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Photo of Roland SH-101 Red and more gear

Roland SH-101 Red

$1,099.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (6)

2 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Roland SH-101

3 community setups

2 wishlisted

11 saved

Page last updated Jun 24, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 24, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (14)

$1,099.99 28 available Used

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Average Price: $1,100

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Roland SH-101 Red 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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Step into the world of classic synthesizer sound with the Roland SH-101 Red. This analog monophonic synthesizer, originally launched in 1982, is a timeless piece celebrated for its iconic role in shaping the techno and acid house genres. Featuring a straightforward design, the SH-101 combines simplicity with versatility, making it a favorite among both vintage synth enthusiasts and modern producers seeking that authentic analog vibe.

At the heart of this synth is a single oscillator capable of generating rich and powerful tones through mixable waveforms. Its intuitive layout includes a 100-step sequencer and an arpeggiator, providing endless creative possibilities. Whether you're crafting deep basslines or intricate melodies, the SH-101 delivers with precision and character. Additionally, it offers CV/Gate control, allowing seamless integration into your modular setups.

The eye-catching red finish of the SH-101 not only adds a splash of color to your studio but also harks back to the vibrant era of its inception. The synth's portability and optional handgrip make it a perfect candidate for live performances, transforming it into a keytar for those who want to take their music to the stage. Join the ranks of legendary artists like Aphex Twin and The Prodigy who have harnessed the power of the SH-101 to create unforgettable sounds.

Key Features:

Analog monophonic synthesizer
Single oscillator with mixable waveforms
100-step sequencer
Built-in arpeggiator
CV/Gate control for modular integration
Optional handgrip for keytar performance
Iconic red finish

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 Red a polyphonic synthesizer?: The Roland SH-101 Red is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for basslines and lead melodies.
What kind of sound is the Roland SH-101 Red known for?: The Roland SH-101 Red is renowned for its rich analog sound, characterized by warm bass tones and crisp leads, making it a favorite for electronic music genres.
Does the Roland SH-101 Red have MIDI connectivity?: The original Roland SH-101 does not have built-in MIDI connectivity, but it can be modified with a retrofit kit to add MIDI IN and THRU capabilities.
What is the key size and action of the Roland SH-101 Red?: The Roland SH-101 Red features full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience.
What distinguishes the red finish of the Roland SH-101 from other versions?: The red finish of the Roland SH-101 is primarily a cosmetic variation, offering a unique aesthetic while maintaining the same technical specifications and sound quality as other color options.

Videos

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VintageSynth2013

Roland Sh-101 Rare RED Vintage Analog Mono Synthesizer Keyboard DEMO

VintageSynth2013

Reviews

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PROS

Unique filter that growls and howls, perfect for distinctive bass sounds
Highly intuitive and instantly usable for live performances
Excellent for creating and looping random note sequences
Punchy sound enhanced by the sub oscillator
Fun and straightforward sequencer, great for jamming
Irresistible design that stands out visually
Forgiving nature makes it an ideal first synth for beginners
Versatile sound that blends well in mixes

CONS

Prone to power switch issues affecting VCO tuning stability
Loses sequencer memory when powered off
Single oscillator limits sound complexity and variety
High price compared to similar models like the SH-9

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

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A simple repair costing under $100 can significantly enhance the resale value, and a service manual is readily available online for DIY enthusiasts.
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The power switch is often a weak point; if VCO pitch changes when jiggled, replacement is necessary.
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Sliders tend to become crackly and may require refurbishment or replacement of capacitors over time.
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Use cases and applications

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The SH-101's sound is frequently associated with artists like Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada, indicating its significant influence in the electronic music scene.
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The SH-101 is prominently used in tracks like "Silent Shout" by The Knife and "Theme from Ernest Borgnine" by Squarepusher, showcasing its versatility in electronic music.
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Softube's VST emulation is praised for closely matching the original's sound.
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Comparisons

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The Behringer MS-1, a clone of the SH-101, is noted for its meatier sound and modern features like MIDI and USB connectivity, making it a popular alternative.
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Unlike the TB-303, which is limited to acid sounds, the SH-101 offers more versatility with its multiple waveform choices, making it a better value overall.
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The Behringer MS-1 is a viable alternative, offering modern MIDI compatibility and perceived better durability.
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The SH-101's PWM is noted as superior compared to similar synths like the Intellijel Atlantis.
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User experience

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Owners report that the SH-101's sequencer is easy to program, contributing to its widespread use in genres like Detroit techno and psytrance.
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Owners who have repaired their SH-101s report that even after decades of neglect, the synth can be restored to produce excellent sound quality.
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Owners report some sliders require finding a "sweet spot" to function correctly.
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Features and functionality

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Known for its distinct sound, the SH-101 can produce a liquid, rubbery Roland sound, particularly favored in basslines with its sub-octave square wave.
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Value and pricing

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It's suggested that a fully functioning blue SH-101 can command prices upwards of $2000, especially when it includes the matching mod grip.
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The rare blue model of the Roland SH-101 is valued between $1000 and $1500, even with minor issues like a key needing a jumper repair.
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Build quality

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Battery covers are often lost, but the unit can still operate with a power supply.
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Mods and upgrades

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Adding MIDI capability is possible through third-party services like analogia.pl.
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Critic Reviews

Roland SH101 [Retrozone]

soundonsound.com

The Roland SH-101 Red is a beloved classic for good reason. With its compact, user-friendly design, it delivers powerful sub-oscillator basses and captivating bleeps, perfect for rave and dance genres. The intuitive layout encourages creativity, featuring a wicked VCF and a versatile LFO. While it lacks modern amenities like full MIDI compatibility, its vintage charm and unique sound make it indispensable. Some may find its single oscillator limiting, but its simplicity is its strength, offering sounds that are hard to replicate elsewhere. Overall, a must-have for synth enthusiasts who value character over complexity.

positive

Full Review

Blast from the past: Roland SH-101 | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Roland SH-101 Red is a nostalgic gem from the 1980s, celebrated for its affordability and iconic sound. Its standout features include a piercing yet smooth low-pass filter and a flexible mixer section for waveform blending. While its modulation capabilities are basic, the synth's sequencer is a joy to use, offering simple step-entry and transposability. Despite its limited feature set, the SH-101 delivers an incredible sound that became a staple in 90s dance music. However, the linked LFO rate and arpeggiator can be a minor annoyance. Overall, it's a brilliant synthesizer, not just for its price.

positive

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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m_thirteen

340

about 6 years ago

Beautiful monosynth

I will always have the SH-101 front and centre of my live rig (even though I promised to retire it from live use, afraid of breaking it). There is no monosynth quite as intuitive, powerful and instant, particularly when improvising.

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Synthpop