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Average Price: $357
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Description
Embrace the nostalgia of the '90s with the Roland JD-800 Synthesizer, a digital synth that combines the best of both analog and digital worlds. Known for its touch-friendly interface, it comes with an array of sliders and real-time parameter controls that add depth and dimension to your music. This synth stands out for its impressive layering feature that allows you to combine four different synths into one patch. Although its 24-tone max polyphony may not be limitless, it's more than enough to create a rich, layered sound. With 100 built-in basic samples, multi-stage envelopes, and Roland's effects suite, the JD-800 provides a versatile platform for your sonic experiments.
Key Features:
- Touch-friendly interface with multiple sliders and real-time parameter controls
- Layering feature to combine four different synths into one patch
- 24-tone max polyphony
- 100 built-in basic samples and multi-stage envelopes
- Comes with Roland's effects suite
- Low-, high-, and band-pass filters
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | JD-800 61-Key Programmable Synthesizer |
| Finish | Carbon |
| Year | 1991 - 1995 |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Semi-Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 24 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Roland JD-800 use?
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The Roland JD-800 is a digital synthesizer that utilizes sample-based synthesis, allowing for a wide range of complex and textured sounds suitable for various musical genres.
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How many keys does the Roland JD-800 have?
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The Roland JD-800 features a 61-key keyboard with full-size, semi-weighted keys, providing a responsive playing experience for both studio and live performances.
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Is the Roland JD-800 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Roland JD-800 is well-suited for live performances, offering hands-on control with numerous sliders and a robust build, making it easy to adjust sounds in real-time.
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What is the polyphony capability of the Roland JD-800?
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The Roland JD-800 offers 24-voice polyphony, allowing for rich and layered soundscapes without cutting off notes during complex performances.
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Does the Roland JD-800 have MIDI capabilities?
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Yes, the Roland JD-800 is equipped with MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, enabling seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible gear and DAWs.
Videos
SynthMania
Roland JD-800 - the 64 classic factory patches
Reviews
PROS
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Unique, digitally cold sound signature akin to JD-990
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Easy programming with tangible controls for tactile feedback
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Diverse sound creation, excelling in pads with deep modulation potential
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Solid build quality, described as a "beautiful machine"
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Used by renowned synth artists, indicating professional-grade quality
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Versatile for various production styles, with layering capabilities and expansion options
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Distinctive 90's era sounds with extensive editing possibilities via large control panel
CONS
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Original presets described as "early 90's garbage cheese"
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Known "red glue problem" that affects keyboard durability
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Some units may have partially stepping slide controls
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Requires occasional repairs, though deemed worthwhile by users
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Limited multi-channel controller support for solo performances
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland JD-800.
Build quality
Features and functionality
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The JD-800 is praised for its hands-on UI, offering immediate control over parameters, unlike many digital synths.
Source
Comparisons
Setup and maintenance
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D-50's display backlight often needs replacement, and some users experience headroom issues due to aging components.
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Cleaning the red glue involves using lye drain cleaner, which dissolves the glue effectively without damaging the keybed parts.
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Owners suggest preemptively caulking the underside of the keybed to prevent potential red glue seepage in older JD-800 models.
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User experience
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Owners report that the D-50's programming interface is not intuitive, favoring the JD-800 for hands-on sound design.
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High heat, such as from a heatwave, can exacerbate the red glue issue, causing weights to drop from the keys.
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Despite extensive repairs, owners consider the JD-800 a valuable piece of their collection due to its iconic design and distinctive sound.
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Mods and upgrades
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Adding a PG-1000 programmer enhances the D-50's usability, though it may cost more than the synth itself.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 12 Reviews and 52 Ratings
111
The wavetable classic by Roland with the monster interface
Got it once cheap from the previous owner and used it in a couple of productions. The sound is kind of special & digitally cold (very similar to the JD-990). Slide controls in my unit are partially stepping, but it has no "red glue problem" until now.
My fav synth ever!
I owned many synths but this big fellow remains in my studio. For me the Roland JD800 has the best sound and feel. He is easy to be programming and I use it for his great pads. The Roland is used by many great synth artist like Klaus Schulze, Vangelis and Jean Michel Jarre and that is not for nothing. If you find one and you buy it probably you won't regret it.
41029
slow envelopes though
182
The greatness of the D-50 matured.
A solid mixture of virtual analog and early 90's esqe wave ROM style synthesis. It is known for it's pads but I feel like it is great for most types of patches. The multi-stage envelopes and deep modulation potential allows you to add much more depth and variance to your patches to give it a dense and lush quality few synths can come close to.
70
Perfect for upbeat dance music. Very versatile. Layered sounds are BIG!
Used this for about 20 years. I love the versatility and layering. If possible, get the Dance expansion.
41029
aww man, that's a 2 sentence review that says it all. The JD800 is a fun synth from an era of boring crap.
70
So sweet and bright and just fun! At 60 I am getting back into music. Lots of rust but am so exited! Love your baby.
67
The JD800 is my favorite ROLAND synth of all times !
The JD800 is not that big, the sound is like an enhanced Roland D50, very clean and with presence, millions times than the JV line. I Love It !
Vangelis Atmosphere
Only one mistake on the keyboard stops me from using this synth. Repair is necessary but also worthwhile.
