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Average Price: $1,114
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$500
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Description
Discover the iconic Roland SH-101 Synthesizer, a musical instrument that's been at the forefront of techno and acid house music since 1982. This synthesizer is a monophonic bass powerhouse, and its simplicity is one of its biggest strengths. The SH-101 boasts a single oscillator with mixable waveforms, giving you the freedom to craft your unique sound. It's also equipped with CV/Gate control, a 100-step sequencer, and an arpeggiator, providing you with a wide range of creative possibilities. This synthesizer was available in a spectrum of colors, including gray, blue, red, and a rare white finish, and even featured an optional hand grip controller for keytar performances. Renowned artists like Orbital, The Prodigy, Aphex Twin, Devo, Boards of Canada, and Future Sound of London have all harnessed the power of the Roland SH-101.
Key Features:
- Analog monophonic bass synthesizer
- Single oscillator with mixable waveforms
- CV/Gate control
- 100-step sequencer
- Arpeggiator
- Multiple color options (gray, blue, red, and a rare white finish)
- Optional hand grip controller for keytar performance
- Endorsed by numerous renowned artists
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
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Is the Roland SH-101 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Roland SH-101 is popular for live performances due to its compact size, intuitive interface, and the ability to produce rich analog sounds. Its portability and ease of use make it ideal for on-stage use.
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What type of synthesis does the Roland SH-101 use?
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The Roland SH-101 uses analog synthesis, providing a warm, classic sound that is highly sought after for its rich basslines and distinctive leads.
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Does the Roland SH-101 have built-in effects?
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The Roland SH-101 does not have built-in effects. It focuses on providing pure analog sounds, which can be further enhanced with external effects processors or pedals.
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Can the Roland SH-101 be battery-powered?
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Yes, the Roland SH-101 can be powered by batteries, making it a versatile option for musicians who need portability and the ability to perform without being tethered to a power outlet.
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How many keys does the Roland SH-101 have?
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The Roland SH-101 features a 32-key keyboard with full-size keys, offering a comfortable playing experience for synthesizer enthusiasts.
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What are the color options available for the Roland SH-101?
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The Roland SH-101 is available in three colors: blue, gray, and red, allowing users to choose a finish that suits their style preferences.
Videos
loopop
Roland SH-101 vs Behringer MS-101/MS-1: Can you hear the difference?
Roland SH-101 vs Behringer MS-101/MS-1: Can you hear the difference?
loopop
Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Roland SH-101 (Part 1of 2)
Telekom Electronic Beats TV
The Roland SH101 In Action
Doctor Mix
Classic, Simple, & Still Very Special // Roland's SH-101
Jorb
Roland SH 101 Famous Songs and Sounds
Nicolas Melis
How to use a Roland SH101 Analog Synth complete guided tour
TONELAB
World's Greatest Mono Synth: Roland SH-101
Alamo Music Sound Lab
Reviews
PROS
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Filter growls and howls, excellent for bass
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Unique and punchy sound quality
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Simple, user-friendly sequencer
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Amazing for techno and electronic music
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Iconic sound that's stood the test of time
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Versatile for many styles of music
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Step sequencer simplicity and effectiveness
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Can produce both classic and unique sounds
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Great for both beginners and experienced users
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Durable and reliable over time
CONS
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Single oscillator, LFO, and EG limits versatility
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Pricey compared to similar models
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Power button can cause issues
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Limited integration in modern workflows
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Loses memory when turned off
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Basic feature set compared to 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.
Features and functionality
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The SH-101's trig in allows separation of rhythm from note order, enabling evolving patterns, especially beneficial for rhythm-centric music styles.
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The SH-101 is praised for its extremely snappy envelopes, which are particularly effective when used in arpeggiated sequences.
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The Curtis 3340 analog oscillator chip is part of the SH-101, though its full functionality is underutilized.
Source
Comparisons
User experience
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Owners note the SH-101 is intuitive for quick melodic and bass recording, making it inspiring for certain users despite its limitations.
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Some owners find the Behringer MS-1's keybed unsatisfactory, indicating a potential drawback for those sensitive to key feel.
