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Average Price: $600

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$500

$1501+

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Description

RS-09 is a keyboard mechanism that produces the sound of the strings as well as the rich sounds of the organ.

Equipped with a 2-channel output and an ensemble capacity, you can create a deep and wide range sound with a stereo or PA system. And with the external input jack, you can add the ensemble effect to the sounds of various electronic and electric instruments. In connecting RS-09 to other synthesizers (SH-1), you can get a similar effect to a polyphonic synthesizer.

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model RS-09 44-Key Organ / String Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1978 - 1983
Made In Japan
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 44 Keys
Polyphony 64 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds can the Roland RS-09 produce?

The Roland RS-09 is known for its rich analog organ and string sounds, featuring a lush ensemble effect that provides warmth and depth typical of late 1970s synthesizers.

Is the Roland RS-09 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland RS-09 is suitable for live performances due to its full-size keys and 64-voice polyphony, allowing for complex chords and layered sounds.

How many keys does the Roland RS-09 have?

The Roland RS-09 features a 44-key keyboard with full-size keys, offering a comfortable playing experience for both beginners and experienced musicians.

Is the Roland RS-09 an analog or digital synthesizer?

The Roland RS-09 is an analog synthesizer, known for its warm and authentic sound characteristic of vintage synths from the late 1970s.

What is the polyphony of the Roland RS-09?

The Roland RS-09 offers 64-voice polyphony, allowing musicians to play complex chords and layered sounds without note dropouts.

PianoVintage

PianoVintage

DEMO ROLAND RS09 - ORGAN / STRING -

Video thumbnail for DEMO ROLAND RS09 - ORGAN / STRING - by PianoVintage

DEMO ROLAND RS09 - ORGAN / STRING -

PianoVintage

PianoVintage

Video thumbnail for The Roland RS-09 - Forgettable Turkey or Forgotten Gem? by Alex Ball

The Roland RS-09 - Forgettable Turkey or Forgotten Gem?

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for 1979 Roland RS-09 Organ/Strings by Nikita Demchenko

1979 Roland RS-09 Organ/Strings

Nikita Demchenko

Nikita Demchenko

Video thumbnail for Roland Organ/Strings RS-09 Mk 1 stereo sound demo by Vykaar Tones

Roland Organ/Strings RS-09 Mk 1 stereo sound demo

Vykaar Tones

Vykaar Tones

Video thumbnail for Roland RS-09 Vintage Analog Organ / String Synth (Audio Sample) by soffter

Roland RS-09 Vintage Analog Organ / String Synth (Audio Sample)

soffter

soffter

Reviews

PROS

  • Shimmering string sounds when paired with proper reverb/delay

  • Flexible and fun organ capabilities

  • Lush and hypnotizing string voices

  • Offers a nostalgic sound reminiscent of The Cure's goth phase

  • Reliable performance over decades of use

CONS

  • Limited variety in sounds available

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Organ/Strings RS-09.

Features and functionality

  • The RS-09's string section envelope resets on trigger, a paraphonic trait due to its single oscillator handling multiple notes.

    Source
  • The RS-09 includes an 'organ out' which can connect to an SH-09's 'ext in', allowing the SH-09's output to loop back for enhanced sound manipulation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Released alongside the SH-09, they can be interconnected for a quasi-polyphonic setup, enhancing the RS-09's capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners describe the RS-09 as having a warmer tone compared to Solina string synths, with the organ feature adding significant depth to the sound.

    Source
  • The RS-09 shares a similar ensemble circuit with the VP330 and RS505, known for its desirable sound effects.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the RS-09 particularly effective when paired with tape delay and reverb for creating rich, atmospheric sounds.

    Source
  • The combination of organ and strings is noted for creating a 'huge' sound, appealing to those seeking rich, layered tones.

    Source
  • The RS-09 was popular in 80s goth rock, suggesting a niche appeal for specific music genres.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's noted that vintage Roland string machines, including the RS-09, can be found affordably on platforms like eBay, sometimes under £200.

    Source
  • The RS-09 typically sells between $300-$1000 depending on condition, with $500 being a realistic average for a well-maintained unit.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some units might have missing parts like switch caps, highlighting the importance of checking for missing components when purchasing vintage models.

    Source
  • The MK1 version contains rare parts like BA662A and SAD512D chips, which can be costly to replace if damaged.

