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Average Price: $258
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Roland JX-8P". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Immerse yourself in the world of vintage synthesis with the Roland JX-8P Analog Synthesizer. This instrument offers a journey into the heart of sound creation with its six-voice polyphony, dual DCOs, and MIDI capability. Designed for the stage, the JX-8P's user-friendly sliders make it easy to control synthesis parameters on the fly. With a 64-section memory bank, the breadth of sound you can create ranges from warm liquid oscillation to a metallic vibrato attack. The JX-8P, built on the same technology as its renowned JUNO cousin, has been a go-to for legendary bands like Depeche Mode and 808 State.
Key Features: - Six-voice polyphony for a rich depth of sound - Dual DCOs (Digitally Controlled Oscillators) for precise pitch control - MIDI capability for wide compatibility with other equipment - User-friendly sliders for real-time control of synthesis parameters - 64-section memory bank for a broad range of sound creation - Built on technology used in the renowned JUNO synthesizers.
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | JX-8P 61-Key Polyphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1984 - 1986 |
| 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
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Is the Roland JX-8P synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Roland JX-8P is a polyphonic synthesizer with 6-voice polyphony, allowing you to play up to six notes simultaneously.
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Does the Roland JX-8P have MIDI capabilities?
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Yes, the Roland JX-8P features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, making it compatible with other MIDI-equipped gear and DAWs for versatile integration.
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What type of keyboard action does the Roland JX-8P have?
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The Roland JX-8P features a synth action keyboard, providing a smooth and responsive feel suitable for various playing styles.
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What makes the Roland JX-8P's sound unique?
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The Roland JX-8P is known for its authentic analog sound, enhanced by the integrated PG-800 programmer functions, which allow for detailed sound shaping and a vintage sonic character.
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How many keys does the Roland JX-8P have?
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The Roland JX-8P has a full-size 61-key keyboard, providing ample range for both performance and sound design.
Videos
SynthMania
Roland JX-8P - the 64 factory patches - part 1 of 2
Roland JX-8P - the 64 factory patches - part 1 of 2
SynthMania
Bad Gear - Roland JX-8P - An 80s Miracle
AudioPilz
ROLAND JX-8P Analog Synthesizer 1985 | HD DEMO
AnalogAudio1
Roland JX-3P or JX-8P? Which one do you want?
Espen Kraft
Roland JX-8P Demo & Review
musictrackjp
Secrets of EMOTIONAL SYNTH PADS (Twin Peaks, Roland JX-8P)
Distort the Preamp
Roland JX-8P vs Jupiter 8
synthlegends
Roland JX-8P Preset and Internal Sounds
CGMAGIK
Roland JX-8P: Vecoven PWM & Retroaktiv MPG-8 UPGRADE
Wine&Synths
Reviews
PROS
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Iconic Roland chorus delivers awesome 80's sound
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Offers great brass and pads with a decent keybed
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Supports extensive after-market modifications and upgrades
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Sonically superior to Roland JX-10, especially for strings and pads
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MIDI compatibility enhances versatility and studio integration
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Flexible synth engine with 2 DCOs, Cross Modulation/Osc sync, and LFO modulation
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Classic vintage synthesizer with a hybrid digital/analog architecture
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Can produce warm, evolving analog pads with stunning chorus effect
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Versatile sound range, from reso bass to lush CS-80-ish pads
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Warm sounds and cool bass tones with a vintage feel
CONS
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Digital interface can be challenging and less intuitive
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Some components like LMH switch known for being sticky or failing
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Power supply may need rebuilding due to overheating issues
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Filter effects are subtle and may lack excitement for some users
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High pass filter and cross modulation options are limited
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Volume can drop at high resonance settings
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Sound dumping is limited to one at a time, making management cumbersome
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Envelopes are described as sluggish, affecting snappy sound production
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Single parameter slider deemed almost useless for in-depth programming
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Some users find it not as special or versatile as expected
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland JX-8P.
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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Notably used by Marshall Jefferson in early tracks, highlighting its historical significance and suitability for classic house music production.
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The JX-8P is praised for pairing with darker, crunchier synths like the Prophet 600 to create a wide array of analog sounds.
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The JX-8P is recommended for creating melancholic string sounds, suitable for gothic music styles popularized by bands like The Cure.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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Modern aftermarket cartridges are available, allowing storage of up to 16 cartridges in one, expanding the JX-8P's preset capabilities significantly.
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The retoaktiv MPG-8 is suggested for enhancing control, allowing easier access to the JX-8P's parameters without the PG-800.
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The Kiwi mod enhances modulation with a mod matrix, three envelopes, and three LFOs, elevating the JX-8P to compete with modern analogs.
Source
Features and functionality
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Basic crossover/FM capabilities make it easy to create percussive sounds, expanding beyond typical analog pads and leads.
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The JX-8P includes unique play modes: poly, unison, and mono, each with two variations, offering a distinctive versatility in sound design.
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The JX-8P excels at unique synth string pads and organ patches, but struggles with piano sounds unless modified.
