Roland JV-80

$180.61 Price Tier: Budget

5.0 (4)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Page last updated Jun 04, 2026

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4.0 (2)

$180.61 10 available Used

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Average Price: $181

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$500

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Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Roland JV-80 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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The Roland JV-80 is a classic synthesizer that has stood the test of time, becoming a favorite among musicians for its 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard and expansive sound capabilities. Released in the early 1990s, this synthesizer offers a robust array of preset sounds and the ability to create custom patches, making it a versatile tool for both studio and live performances.

The JV-80 features an intuitive interface that allows musicians to easily navigate its broad sound palette, which includes everything from lush strings and dynamic brass to punchy basses and ethereal pads. Its ability to layer sounds and adjust parameters in real-time makes it a powerful choice for performing artists looking to craft unique soundscapes.

In addition to its expressive keybed, the JV-80 is equipped with a range of modulation and effects options, allowing for deep sound sculpting. It also includes MIDI capabilities, which ensure seamless integration with other gear in your setup, whether you're triggering external modules or using it as part of a larger MIDI rig.

Key Features:

61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard
Extensive sound library with customizable presets
Intuitive interface for easy navigation and sound editing
Real-time sound modulation controls
Built-in effects for enhanced sound shaping
MIDI compatibility for integration with external gear
Layering capabilities for complex sound creation

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	JV-80 61-Key Multi-Timbral Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	1992 - 1994
Categories	Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
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	28 Voices

FAQs

Is the Roland JV-80 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Roland JV-80 is suitable for live performances due to its 61 full-size, semi-weighted keys and multi-timbral capabilities, allowing you to layer and switch between sounds easily on stage.
Does the Roland JV-80 have aftertouch functionality?: Yes, the Roland JV-80 features aftertouch, allowing for expressive playing by responding to the pressure applied to the keys after they are struck.
How many voices of polyphony does the Roland JV-80 offer?: The Roland JV-80 offers up to 28 voices of polyphony, enabling complex and layered soundscapes without note dropouts.
What type of synthesis does the Roland JV-80 use?: The Roland JV-80 uses digital synthesis with the capability to combine up to four oscillators per patch, providing a wide range of sounds and textures.
Can the Roland JV-80 be integrated with other MIDI devices?: Yes, the Roland JV-80 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through connections, making it easy to integrate with other MIDI-compatible devices in your setup.

Videos

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synthartist69

"Piano and Strings" Roland JV80

synthartist69

ROLAND JV-80 (Test Sounds) FACTORY SOUNDS by TIAGO MALLEN.

Tiago Mallen

Saving a Roland JV-80 Keyboard from the Red Glue from Hell

Edwin Steiner

Roland JV80 JV880 JV90 JV1000 Custom and 80's Vintage Soundbank (Now Available)

synthartist69

Roland JV-80 (sound demonstration)

Keyboards - review - repair

Is the Roland JV-80 a classic? You be the judge

Gearfacts

Roland JV 80 - Factory Demo

Romanian Keyboards

Roland JV80 Demo

FixMyAntique

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland JV-80.

Build quality

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The Roland JV-80 keybed is noted for its firm, crisp feel, distinct from both piano and organ keybeds, making it a highly regarded synthesizer keybed.
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Setup and maintenance

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Failing pitch bend/modulation controls can be cleaned with contact cleaner and compressed air, avoiding full part replacements.
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Owners caution about the "sticky glue" issue, where steel weights under keys corrode contacts over time, requiring careful glue removal with caustic soda in a safe environment.
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Features and functionality

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The JV-80 features a Matsushita SK-861 keybed, comparable to those in discontinued Roland JV, JX, and XP models.
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The JV-80 only supports one expansion card, which can be a limiting factor compared to more modern synthesizers with multiple expansion slots.
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Comparisons

