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Average Price: $3,200

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

The Roland RS-505 is a synthesizer that seamlessly blends the rich textures of analog synthesis with the cutting-edge precision of digital technology. This unique hybrid approach makes it a standout choice for musicians seeking versatility and depth in their soundscapes. The RS-505 is part of Roland's renowned synthesizer lineup, known for crafting instruments that are both innovative and reliable.

At the heart of the RS-505 is its distinctive polyphonic capabilities, offering a lush and expansive sound palette that can cater to a wide range of musical genres. With its intuitive interface, musicians of all levels can easily explore and manipulate sounds, making it equally suited for studio work or live performances. The RS-505 is equipped with a variety of oscillators, filters, and modulation options, allowing for intricate sound shaping and dynamic expression.

Whether you’re crafting ambient soundscapes, driving basslines, or soaring leads, the RS-505 provides the tools needed to create your own unique sonic signature. Its robust build ensures durability, while its connectivity options offer seamless integration into any setup, whether you're using it as a standalone instrument or part of a larger MIDI configuration.

Key Features:

  • Hybrid synthesis engine combining analog warmth with digital precision
  • Polyphonic capabilities for complex and layered sound production
  • Intuitive interface for easy sound manipulation
  • Wide range of oscillators, filters, and modulation options
  • Suitable for studio recording and live performances
  • Robust build with versatile connectivity options for integration into various setups

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model RS-505 49-Key Paraphonic Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1978 - 1981
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 16 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Roland RS-505 use?

The Roland RS-505 is an analog synthesizer that features paraphonic synthesis, allowing multiple notes to be played simultaneously while sharing a single filter and amplifier.

How many keys does the Roland RS-505 have and what is their size?

The Roland RS-505 has 49 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a comfortable playing experience for musicians familiar with standard keyboard dimensions.

What is the polyphony capability of the Roland RS-505?

The Roland RS-505 offers 16-voice polyphony, allowing you to play up to 16 notes at once, making it suitable for complex chords and layered sounds.

Is the Roland RS-505 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland RS-505's full-size keys and 16-voice polyphony make it a versatile choice for live performances, especially for those seeking classic analog sounds.

What are the standout features of the Roland RS-505's sound engine?

The Roland RS-505 is known for its rich, warm analog sound, achieved through its paraphonic synthesis and classic Roland filters, which are ideal for vintage-style pads and leads.

Tim Oliver

Tim Oliver

Paraphonic Strings & El Capistan : That Vangelis Blade Runner Sound

Video thumbnail for Paraphonic Strings & El Capistan : That Vangelis Blade Runner Sound by Tim Oliver

Paraphonic Strings & El Capistan : That Vangelis Blade Runner Sound

Tim Oliver

Tim Oliver

Video thumbnail for The Roland Paraphonic 505 - A Rare Synth Delicacy by Alex Ball

The Roland Paraphonic 505 - A Rare Synth Delicacy

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Roland rs 505 paraphonic string synthesizer by abertronic

Roland rs 505 paraphonic string synthesizer

abertronic

abertronic

Video thumbnail for Roland RS-505 Paraphonic Keyboard Synthesizer Demo by zibbybone

Roland RS-505 Paraphonic Keyboard Synthesizer Demo

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for ROLAND RS-505 PARAPHONIC STRINGS (1978) by CLASSIC VINTAGE

ROLAND RS-505 PARAPHONIC STRINGS (1978)

CLASSIC VINTAGE

CLASSIC VINTAGE

Video thumbnail for Roland RS-505 Paraphonic by SyntheticMachines

Roland RS-505 Paraphonic

SyntheticMachines

SyntheticMachines

Video thumbnail for Roland RS505 Paraphonic String Synthesizer by SynthDan1

Roland RS505 Paraphonic String Synthesizer

SynthDan1

SynthDan1

Video thumbnail for Roland RS-505 Paraphonic Sound by Max Palchikov Guitar

Roland RS-505 Paraphonic Sound

Max Palchikov Guitar

Max Palchikov Guitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland RS-505.

Setup and maintenance

  • The RS-505 is known for having leaky lilac capacitors common in late 70s Roland gear, which can affect functionality.

    Source
  • Chorus chips in the RS-505 are rare and can make finding a unit in good working condition difficult.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RS-505 is surprisingly configurable for a stringer, providing versatile tonal capabilities.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the balance of synth controls, providing comprehensive sound-shaping capabilities beyond typical string machines.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RS-505, used by Vangelis, contributed to the iconic sound of the Blade Runner soundtrack, specifically for background strings.

    Source
  • Described as "magical" and akin to an "uber string machine," the RS-505 excels in producing lush string sounds, ideal for bands and ensemble settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Boutique-series VP vocoder shares a similar string engine but lacks the bass and synth engines found in the RS-505.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • An RS-505 is currently listed on Reverb for $5,000, indicating its high value among collectors and enthusiasts.

    Source
  • An owner initially listed the RS-505 for $2,000, indicating varying perceptions of its market value despite high collector demand.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Roland RS-505

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via YouTube

introduces at 6:40 in the video

See how Stewart Copeland uses Roland RS-505

Stewart Copeland

Singer, Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Stewart Copeland can be seen playing a Roland RS-505 Paraphonic string synthesizer. He used it on early 80s Police records Zenyatta Mondatta (for the organ sound in "Bombs Away", for example) and Ghost In The Machine ("Rehumanize Yourself" and "Darkness", though it may also appear on other songs too), followed by the Rumblefish soundtrack in 1984 (for which it was part of his so-called "demo station", a photo of which is included on The Police Wiki page for the soundtrack).

See how Röyksopp uses Roland RS-505

Röyksopp

Music Producer

Röyksopp

...
Verified via YouTube

A Roland RS-505 appears on this concert.

See how David Rosenthal uses Roland RS-505

David Rosenthal

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Rainbow

...
Verified

David Rosenthal is confirmed to use the Roland RS-505 Paraphonic String Synthesizer as part of his keyboard rig, as detailed on his official website.

See how Anthony Marinelli uses Roland RS-505

Anthony Marinelli

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Facebook

You can see the RS-505 in Anthony Marinelli's cover photo on his Facebook page, although he doesn't use it often in many of his videos on YouTube.

See how Firechild uses Roland RS-505

Firechild

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Video of Firechild performing on the RS-505 in his studio.

See how Simon Mavin uses Roland RS-505

Simon Mavin

Keyboardist

Hiatus Kaiyote

...
Verified via Tone Deaf

In this website, it says that Roland RS-505 is the gear he uses.

See how André Bratten uses Roland RS-505

André Bratten

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

In an interview with Attack Magazine, André Bratten mentions using the Roland RS-505 in the strings section of his studio setup.

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 RS-505, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Hohner Clavinet D6 Vintage & Electric Pianos
1
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Oberheim DSX Audio Sequencers
1
Vermona DRM1 MKII
Vermona DRM1 MKII Drum Machines
1
Nonlinear Labs C15
1
Lexicon PCM-41
Lexicon PCM-41 Effects Processors
1
Yamaha DX7-IIFD
Yamaha DX7-IIFD Synthesizers
1
4ms Row Power 40
4ms Row Power 40 Modular Synthesizers
1

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