Source
User experience
Value and pricing
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A clean JX-8P with a functioning case is valued around $500, though aftertouch functionality significantly affects perceived value.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 48 Ratings
Almost bad
The JX-8P has it's good points and bad like most synths but it just seems to swing very far in both directions. Which is probably why people are so polarized about it. Obviously the first problem is the digital interface. You get use to it but it's still more difficult than using a programmer. Two DCOs with pitch range with tuning and LFO and envelope routing. Tri,pw,square and noise waveforms with cross mod. Cross mod only has three settings, which sucks. Has a mixer section with an envelope. That's good. The filter is very subtle and kinda boring IMO. No "wow!" factor but it does the job. It has typical volume drop at high resonance settings. Has LFO, envelope and key follow. Has a high pass filter as well. Can be used together. High pass only has three settings. That sucks. VCA is connected to envelope 2 or just gate. Has volume control that can be over driven. That's good... or bad. Depending on what you're going for. Has 2 ADSR envelopes that can be used on most parts of the synth except the VCA. It can only use Env1. LFO has sine,square and random waveforms. Has delay time, rate and mod wheel amount. Chorus is good but a little noisy. Not as noisy as a Juno though! Aftertouch still mostly works on mine but usually it's gone bad. Portamento works as expected. Key follow and dynamics can be assigned all over but again only in three stages. Mod and pitch wheel in one control that looks like a joy stick but is really just a spring loaded pitch wheel left to right and a spring loaded mod switch up and down. No mod range. Just on off. That sucks. Good for pads and deep bass, but not punchy fingered bass. Can sound nasty or pretty. Over all, not a completely bad synth. The problem is it seems very versatile but it just doesn't deliver. It's like it's aimed at performers. Like Roland thought "don't get too wild with the parameter ranges." Reminds me of guitar pedals. Lots of knobs but limited range. Boring! BTW PG-8X sounds nothing like the JX-8P. It's great for programming it but it's not the same sound.
41010
I'm not putting stars on this because mine needs love
I acquired this on the cheap recently because its not in full working order. This was before I purchased my Korg Prologue. Now I'm not sure whether to fix it up or sell it on. I'm really fond of the korg and it has a similar feature set overall and actual VCOs in addition to a 3rd user defineable digital osc for wavetables, FM etc.... and nice modulation and time based effects too. I remember the JX synths having very sluggish envelopes and mainly being pad machines. I also remember them sounding pretty bright for rolands and my DSI has that bright, in yo face DCO/Curtis filter thing in spades. Deep thoughts.
236
Never got excited.
I even had the Kiwi version whihc is much better than the original. Still, nothing special. I prefer the JX-3P. There is a VST for this that will give you pads.
117
JX-8P - a great vintage synth
The Roland JX-8P is a classic vintage synthesizer. Manufactured between 1984-85, it was Roland's early hybrid digital/analog synth with analog (digitally controlled) oscillators, analog filter, software envelopes and the classic Roland chorus. It was made famous by many bands of the 80s, and prominent in several songs - eg the lead brass synth in Europe's "Final Countdown" (doubled with a Yamaha DX-7). The JX-8P has a flexible synth engine with 2 DCOs, 2 Envelopes, Cross Modulation/Osc sync and LFO modulation options. It unfortunately lacks PWM and the envelopes are not the snappiest. That said, it makes the most stunning warm, evolving analog pads of any synth I know, when using the chorus. Nothing else comes as close for lush chorused strings and pads.
196
A good all-rounder straight from 1984 !
It is a great alternative to the Juno series (the EG are just a bit slow but nevermind !) It sounds great from a reso bass to a cutting edge lead or even a huge and lush CS-80-ish pad. Its single parameter slider is quite useless: I use to program my Jx through the PG8X vst (which is an almost identical sounding digital version of that analog beast).
98
Artist usage
Add artist
John Paul Jones is confirmed to use the Roland JX-8P, as evidenced by an Instagram post from soundgasltd, which announces an auction of gear from his studio, including this synthesizer.
The JX-8P can be clearly seen several times in the Cherry Bomb documentary, like at 13:55 or 25:52.
At the back of the album cover of the Rendez-vous album by Jean-Michel Jarre is a list of used instruments. In short:
Seiko DS 250, Synthex, Moog, Roland JX 8P, ARP 2600, Fairlight, Emulator II, Eminent, AKS, Lynn 9000, Memory Moog, Drumulator, Laser Harp, RMI, Seiko DS 320, OBX, DX 100, Matrisequencer, TR 808, Prophet, Casio CZ 5000, Baby Korg personal keyboard.
On this picture from Nemo Studio around 1986 is a Roland JX-8P synthesizer.
Well I've got five JX8Ps,' he reflects, 'because very soon we'll be going on tour and I'm going to have two keyboard players each using two JX8Ps. I'm going to keep one spare as well because you can never be too safe even though everybody's telling me that they're the most reliable synths you can use. I really like the idea of that sort of uniformity on stage from an aesthetic point of view and from a sound point of view it's great because the JX8Ps sound brilliant when they are MIDI'd together.'
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On the bottom of this Instagram photo, the label of the JX-8P is visible in the lower-left, and its buttons can be seen along the bottom of the shot.
In a user-uploaded photo, a Roland JX-8P is visible on the wall behind Max Martin, indicating its presence in his studio environment. While not actively in use during the session, it suggests potential utilization in future projects.
Kate's band can clearly be seen using the Roland JX-8P and its associated programming module, the PG-800, during this classic 1987 performance of 'Running Up That Hill' for the Secret Policeman's Third Ball, with David Gilmour on guitar.
The JX-8P's programmer add-on, the PG-800, can be seen in Mark's lap in this studio photo from 1985.
In the video "Paris My Neighbourhood: Episode 2," featuring Breakbot and Irfane, the Roland JX-8P synthesizer can be clearly seen at the 13:28 mark, confirming its use by Breakbot in their studio. This video was published by Collective Minds on YouTube.
Roger played a Roland JX-8P while touring with the Cure.
Album Usage
The Roland JX-8P has been featured on the following albums:
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 JX-8P, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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It is a free VST that will give you the sounds and you can control it from MIDI. No high-priced programmer needed!
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