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Roland SH-101 Blue

$1,099.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (3)

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Page last updated Jun 27, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 27, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (14)

$1,099.99 29 available Used

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Average Price: $1,100

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Roland SH-101 Blue 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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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step into the world of vintage soundscapes with the Roland SH-101 Blue, a synth that has become a cornerstone in the realms of techno and acid house music. Originally crafted in the early 80s, this iconic analog monophonic synthesizer is renowned for its punchy bass lines and versatile sound-shaping capabilities. Whether you're crafting hypnotic melodies or deep, driving bass tracks, the SH-101's intuitive layout makes it easy to navigate its powerful features.

At its heart, you'll find a single oscillator with mixable waveforms, giving you the flexibility to create a wide array of sounds. The on-board 100-step sequencer and arpeggiator invite endless possibilities for creative exploration, enabling you to translate your musical ideas into reality with ease. The SH-101 also offers CV/Gate control, allowing seamless integration into modern setups for those who appreciate the analog warmth but need modern connectivity.

This synth's lightweight design and optional hand grip make it perfect for stage performances, allowing musicians to express themselves freely. It's not just a synthesizer; it's a piece of musical history, embraced by the likes of Aphex Twin and Devo. Dive into a world where classic meets contemporary, and let the Roland SH-101 Blue inspire your next auditory adventure.

Key Features:

Analog monophonic synthesizer
Single oscillator with mixable waveforms
100-step sequencer
Arpeggiator for rhythmic creativity
CV/Gate control for modern integration
Optional hand grip for keytar-style performance

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	SH-101 32-Key Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish	Blue, Gray, Red
Year	1982 - 1986
Made In	Japan, United States
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-101 Blue suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Roland SH-101 Blue is highly regarded for its portability and ease of use, making it ideal for live performances. Its monophonic design and hands-on controls allow for quick sound adjustments during a set.
Can the Roland SH-101 Blue produce bass and lead sounds effectively?: The Roland SH-101 Blue excels at producing rich bass and soaring lead sounds, thanks to its analog circuitry and classic design. It's a favorite among electronic musicians for these sound capabilities.
Does the Roland SH-101 Blue have built-in effects?: The Roland SH-101 Blue does not feature built-in effects. It focuses on pure analog sound generation, allowing users to shape tones using its filters and modulation options.
What type of power supply does the Roland SH-101 Blue require?: The Roland SH-101 Blue can be powered by an external power adapter or by using batteries, offering flexibility for studio and stage use.
Is the Roland SH-101 Blue polyphonic?: No, the Roland SH-101 Blue is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead melodies.

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Roland SH 101 Blue; RE-201 Space Echo; Korg KR-55 Modified.

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PROS

Distinctive filter that growls and howls, offering unique sound shaping
Punchy sound, particularly excels in the bass department
Fun and intuitive sequencer for creative experimentation
Sub oscillator enhances the richness of sound
Aesthetic appeal with its irresistible look
Highly suitable as a first synth due to its forgiving nature
Allows for on-the-fly parameter changes with random note sequences

CONS

Power switch often has tuning fluctuation issues due to degraded contacts
Loses sequencer memory when turned off
Single oscillator, LFO, and EG limit sound complexity
Considered overpriced compared to similar models like the SH-9
Basic features may disappoint those familiar with earlier SH models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-101 Blue.

Value and pricing

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The blue Roland SH-101, especially with a matching mod grip, typically fetches between $1000 and $1500, with prices reaching $2000 if fully functional and in excellent condition.
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Setup and maintenance

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A key repair requiring a jumper on the trace is noted, which can affect resale value, but is generally inexpensive to fix, often under $100.
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Service manuals for the Roland SH-101 are readily available online, making it easier for owners to perform DIY repairs.
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The power switch often fails, affecting tuning stability, and is more costly to replace than expected.
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Sliders tend to get crackly over time; replacing capacitors and refurbishing sliders costs approximately $250 AUD.
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Owners use a thin layer of dense felt inside the top panel to prevent dust from entering sliders, effectively maintaining them for over eight years.
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User experience

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Owners find that fixing minor issues, like a key jumper, can significantly increase both the functionality and resale value of the synth.
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Owners debate between adding MIDI for convenience versus preserving originality, with some finding the MIDI mod to eventually be the simpler solution.
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Build quality

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The rare blue color model is particularly sought after, contributing to its higher resale value compared to other color variants.
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Mods and upgrades

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The Tubbutec SH-1oh1 mod offers updated sequencer features and flexible MIDI port installation, either inside the case or in the battery compartment.
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Analog restoration services like analogia.pl offer knob/pot replacements and MIDI addition for the SH-101.
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Features and functionality

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MIDI mod maintains original CV/Gate functionality while adding flexibility, with the sequencer gaining new, cool features like amp and filter envelope accent.
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Use cases and applications

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The SH-101 is often seen as a specific-use synth, with many preferring to sync it with existing setups rather than modify it.
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Comparisons

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Some find the Intellijel Atlantis offers a better sound than the SH-101, though not identical, with the SH-101's PWM being superior.
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The Softube VST emulation of the SH-101 is considered nearly identical in sound by some users.
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