2 is an '80s synth that didn't initially shine amidst the digital craze but has gained recognition for its rich pads, warm basses, and smooth leads. While it's praised for its solid keybed and aftertouch, the synth suffers from menu-diving frustrations. Critics argue it's sometimes overrated, especially when compared to contemporaries like the Korg DW-8000. Despite its digital DCOs, the Juno 2 holds its own against modern synths. However, a good MIDI controller is essential to unlock its potential. Overall, it's a durable, nostalgic piece that appeals to synth enthusiasts, albeit with some reservations.

neutral

Full Review

Roland Alpha Juno-2 (IM Mar 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland Alpha Juno-2 impresses with its responsive 61-note velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard, significant sound design capabilities, and user-friendly features like the Alpha Wheel for parameter editing. While the additional RAM cartridge facility is a bit costly, it offers quick access to custom sounds, enhancing its performance appeal. If you're building a larger MIDI system, the Juno-1 might offer better value, but for a robust performance synthesizer, the Juno-2 delivers excellent sound quality and playability, making it a worthy investment at £779.

positive

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 40 Ratings

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thomashaahr

133

over 8 years ago

Great sounding analog polysynth

Very underrated - much similar to Juno 106. Programming is simple but editing is cumbersome. Highly recommendable if you´re looking for a cheap analog 80s polysynth.