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Average Price: $1,312
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$500
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Description
Dive into the sonic landscape of yesteryears with the Roland SH-1, a jewel in the crown of analog monophonic synthesizers. Hailing from 1978, this pioneer instrument blends simplicity with versatility, offering musicians a tactile experience reminiscent of the golden era of synthesis. Its single oscillator and dual-filter configuration allow for a range of sounds, from deep basses to piercing leads, all while maintaining that sought-after vintage warmth. Whether you're crafting retro-flavored tracks or integrating classic tones into modern compositions, the SH-1 stands as a testament to the enduring power of analog synthesis.
Key Features:
- Analog monophonic synthesizer with a rich, vintage sound palette
- Single oscillator design for straightforward yet versatile sound shaping
- Dual filters (lowpass and highpass) for sculpting complex tones
- Two envelopes for dynamic amplitude and filter modulation
- LFO for adding vibrato, tremolo, and other modulation effects
- 32-note keybed for expressive performance capabilities
- Comprehensive connectivity with mono audio, CV, Gate, and Trigger outputs
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | SH-1 32-Key Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1978 - 1979 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 32 Keys |
| Polyphony | 4 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Roland SH-1 synthesizer analog or digital?
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The Roland SH-1 is an analog synthesizer, known for its warm and rich sound characteristic of vintage analog synths.
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How many keys does the Roland SH-1 have and what type are they?
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The Roland SH-1 features 32 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a comfortable playing experience for both beginners and seasoned players.
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What is the polyphony of the Roland SH-1 synthesizer?
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The Roland SH-1 has a polyphony of 4 voices, allowing you to play up to four notes simultaneously.
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Roland SH-1?
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The Roland SH-1 delivers classic analog sounds, known for their warmth and depth, making it ideal for genres like rock, pop, and electronic music.
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Is the Roland SH-1 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Roland SH-1 is suitable for live performances, offering a robust build and intuitive controls for real-time sound manipulation on stage.
Videos
sonicstate
FIVE MINUTES WITH Roland SH-1 Synthesizer
FIVE MINUTES WITH Roland SH-1 Synthesizer
sonicstate
Roland SH-1 & Korg SQ-1 'Berlin School' One-synth melodic pattern tweaking and drones
DreamsOfWires
Roland SH-1
SSM Curtis
Rex The Dog - Vortex and Roland SH-1 | Synth Club Episode 4
Rex The Dog
Roland SH-1: An In-Depth Look at the Classic Monosynth
Alamo Music Sound Lab
BOOcast - Synth of the Month: Roland SH-1
Battery Operated Orchestra
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-1.
Comparisons
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The Bass Station 2 is recommended as a budget-friendly alternative capable of achieving similar tonal ranges.
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The JU-06A's chorus effect is highly praised for adding character, especially for bass and wide pads.
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The SH-01A is favored for its CV connectivity and sequencer capabilities, which are lacking in the JU-06A.
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The Studio Electronics Boomstars are mentioned as a higher-end option for those seeking SH-1-like sounds.
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The MFB Dominion and Future Retro XS are suggested as potential modern alternatives offering similar sound capabilities.
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The Intellijel Atlantis is seen as a close sonic match to the SH-1, especially when paired with the Metropolis sequencer for a modular setup.
Source
User experience
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The SH-01A is appreciated for offering unexpected sonic surprises, making it a rewarding choice for exploration and learning synthesis.
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Some owners find the SH-01A's menu system more intuitive and easier to navigate compared to the JU-06A's.
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Some users find the pitch and mod sliders practically useless, suggesting alternative MIDI controllers for better functionality.
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Audio output is reported as underpowered, affecting the overall performance.
Source
Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The JU-06A's USB connection is noted to introduce noise, which is a common issue with boutique models.
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The SH-01A's four-note polyphony can be set to 2 or 4 voices per note, effectively beefing up its sound.
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The poly mode is valued for its ability to handle chords, often used alongside an arpeggiator for intricate bass lines.
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Owners report a buzzy high-frequency tinge, making it less ideal for bass or organic sounds.
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The sequencer allows for separate patch and pattern memory, enhancing versatility in creating music.
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Advanced LFO mode allows for FM-like sounds by pushing the LFO to audio-level frequencies.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
The Roland Sh-1 is clearly visible in this photo. He talks about how he favors this synth over the minimoog in his recent interview with SoundonSound.
A photograph shows a Roland SH-1 positioned on top of Martin L. Gore's PPG Wave, confirming his use of the synthesizer.
The Roland SH-1 is featured in the "Studio Equipment List" from Vince Clarke's website.
Fletch is clearly holding a Roland SH-1 in this picture.
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A Roland SH1 was used on Chris Carter's The Space Between, according to the liner notes.
"Regarding synth I use a lot of different ones like Prophet VS , Mini Moog , Casio Cz5000, yamaha Dx100 , Emu SQ80 , Polymoog, Korg Poly 800 , MonoPoly , 01WFD, Roland MKS 70, SH1"
Martin Cooper used a Roland SH-1 synthesizer to create the soundtrack for the 1984 horror film "C.H.U.D.," as confirmed by a Rolling Stone article. The article includes a quote from Cooper himself in the liner notes of the official soundtrack release by Waxwork Records: “Recorded with an Emulator sampler 'borrowed' from OMD and a Roland SH1, the sound was home-brewed. 'David and I told [producer Andrew Bonime] we had to record the film in Liverpool with our own equipment, so the poor fella had to endure a number of trips out to the rough areas of the city suburbs, as the studio was situated on the fringes of a notorious housing estate,' said Cooper."
"I mostly use whatever's available in Blackwing studio. There's an ARP 2600, which provides sound effects such as the animal noises on 'Back to Nature', and a Roland SH1. Also there's a French synthesiser, the Kobol, used without a keyboard."
Album Usage
The Roland SH-1 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-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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