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Owners appreciate the SH-101's straightforward, accessible internal layout, enhancing its appeal for maintenance and modification.
Source
Value and pricing
Use cases and applications
Build quality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 19 Reviews and 92 Ratings
1963
SH-101
A dream synth that I have wanted since 2000 but just got. Great sounding and easy to use.
41029
hahaha... that was a riot... thanks man... that's like if ou reviewed a fender telecaster and said 'the fender telecaster has a twangy sound'
182
The SH-101 is a workhorse.
Solid, texture-less sound with a very fast envelope. Incredibly useful.
Artist usage
Add artist
A picture of Speed Dealer Moms gear before their canceled performance on the 26th April 2009. This is John's setup. Speed Dealer Moms is the side project of John Frusciante and Aaron Funk.
In the YouTube video "Inside deadmau5's Incredible Synth Studio | My Career Through Gear" by Reverb, at timestamp 4:03, Deadmau5 can be seen using the Roland SH-101 (NOVA MOD).
Thom Yorke uses the Roland SH-101 synthesizer, as detailed on The King of Gear's Tumblr page.
'The SH-101 didn't survive the surgeon's screwdriver: "It doesn't look like a 101 anymore – I use the sliders, but for different things."'
This is a video of The Glove, Robert's side project with bassist Steve Severin of the Banshees. They can clearly be seen using a Roland SH-101 in this video. I don't know if it belongs to Smith, but he clearly must have used one at some point.
J Mascis with Roland SH-101 in this photo. (Year unknown)
The SH-101 is listed in the inventory of Albarn's 13 Studio.
Charlie Puth is seen using a Roland SH-101 synthesizer during a performance, as showcased in a post on his Instagram. He engages with the instrument in a style reminiscent of Herbie Hancock, enjoying extended jam sessions with his band.
On Boards Of Canada Wikia page it states that "BOC use the SH-101 extensively."
"There's also a Roland SH-101 with inverted key colours. It has extra filters modded on, I used it on my NERD remix. If I ever want a real good saw sound, this is what I use. It’s fun to trigger it with a drum machine too.”
Album Usage
The Roland SH-101 has been featured on the following albums:
Alamak (Dipha Barus Remix)
Dipha Barus (2025)
Talking Sleep
Matthew Dear (2022)
Songs of Vienna
Cid Rim (2021)
Careful
Boy Harsher (2019)
Transmission Suite
808 State (2019)
3L3C7RO COMMANDO
Anthony Rother (2018)
Metamatic
John Foxx (2018)
Happysad
Kiefer (2018)
Small Moon
Chris Carter (2018)
Cryosleep
Kurt Uenala (2017)
Roller
Digitalism (2015)
Fading Love
George FitzGerald (2015)
Syro
Aphex Twin (2014)
More Music for the Jilted Generation
The Prodigy & The Prodigy (2008)
The Warning
Hot Chip (2006)
Thrills
Ellen Allien (2005)
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo (2005)
Tweekend
The Crystal Method (2001)
Live at Brixton Academy 1999
Atari Teenage Riot (2000)
Generation Starwars
Alec Empire (2000)
Vegas
The Crystal Method (1997)
Poison
The Prodigy & The Prodigy (1995)
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin (1992)
Doctor Who: Ghost Light (Original Television Soundtrack)
Mark Ayres & Keff McCulloch (1989)
That Total Age
Nitzer Ebb (1987)
Beat Boy
Visage (1984)
You And Me Both
Yazoo (1983)
Oh No! It's Devo
Devo (1982)
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-101, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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Similar
Add recommendation6 alternative and related items for Roland SH-101, curated by the Equipboard community.
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The SH-01A is a DSP-based emulation of the SH-101 in a desktop module format. While it's not a true analog synth like the original, it IS (unlike the original) 4-voice polyphonic and capable of storing patches.
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This is Roland's official software emulation of their classic SH-101.
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TAL's software emulation of the SH-101 utilizes a zero feedback delay filter design for a very responsive, musical, and accurate 101 recreation.
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