Roland S-10

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$275.00 Price Tier: Standard

3.0 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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1 wishlisted

4 saved

Page last updated Jun 17, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 17, 2026.

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5.0 (2)

$275.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $275

Standard/Professional

$249

$700+

Price Tier

In the Audio Samplers category, Roland S-10 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Explore the world of audio sampling with the Roland S-10, a vintage yet versatile addition to the DJ Gear lineup. Originally released in the late 1980s, the S-10 is an 8-bit digital audio sampler that has become a cherished tool among producers and live performers for its unique sound character and compact form. Perfect for capturing and manipulating samples, this classic piece of equipment offers a blend of nostalgia and functionality that is difficult to replicate with modern devices.

The Roland S-10 features a straightforward interface with a 2x16 character LCD screen and easy-to-use controls, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned musicians. With its 12-note polyphony, this unit allows you to play lush, layered sounds or intricate melodies, making it ideal for creative expression in any setting. The S-10 comes equipped with a floppy disk drive for sample storage, enabling users to expand their sonic palette by storing up to 32 samples per disk.

Despite its age, the Roland S-10 remains a popular choice for those who appreciate the warmth and character of vintage samplers. Whether you're creating lo-fi beats or exploring experimental soundscapes, the Roland S-10 is a reliable companion that adds a unique texture to your music production toolkit.

Key Features:

8-bit digital audio sampling
12-note polyphony
Built-in 2x16 character LCD screen
Floppy disk drive for sample storage
Compact and user-friendly interface
Ideal for live performance and studio work

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	S-10 49-Key Digital Sampling Keyboard
Finish	Black
Year	1986 - 1989
Categories	Keyboard Synths, Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	49 Keys
Polyphony	8 Voices

FAQs

What is the maximum sample time on the Roland S-10?: The Roland S-10 offers a maximum sample time of 4.4 seconds, divided into four banks with 1.1 seconds each.
How many keys does the Roland S-10 have and what is the key action type?: The Roland S-10 features a 49-key full-size keyboard with synth action, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for sample-based performances.
Does the Roland S-10 support MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Roland S-10 supports MIDI connectivity with MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through ports, allowing integration with other MIDI-compatible devices.
What kind of polyphony does the Roland S-10 offer?: The Roland S-10 provides 8-voice polyphony, enabling you to play up to eight notes simultaneously, which is useful for creating layered sounds and complex arrangements.

Videos

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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 S-10.

Setup and maintenance

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Quick Disks for storage are rare and expensive; a Quick Disk emulator can be installed to circumvent this issue.
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The disk drive issues often stem from a broken drive belt, which can sometimes be temporarily resolved using a VCR belt.
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User experience

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The S-10 is known for its lo-fi sound, which some users find appealing for creative uses despite its limited functionality.
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The S-10 can be repurposed as a MIDI controller with a satisfying keyboard feel.
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Owners have successfully used the S-10 as an effective MIDI controller due to its satisfying keyboard feel.
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Comparisons

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The Roland W-30 is preferred by some for hip hop due to its impactful sample sound compared to the S-10.
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Value and pricing

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Considered a worthwhile purchase if priced at $150 or less, especially for those seeking a nostalgic lo-fi experience.
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Recent sales on eBay suggest that Roland S-10 units have sold for under $100, indicating a decline in market value.
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Features and functionality

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The S-10 requires a disk to function for sampling, as it doesn't generate sounds on its own.
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The S-10 includes an arpeggiator and sound editing tools, which enhance its functionality beyond basic sampling.
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Mods and upgrades

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A Gotek floppy emulator, pre-modded, is recommended for replacing the obsolete QuickDisk drive.
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Use cases and applications

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Despite its age, some users successfully use the S-10 for creating gritty hip-hop beats.
Source

Software and compatibility

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An adapter is needed to internally connect a Gotek floppy emulator to the S-10.
Source
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Samples can be easily loaded and saved via MIDI, providing an alternative to the unreliable Quick Disk system.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland S10 Sampler (MM Oct 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland S-10 Sampler delivers a user-friendly introduction to sampling technology, boasting a sleek design and straightforward functionality that appeals to keyboard players. Its four memory banks and velocity-sensitive keyboard allow for creative layering and sound manipulation, making it a great choice for those looking to explore sampling without overwhelming complexity. However, its 1.1-second sample time may feel limiting for some, and the lack of features found in more sophisticated samplers could deter advanced users. Still, for beginners or budget-conscious musicians, the S-10 provides a solid balance of performance and affordability, making it a contender in the affordable sampler market.

positive

Full Review

Roland S-10 Sampling Keyboard (SOS Nov 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland S-10 Sampling Keyboard is a solid first step into the world of sampling, offering good user-sampling capabilities and a reliable build at an attractive price point. However, it suffers from limitations such as a short keyboard range and a maximum sample time that may frustrate more advanced users. While its 49-key velocity-sensitive keyboard and intuitive sound management are commendable, the convoluted filter adjustments and the restriction of only playing four sounds at once could hinder its live performance usability. Overall, the S-10 is a decent option for beginners but may leave seasoned musicians wanting more.

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3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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angelo_g_spicola_iii

124

over 3 years ago

Just a great underated sampler simple as pie 🥧 to operate. It's 12 bit crunch is unattainable in any other form¡

Has unique dual high & low pass cpu driven filters. They take an age to render but are in rarefied air sonics wise for custom design filter types & the like.[a S-10 MIDI'd tooo S-760 is a sampling station powerhouse even in this day & age kids¡!] thanx folks