Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $750
Standard/Professional
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Dive into the authentic world of analog synthesis with the Roland SH-09 Synthesizer, a classic instrument cherished by vintage synth enthusiasts and modern musicians alike. The SH-09 is a monophonic synthesizer that delivers a rich, warm sound, perfect for both studio production and live performances. This classic piece of gear is renowned for its simple yet powerful design, featuring a single oscillator with a choice of three waveforms, alongside a sub-oscillator for deepening your sonic palette.
The SH-09's intuitive layout makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the fundamentals of sound design without being overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity. Its resonant filter and envelope controls provide expressive modulation options, allowing you to shape your sound with precision. Whether you're crafting bass lines, leads, or effects, the SH-09 offers the versatility and character needed to stand out in any mix.
Key Features:
- Monophonic synth with a single oscillator and sub-oscillator
- Offers sawtooth, square, and pulse waveforms
- Classic filter section with resonance and envelope controls
- Built-in external audio input for processing other signals
- Compact design perfect for both studio and stage use
- Intuitive interface, great for beginners and seasoned synthesists alike
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | SH-09 32-Key Monophonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1978 - 1982 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 32 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
-
Is the Roland SH-09 synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?
-
The Roland SH-09 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead sounds.
-
What type of synthesis does the Roland SH-09 use?
-
The Roland SH-09 uses analog synthesis, which is known for producing warm and rich sounds, characteristic of vintage synthesizers.
-
How many keys does the Roland SH-09 have?
-
The Roland SH-09 features a 32-key keyboard with full-size, synth-action keys, suitable for expressive playing.
-
What are the standout features of the Roland SH-09's sound engine?
-
The Roland SH-09's sound engine includes a single oscillator with multiple waveforms, a noise generator, and a resonant low-pass filter, allowing for a wide range of classic analog sounds.
-
Is the Roland SH-09 suitable for live performance?
-
Yes, the Roland SH-09 is suitable for live performance due to its straightforward interface and robust build, making it easy to tweak sounds on the fly.
Videos
Perfect Circuit
Roland SH-09 Analog Synthesizer Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-09 Synthesizer.
Comparisons
-
The SH-09 is perceived by some owners as having superior oscillators compared to the SH-101, offering a "fatter" sound especially noted in its PWM capabilities.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The SH-09 is praised for its bass capabilities and unique ability to produce "old sci-fi computer noises," making it a versatile choice for different musical styles.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Modding the mixer section to route the noise source to the external input level control is a recommended upgrade for increased functionality.
Source -
Using a TD-3 as a MIDI to CV through box allows for external sequence control.
Source -
Replacing worn carbon tracks in sliders with scavenged parts from other devices can restore functionality without high cost.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Cleaning and maintaining the sliders is essential for optimal performance, with some owners wishing for more readily available replacement parts.
Source -
Owners recommend checking rotary switches for pitch drops and cleaning contacts to prevent intermittent key issues.
Source -
Neoprene-like slider gaskets deteriorate, causing debris in sliders; replacing them with stiffened acrylic felt is recommended for smoother operation.
Source -
Main caps on the power board may need replacement due to aging; careful inspection is advised to avoid unnecessary recapping.
Source
User experience
-
Owners frequently express regret over selling the SH-09, highlighting its enduring appeal and the difficulty of finding one at a reasonable price later on.
Source
Build quality
-
The waveform rotary knob can become loose and scratchy, impacting smooth waveform transitions.
Source -
Ribbon cables between PCBs are fragile, and the glue for strain relief can bond the control PCB to the case, complicating disassembly.
Source -
Original sliders are Alps pots with part number '171M'; finding modern equivalents may require matching these specifications.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
My first synth
My first synth and still going strong, bought in 1981. It has one oscillator and a sub-oscillator it sounds huge.
101
First pro synth
Saved all my paper round money for one of these. learnt my craft even though monophonic , great sounds.
Artist usage
Add artist
"I'd got a Roland CSQ-100 Sequencer and a Roland SH09 Synth and a TR-808. I’d had the 808 for a while and not really used it but I was noticing that people were using them on these electro records. I was writing stuff on the sequencer and drum machine and we’d build stuff around that."
"We just set up our gear like we did Sweet Dreams. I took it right back to the way we started and we wrote one song a day for ten days with the simplest things like the Roland SH09, Movement Audio Visual drum computer etc." It was these same tracks which made up the basis for the actual masters, since they subsequently brought over their Soundcraft 24 track, bouncing up from the eight track and adding horn parts. It was only after all this had been done that the jet set recording began.
Although he owns various vintage synths including a Roland Juno 106 and SH09, Patterson tends to just use his Yamaha upright piano and Wurlitzer electric piano during the writing process, with soft synths for bass parts and pads, his favourite being U-he’s Diva. “It’s kind of like a Frankenstein of synths,” he says. “You can just pick an oscillator, and it doesn’t say specifically what it is, but you can tell by the graphic what it’s supposed to be replicating. So you can get an oscillator from something that looks very much like a Juno 60 and then a filter from something that looks very much like a Minimoog and take the best elements of certain things and build stuff. It’s really cool.”
Appears at 0:48 in this video, below the Sequential Circuits Pro-One synthesizer.
At his home studio (dubbed “50” for the street address where he lives), Price would often access his bank of vintage synths — including a Moog Polymoog, Korg MS-20, Roland SH-09 and a rare Rhodes Chroma — to add textures to a demo track or to supplement the Clavia Nord Lead 3 that Flowers uses as his main synth.
In the live performance video "CONCERT IN BLUE" by iamamiwhoami, at around 52:58, the Roland SH-09 Synthesizer can be seen. Its appearance matches other images of the Roland SH-09, suggesting its use by the artist.
"Martin Cooper’s set-up included Roland SH09 and SH2 monosynths for basslines and melodies plus a Vox Jaguar organ for chords."
In the Vintage Synth Explorer Forums, a discussion highlights Bryant Clifford Meyer's use of the Roland SH-09 Synthesizer during an Isis concert in Montreal.
Album Usage
The Roland SH-09 Synthesizer 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 SH-09 Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Roland Synthesizers
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synthesizers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-