    Source

User experience

  • Enthusiasts express long-term satisfaction, indicating that acquiring an RS-09 has been a fulfilling goal for vintage synth collectors.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland RS09 (12T Nov 82)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland RS-09, while offering good string sounds and an attractive price point, falls short in its organ capabilities. The string section aligns with Roland's strong reputation for quality, though it can't fully replicate an orchestra. However, the organ section lacks depth due to missing footages and percussion controls, limiting its standalone performance. The instrument is well-built, lightweight, and easy to operate, but ultimately doesn't stand out in Roland's lineup. It's best as a supplementary sound source rather than a solo performer.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nigel Godrich uses Roland Organ/Strings RS-09

Nigel Godrich

Music Producer

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

From left to right: Apple Macintosh, Moog MemoryMoog, Roland RS-09, unknown computer, Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Suzuki Omnichord Q-Chord, Crumar Orchestrator / Multiman-S, Korg Poly-Ensemble P PE-1000, Moog Keyboard Controller, MIDIPRO 49, Akai S3000X On table: Baldwin DS-50 Discoverer, Korg MicroKorg, ? ? Korg MS20

See how Andy Shauf uses Roland Organ/Strings RS-09

Andy Shauf

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Reddit

In a Reddit AMA, Andy Schauf explains that he used an Prophet 6, an ASM Hydrasynth, an Argon8, and a Roland RS-09 on his album, "Norm".

See how Michael Stein uses Roland Organ/Strings RS-09

Michael Stein

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Roland Organ/String RS-09 can be seen 1:29 into this video.

See how Scott Munro uses Roland Organ/Strings RS-09

Scott Munro

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Preoccupations

...
Verified via Photo

"Today's #rig. photo taken mid-take. #onetake" Munro captures a picture of an RS-09 he used in a recording session. (uploaded to Instagram October 6, 2014)

See how Tom Bailey uses Roland Organ/Strings RS-09

Tom Bailey

Singer, Guitarist

Thompson Twins

...
Verified via Muzines

"I take the OBXa, Prophet 5, Roland RS09 strings and a Micro Moog on tour. All the keyboards are direct injected both on stage and in the studio."

M

Matthieu Hartley

Composer

The Cure

...
Verified via YouTube

Matthieu Hartley is seen playing the Roland Organ/Strings RS-09 during a live performance with The Cure in 1979, as captured in a YouTube video by Millo Salgado. This synthesizer was notably used in the creation of their album "17 Seconds."

See how Xeno & Oaklander uses Roland Organ/Strings RS-09

Xeno & Oaklander

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Liz has a RS-09 in this picture.

See how Martial Canterel uses Roland Organ/Strings RS-09

Martial Canterel

Singer, Keyboardist

Xeno And Oaklander

...
Verified via Photo

Sean has an RS-09 as a part of his synth rack in this picture.

See how Jacob Graham uses Roland Organ/Strings RS-09

Jacob Graham

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Drums

...
Verified via YouTube

Jacob can be seen playing a Roland RS-09 Synth in this live performance.

S

Simon Brenner

Keyboardist

Talk Talk

...
Verified via YouTube

The Roland Organ/Strings RS-09 can be seen at 5:08 into this video of a performance on Swedish television in 1982. Also, a user on Twitter mentions that the synthesizer was used by Brenner.

See how Dan Leavers uses Roland Organ/Strings RS-09

Dan Leavers

Keyboardist

The Comet is Coming

...
Verified via Photo

"Roland Brothers! SH-09/RS-09"

M

Mark Fox

Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Splattered Plastic special we see Mark Fox (36.00) showing the Roland RS09 that he used for the opening chord in Texas Chainsaw Massacre The Shocking Truth.

Album Usage

The Roland Organ/Strings RS-09 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 Organ/Strings RS-09, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland CSQ-600
Roland CSQ-600 Audio Sequencers
1
Yamaha E1010
Yamaha E1010 Effects Processors
1
Korg MicroKORG
Korg MicroKORG Synthesizers
1
Moog Little Phatty
1
Yamaha SK20
Yamaha SK20 Synthesizers
1
ASM Hydrasynth
ASM Hydrasynth Synthesizers
1

2 alternative and related items for Roland Organ/Strings RS-09, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland RS-09 Organ Strings 09 MKII

$600.00

Vintage or Discontinued

There was an updated model with cosmetic changes to the switches on the panel.

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