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Average Price: $500
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Description
The Roland SH-1000 is a classic synthesizer that takes you back to the roots of electronic music with its monophonic analog charm. Introduced in the 1970s, this instrument is revered for its simplicity and distinctive sound character, making it an excellent choice for both nostalgic enthusiasts and modern musicians looking to incorporate vintage tones into their setups.
The SH-1000 features a single oscillator capable of generating a rich array of waveforms, from sawtooth to pulse, delivering a robust and authentic analog sound. Its intuitive interface allows you to sculpt sounds with ease, thanks to the included LFO, filter, and envelope controls. The synthesizer is also equipped with a built-in speaker, making it a convenient option for those who want to play without additional amplification.
With a 25-note keyboard, the SH-1000 is perfect for expressive performances, whether you're crafting intricate solos or laying down foundational bass lines. Its range of preset sounds provides a fantastic starting point for experimentation, while the ability to manually control parameters ensures a deep level of customization. This synthesizer not only embodies the iconic sound of the past but also offers versatile possibilities for today's music creators.
Key Features:
- Monophonic analog synthesizer
- Single oscillator with multiple waveform options
- Intuitive interface with LFO, filter, and envelope controls
- 25-note keyboard for expressive playability
- Built-in speaker for standalone performance
- Range of preset sounds for quick access to classic tones
- Manual parameter control for sound customization
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | SH-1000 37-Key Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black/Wood |
| Year | 1973 - 1978 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 37 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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Is the Roland SH-1000 synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?
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The Roland SH-1000 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time.
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What type of synthesis does the Roland SH-1000 use?
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The Roland SH-1000 uses analog synthesis, providing a warm, vintage sound characteristic of early synthesizers.
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How many keys does the Roland SH-1000 have, and what size are they?
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The Roland SH-1000 features 37 full-size keys, offering a comfortable playing experience similar to a traditional piano.
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What kind of keyboard action does the Roland SH-1000 have?
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The Roland SH-1000 has a synth action keyboard, which is lighter and faster than a traditional weighted action, ideal for rapid playing styles.
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What are the standout features of the Roland SH-1000's sound engine?
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The Roland SH-1000's sound engine is known for its rich analog tones, offering features like a noise generator, portamento, and various modulation options for creative sound shaping.
Videos
Doctor Mix
The Roland SH-1000 Synthesizer: Unboxing And Fun
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-1000.
Setup and maintenance
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Repairing the power transformer is not recommended for beginners due to safety concerns; seek a skilled technician familiar with the SH-1000.
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Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The SH-1000's oscillator has an organ-like quality due to its divide-down oscillator and the ability to stack different footages.
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User experience
Value and pricing
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Despite needing repairs, the SH-1000 is valued by enthusiasts for its historical significance as Roland's first synthesizer, often selling for significantly higher prices when restored.
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One working SH-1000 sold for $1,000 including shipping, suggesting a strong demand despite cosmetic wear.
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Units typically range from $1,000 to $1,200 if working, but drop below $500 when non-functional.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
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Brian Wilson used the Roland SH-1000 synthesizer during the recording of "Love You," an album notable for its heavy reliance on synthesizers alongside contributions from his brothers on guitar and percussion. This period reflects Wilson's creative yet tumultuous years before his conservatorship. A Twitter post by user fredgriego provides photographic evidence of Wilson's connection to this synth, highlighting its role in the album alongside other synthesizers, primarily from Moog.
"I love the Roland 101 and 303 for synths and the SH1000 is really nice for samples."
In the video by Neil Taylor titled "OMD Early Synthesizers / Synthesizers and Samples," Paul Humphreys of OMD is shown using the Roland SH-1000 synthesizer.
In a YouTube video, Aeroplane is seen using the Roland SH-1000, the first synthesizer ever made by Roland.
Phil Oakey is noted to have used the Roland SH-1000 synthesizer, as mentioned in the August 12, 1978, issue of Sounds magazine, featured on The-black-hit-of-space.
Keyboards
Casio PT30 electronic keyboard. Clavia Nord Micro Modular synth. Farfisa organ. Korg MS2000 synth. Lowry upright pedal organ. Moog Minimoog synth. Roland PC160, PC160A and PC200 MkII controller keyboards. Roland SH1000 and SH2000 synths. Yamaha Electone A505, YC20, YC30 and YC50 organs. Samplers Akai MPC2000XL percussion sampler with MFC42 filter. Akai S900, S2000 and S5000 samplers.
David Rosenthal has confirmed that his first synthesizer was the Roland SH-1000, which he still possesses. He modified it with a pitch ribbon to emulate the soloing styles of artists like Chick Corea, Jan Hammer, and Kit Watkins. This information is corroborated by an article authored by Ari Rosenschein on Roland Articles titled "David Rosenthal: Always in a New York State of Mind."
"Recently I have been getting into analogue synths and have fallen in love with a Roland SH1000 (pictured), 1973 just as electronic music was beginning to see the light, the sounds are innocent and strong, so reactive and so complete I love it.”"
Keith Godchaux is confirmed to have used the Roland SH-1000 synthesizer, as evidenced by a photograph shared by Retro Photo Archive on Instagram. The image, taken on September 28, 1975, at Lindley Meadows, Golden Gate Park, features Godchaux with the synthesizer during a fundraiser concert for the Haight-Ashbury People’s Ballroom. The post is credited to photographers Alvan Meyerowitz, Greg Gaar, Ron Rakow, and Bruce Polonsky.
Album Usage
The Roland SH-1000 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-1000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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