Pricing and availability

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Reverb
5.0 (6)
$588.50 7 available Used
Thomann
4.9 (8)
$359.00 $358.00 $1.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Roland PG-800". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model PG-800 Synthesizer Programmer
Finish Black
Year 1984 - 1990
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Output

FAQs

What synthesizers is the Roland PG-800 compatible with?

The Roland PG-800 is designed to work with the Roland JX-8P, JX-10, and MKS-70 synthesizers, providing hands-on control over their parameters.

Does the Roland PG-800 require an external power supply?

No, the Roland PG-800 does not require an external power supply as it is powered directly through the connection with compatible synthesizers.

Can the Roland PG-800 be used with modern MIDI controllers?

The Roland PG-800 is primarily designed for specific Roland synthesizers and does not function as a general MIDI controller for modern devices.

What is the primary function of the Roland PG-800?

The Roland PG-800 serves as a programmer, providing a tactile interface to adjust and manipulate the sound parameters of compatible Roland synthesizers.

How does the Roland PG-800 connect to synthesizers?

The Roland PG-800 connects to compatible synthesizers using a proprietary cable, allowing for direct control over sound parameters without additional MIDI connections.

jdrukman

jdrukman

Roland MKS-70 + PG-800 demo

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-70 + PG-800 demo by jdrukman

Roland MKS-70 + PG-800 demo

jdrukman

jdrukman

Video thumbnail for The ultimate power of the Roland JX-8P (with PG-800) by MR TUNA Music

The ultimate power of the Roland JX-8P (with PG-800)

MR TUNA Music

MR TUNA Music

Video thumbnail for Roland JX 8P & PG 800 Overview by Studio Mofunic

Roland JX 8P & PG 800 Overview

Studio Mofunic

Studio Mofunic

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland PG-800.

Features and functionality

  • The JX-8P's six play modes, including poly, unison, and mono with two variations each, offer unique versatility compared to other vintage synths.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Kiwi mod for the JX-8P expands presets to 512 and provides additional upgrades, though installation is complex and costs $250.

    Source
  • Modern aftermarket cartridges can store up to 16 cartridges in one, significantly increasing the JX-8P's limited internal storage.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The JX-8P is noted for its ability to create percussive synth sounds and excels in producing organ and piano sounds due to the key action.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The JX-8P supports a basic form of SysEx patch dumping, allowing individual patch backups to a computer.

    Source
  • BOME MIDI Translator can convert CC values to Sysex commands, facilitating JX-8P programming without the PG-800.

    Source
  • MIDI-OX is useful for monitoring Sysex messages from the JX-8P, aiding in parameter adjustments without the PG-800.

    Source
  • Ctrlr offers a Windows/Mac/Linux editor, including a VST version, for JX-8P control, enhancing programming options.

    Source
  • Max for Live device for Ableton Live allows for JX-8P automation, priced at $13, providing DAW integration for automated control.

    Source
  • The iOS app iPG-800 is praised for its stable performance and comprehensive parameter display, although it lacks a patch library feature akin to Dexed.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Programming directly from the JX-8P's front panel involves using the parameter membrane and slider, though it's a time-consuming process.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Retroaktiv MPG-8 is easier to acquire and offers knob-based controls, preferred by some over the faders of the PG-800.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Stereoping controllers, though priced at $525, allow firmware changes for different synths, potentially adding value for those with multiple synths.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the iPG-800 app's performance to depend significantly on the quality of the MIDI interface used.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland JX8P and PG800 (EMM Feb 85)

muzines.co.uk

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
wavesequence

Notes

In my studio I can include two Roland PG-800. This programmer is used to edit, respectively, JX-10 and MKS-70 patches.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Junkie XL uses Roland PG-800

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via reverb.com

Listed on Reverb.com in November 2020.

This Roland PG-800 is owned by Junkie XL

Serial: 491200 A few scuffs on the top but overall this unit is in good shape.

All items in The Official Junkie XL Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation. COA's were limited to the first 500 orders so unfortunately we do not have anymore.

See how Legowelt uses Roland PG-800

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

During Legowelt’s Studio Tour for Future Music Magazine, at 6:00 Legowelt talks about the Roland PG-800 Programmer, which comes with the Roland JX-10 Super JX. The programmer allows you to edit the sounds of the Roland JX-10.

See how Mark Mothersbaugh uses Roland PG-800

Mark Mothersbaugh

Singer, Guitarist

Devo

...
Verified via Photo

This photo shows Mark Mothersbaugh with a Roland PG-800.

See how Leftfield uses Roland PG-800

Leftfield

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

Leftfield is shown using the Roland PG-800 in a photo posted on their official Facebook page.

See how Alex Metric uses Roland PG-800

Alex Metric

Music Producer

Infadels

...
Verified via YouTube

In a studio tour video by MusicRadar Tech, Alex Metric is shown using the Roland PG-800.

See how Jody Wisternoff uses Roland PG-800

Jody Wisternoff

Music Producer

Way Out West

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from April 16, 2020

See how DJ Koze uses Roland PG-800

DJ Koze

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Dancing Astronaut

DJ Koze uses the Roland PG-800 as a programmer for his JX-8P, as noted in Grace Fleisher's article on Dancing Astronaut.

See how Paul Sidoti uses Roland PG-800

Paul Sidoti

Singer, Guitarist

The Agency

...
Verified via YouTube

"...I also started messing around with programming. I didn't really read manuals...I had the PG-800 that went with [the JX-8P], so I just started turning knobs and created my own sounds..." Paul says, at 6:10 in this video.

See how David Rosenthal uses Roland PG-800

David Rosenthal

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Rainbow

...
Verified

According to a feature in Keyboard Magazine, David Rosenthal's understage control center includes a Roland MKS-70 with its PG-800 programmer, among other equipment.

See how Gunnar Mathias Michaeli uses Roland PG-800

Gunnar Mathias Michaeli

Keyboardist

Europe

...
Verified via YouTube

In Europe's live YouTube video "The Final Countdown Tour 1986" at the 30:35 mark, you can see a Roland PG-800 atop Gunnar Mathias Michaeli's Yamaha KX79 synth.

See how De Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig uses Roland PG-800

De Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig

De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 21:55 minute mark, you can see a Roland PG-800 sitting on top of the JX-8P synth.

See how Moonlight Matters uses Roland PG-800

Moonlight Matters

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video in which Moonlight Matters is taking Future Music Magazine on a tour of his studio, at 1:11:56 he says ". . . the PG-800 programmer I have here . . .".

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 PG-800, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
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2
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