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Average Price: $1,000

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Simply, a consumer level Juno 106 with built in speakers and amplifier. It's quite a bit uglier but sounds all the same. Marketed for the home user hobbyist. It even has a sheet music stand option. It's cool if you can find one because it's like a portable Juno 106 that you can play anywhere with those built in speakers! Another feature of this synth is its stereo MIX IN, a stereo input for jamming with other sources of music through the internal speakers. If you're going to use the HS-60 in the studio, you'll need to insert a 1/4 inch plug into the headphone output to bypass the internal speakers since they will continue to output sound when a plug is inserted into only the main audio outs, and this can be quite annoying for studio work.

https://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/hs60.php

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model HS-60 61-Key Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer
Finish Gray
Year 1985 - 1989
Made In Japan
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 SynthPlus 60 HS-60 polyphonic or monophonic?

The Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 is a polyphonic synthesizer with 6 voices, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, layered sounds.

Does the Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it easy to integrate with other MIDI-compatible gear.

What type of keys does the Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 have?

The Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 comes with 61 full-size keys featuring a synth action, which provides a smooth and responsive playing experience.

Is the Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 suitable for live performances?

With its 61 keys and polyphonic capabilities, the Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 is well-suited for live performances, offering a wide range of sounds and MIDI connectivity for versatile setups.

What is the main difference between the Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 and the Juno-106?

The Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 is essentially a Juno-106 with built-in speakers, making it ideal for home use with similar sound capabilities and analog architecture.

Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

Roland HS-60 Demonstration Track

Video thumbnail for Roland HS-60 Demonstration Track by Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

Roland HS-60 Demonstration Track

Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

Video thumbnail for ROLAND HS-60 (JUNO 106 PORTATIL) ANO : 1985 (FACTORY SOUNDS) by TIAGO MALLEN #rolandjuno106 #hs60 by Tiago Mallen

ROLAND HS-60 (JUNO 106 PORTATIL) ANO : 1985 (FACTORY SOUNDS) by TIAGO MALLEN #rolandjuno106 #hs60

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for 128 Roland Juno-106 HS-60 Sounds by tonetweakers

128 Roland Juno-106 HS-60 Sounds

tonetweakers

tonetweakers

Reviews

PROS

  • Ideal for both collectors and new players

  • Cost-effective repairs compared to other vintage synths

  • Internally identical to the more expensive Juno-106

  • Built-in speakers add convenience

  • Straightforward to service and repair, even for beginners

CONS

  • Potential for the same voice issues as the Juno-106

  • May not hold its value as well as other collector's items

  • Additional circuitry for speakers might affect tone

  • High maintenance if voice chips and power supply haven't been serviced

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland HS-60.

Comparisons

  • The HS-60 is essentially a Juno-106S with a different paint scheme and built-in speakers.

    Source
  • Aftermarket cases or wooden sides for the Juno-106 do not fit the HS-60 due to its greater depth.

    Source
  • The HS-60's bulkier design and less appealing aesthetics contribute to preference for the Juno 106.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The onboard speakers, although prone to distortion, are a distinctive feature but not essential for those primarily using external outputs.

    Source
  • The HS-60 includes an audio input for integrating a drum machine, enabling a portable, one-man-band setup.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Even in non-functional condition, the HS-60 is considered worth double the $500 price due to its rarity and Juno-106 heritage.

    Source
  • Price differences arise from collector demand for the Juno name and mislabeling in sales listings.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Speakers are the easiest and cheapest component to replace if they are malfunctioning.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners often bypass the built-in speakers entirely, opting to use external outputs for all their audio needs.

    Source
  • Some users create a stereo headphone plug with load resistors to use line outputs without engaging the speakers.

    Source

Build quality

  • The HS-60 has an extra audio amp board for the speakers, which is not a common source of issues according to owners.

    Source
  • The HS-60's "Module Board" is labeled Juno 106, confirming identical internal components.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Foam surrounds on the HS-60's speakers are prone to rotting, requiring attention for maintenance or replacement.

    Source
  • Disconnecting HS-60 speakers is simple: wires are attached via spade connectors, no soldering needed.

    Source

User experience

  • The HS-60 can become a "spare parts" synth, useful for maintaining a Juno 106.

    Source

Critic Reviews

HS-60 - The Synth With Everything (ES Aug 85)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60 emerges as a robust contender in the budget synthesizer segment, offering a comprehensive feature set for under £1000. Boasting 128 programmable memories, full MIDI support across three modes, and a powerful sound engine with six DCOs and six VCFs, it excels in sound potential. The inclusion of user-friendly mechanical controls, a full-sized 61-note keyboard, and built-in stereo amplification with speakers makes it a highly practical choice for both home and stage use. While its comprehensive filter set and stereo chorus enhance its versatility and sound richness, the HS-60's standout feature is its all-in-one design, eliminating the need for additional practice amplifiers. Overall, a highly positive review that highlights its value for money and sound quality, with no significant drawbacks noted.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jason_boggs

Good poly

It's a Juno 106 with speakers. Some say the additional circuitry for the amp affects the tone of the synth. I've never heard an A/B comparison. It sounds great either way. These are high maintenance synths if they haven't already had the voice chips restored or replaced and the power supply recapped. Be prepared to either pay for service or learn a thing or two about electronics and soldering. It's actually a pretty straight forward thing to work on.

jimmarchi1

never even seen a juno with speakers, wow

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Roland HS-60

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

In the link above you can see the Roland HS-60 in Kevin's studio. The photo is taken from the band's recent performance for BBC Radio 1 Annie Mac, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frbnrSIgjas&list=RD0pbGNJ8NiS0&index=2&ab_channel=BBCRadio1 it can be seen several times around the 48 sec mark.

See how Charlie Puth uses Roland HS-60

Charlie Puth

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

Charlie plays on this keyboard while livestreaming with John Mayer.

See how Jay Watson uses Roland HS-60

Jay Watson

Guitarist, Drummer

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live performance you can see Jay using his Roland HS-60 synthesizer.

See how Moon Boots uses Roland HS-60

Moon Boots

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicTech

Per this Sept 15, 2021 feature from MusicTech:

What is your favourite piece of gear?

My Roland HS-60. It’s the same sound and controls as a Juno 106, but with internal speakers. It’s also uglier, but I’m ok with that. Of all my gear, I’ve had it for the longest. I learned a lot about synthesis on it, and I’d never sell it. I regret selling my Moog Prodigy, which was also one of my first synths.

I’m giving sentimental reasons, but I use it a lot. Rekon makes very useful VSTs that allow you to use a Juno or Alpha Juno like a plug-in. I wish they made something like this for Dave Smith Instruments.

See how Johnathan Terlato uses Roland HS-60

Johnathan Terlato

...
Verified via Vintagesynth

Johnathan Terlato uses the Roland SynthPlus 60 HS-60, a consumer-level version of the Juno 106, known for its built-in speakers and amplifier, making it ideal for portable play. Despite its less aesthetic design, it offers the same sound quality as the Juno 106, appealing to home hobbyists with features like a sheet music stand option and a stereo MIX IN for integrating external audio sources. When used in a studio setting, the internal speakers can be bypassed by inserting a 1/4-inch plug into the headphone output. This information is detailed on Vintage Synth Explorer.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland HS-60, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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