128
NICE, but midi is slow
Nice as a solo thing, don't try to send multi channel controllers...nice pads...
105
Ambiance.
Only one word can describe this synth. Ambiance,death,disease. Or at least that's how I make mine sound like.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video, Sister Bliss says at 0:30,
We used a JD-800 to create the riff [for Insomnia]...
From the Roland Blog: “It’s a really interesting synth,” says A Guy Called Gerald, aka UK producer Gerald Rydel Simpson (also an early 808 State member). “It was more a string specialist,” he recalls. He tells us he tapped the synth for pad textures, “dynamic” string sounds, and “the most realistic synth guitar.” Gerald also reveals it’s behind the gorgeous strings on “Anything.” We might even hear a few other JD sounds on the breakbeat classic. 28 Gun Bad Boy, AGCG’s jungle crossover and proto-rave album is packed with JD-800.
Equipment & Software used on 'SYNTHWAVES':THORSTEN QUAESCHNING: Software: Steinberg Cubase 8 &8.5Hardware: Manikin Schrittmacher Step-Sequencer x 2Manikin MemotronRoland Jupiter 8 synthesizerRoland JD800 synthesizerDave Smith Prophet 8 synthesizerARP Solina MK2 string synthesizerKorg Wavestation Ex synthesizerWaldorf Microwave synthesizerMoog Voyager monophonic synthesizerModular synthesizerRoland V Synth synthesizerKorg Z1 synthesiserKorg Prophecy synthesiserKorg M1 synthesizerClavia Nordwave synthesizerYamaha TG77 synthesizer moduleRoland System 1 synthesizerRoland JU06 synthesizer moduleKorg MS20 monophonic synthesizerRoland JP08 synthesizer moduleRoland TR-8 Rhythm Performer drum machineOberheim DMX drum machineRoland Promars synthesizerFender Starcaster guitarFender Telecaster guitarFender Stratocaster guitarScrewdriver on wood and contact microphones,Several boxes with contact microphonesA field recording of bees in Thorsten's garden, edited on Cubase and then treated with Melodyne & Halion - and finally used for the lead melody line on 'A Calm But Steady Flow'.(Software synthesizers): Spectrasonics Omnisphere synthesizer, Spectrasonics Keyscape
Youth professes an affection for analogue keyboards and a strong dislike of FM synthesis. "I don't like modern keyboards too much. I leave them to jingle writers. Those modern sounds are so associative of those advertising images that I prefer to stay well away from them. But of course they end up using your music anyway [laughs]." The only modern keyboard which has his approval is the Roland JD800, because of its "analogue versatility. It's hands-on, direct communication with the machine, rather than numerical, mathematical communication. You can change the sounds very quickly. One of the most important things with equipment is how much time they take to use and program." Hence the presence of keyboards like Alpha Juno 2, Juno 106, Oberheim OB-X (MIDI), SH101 + MCV, Korg MS1, Proteus, Proteus World, plus of course the JD800 in the main studio in the basement. There are also the well tested TR808 and 909, plus Akais S1000 and S1100.
In an Instagram video by rhythmd, it is mentioned that Eazy-E used the Roland JD-800 Synthesizer while creating "Real Muthaphuckkin G's."
In a studio tour video by MusicRadar Tech, Jody Wisternoff discusses his use of the Roland JD-800 Synthesizer at the 16:16 mark.
From the "Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins" era until the "Balls" era, Ron Mael can be seen using the Roland JD-800 Synthesizer during live concerts.
Roddy Bottum is confirmed to use a Roland JD-800 synthesizer, as stated in a September 1997 issue of Keyboard Magazine. In the article, it is mentioned, "Roddy uses a K2000, and he's got a [Roland] JD-800, and an [E-mu] Emax II. Lots of samples." This information is provided as part of an interview discussing the recording process for Faith No More.
"We get a lot of mileage out of the JD-800. We use it more like a drum synthesizer rather than just a sample source," says Graham. "Like, you can take a CR-78 snare which is very 'biscuit-tinny' and add a little bit of a metal sample to it, but only so that you can only 'sense' it, rather than hear it. It makes everything a lot harder."
Album Usage
The Roland JD-800 has been featured on the following albums:
Insomnia
Faithless (2025)
Gentō
Steve Rothery & Thorsten Quaeschning (2025)
Face It Alone
Queen (2022)
The Painter
William Orbit (2022)
Sand, Moon & Stars
Carl Cox (2021)
I Was Born To Love You (Live at Summer Sonic, Tokyo, Japan / 2014)
Queen & Adam Lambert (2020)
Synthwaves
Ulrich Schnauss & Thorsten Quaeschning (2017)
Foje
Foje (2017)
SILENT HILL2 (Original Soundtrack)
Akira Yamaoka (2001)
Sinfonía Para Adolescentes
Sui Generis (2000)
Return to the Centre of the Earth
Rick Wakeman (1999)
Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic
Prince & Prince (1999)
You've Come A Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim & The BPA & Norman Cook (1998)
World Receiver
Tetsu Inoue (1996)
Made in Heaven
Queen (1995)
Very (2018 Remaster)
Pet Shop Boys (1993)
[Love Symbol]
The New Power Generation & Prince & Prince (1992)
Sugar Tax
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1991)
28 Gun Bad Boy
A Guy Called Gerald (1991)
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 JD-800, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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