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The Arturia Keylab 61 mkII keybed is less firm than the JV-80, which is described as slightly firmer and crisper.
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The Korg Modwave is suggested as an alternative for those seeking similar late-80s, early-90s Roland sounds, with more modern features and flexibility.
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Mods and upgrades

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Replacing front panel buttons is possible using Omron/Panasonic switches from Mouser/Digikey, requiring soldering.
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User experience

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Owners have avoided the notorious "Red Glue" issue, which was prevalent in certain JV-80 units, indicating potential longevity when well-maintained.
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Some users find the $350 price for a used JV-80 high, especially given potential maintenance issues, suggesting half that price would be more reasonable.
Source

Critic Reviews

A Double Dose of Roland (SOS Apr 92)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland JV-80 impresses with its intuitive design and programming ease, making it a standout choice for musicians seeking a user-friendly synth. Its sound quality, echoing the JD800, is robust, though some may find the presets restrictive due to their immutability. Despite lacking a sequencer, the JV-80 excels in its multi-timbral capabilities and expandable memory. The thoughtful layout aids quick sound adjustments, and the limited but effective effects suite complements its performance versatility. While its physical design might nod toward a home keyboard aesthetic, the JV-80 is a powerhouse of classy sound and playful programming potential.

positive

Full Review

Roland JV80 (MT May 92)

muzines.co.uk

Roland’s JV-80 is a masterclass in synthesizer refinement, offering a stunning evolution of the D-series with an accessible interface. Its ability to sustain sounds over patch changes and an impressive 28Mb of wave data storage via proprietary compression highlight its forward-thinking design. The synth excels sonically, with a dynamic range covering everything from robust basses to shimmering pads. However, the lack of detailed explanations for its features like DI synthesis might frustrate some users. Despite this, its sound quality, vitality, and programming enjoyment make it a compelling choice for synth enthusiasts seeking versatility and depth.

positive

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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panta

309

about 5 years ago

Slightly outdated sounds, but exactly what I need.

I always wanted to have a JV series synth from Roland. My eyes were on a JV-1080 for a long time, but nobody was foolish enough to sell them in mint condition for a reasonable price. I don't blame them.

Still, in the search for a 1080, I've came across a JV-80 that needed a little love and tender. The price was so stupidly low, I had no choice to buy it. Besides, I was pretty interested in repairing it. So I did not need one second to consider. After all, the JV-80 was the first on the market with the famous JV chip. The JV chip is known for its deep and warm low ends.

I had 2 keys missing, a little crackle in the mono output, and it had a little problem with the red glue that came loose from beneath the keys. It's a problem every JV-80 will face, sooner or later.

The keys were ordered from the UK and replaced, and the crackle was just an issue with a loose connector which was soldered sturdy. The red glue was a pain in the a**, but doable. I replaced all of the glue with a little bit of clear 2 component epoxy, and the fun could begin.

The menu is awkward. It needs a lot of theory to dive in its menu, because it's a dense forest of mumbo jumbo. It's not the most easy one. The keybed has in fact, the best synth keys I've ever played. It's smooth, sturdy and light enough to do some fast solo's. The sounds, while they are maybe outdated, it just offers exactly what I want in my 80s music. Some of the patches are still relevant today, think about the strings and maybe plucks. But oh my, that low end. It's breath taking. I haven't heard a modern synth with this warmth. It's a beast.

Although the synth is from the early 90s, it collected all the goodies from the 80s and perfect for my music. The rythm section is somewhat underrated as well, as it does have some great drum sounds on board, which I will sample some day.

At this moment, I am noticing the tactile buttons are not as responsive anymore, which is a clue that they also need replacing / maintenance.

Still, after the (educative) maintenance by myself, a few parts and materials, this synth is mine for not even 50 euro. Which is a steal. I could easily sell this for 150 euro the way it is now. But, just like those 1080 owners, I am not crazy.

And then to think of it, there are still the JV expansion cards waiting for me to try out, which some of them are worth more than the synth itself.