Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $961

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Roland SH-2 is a monophonic analog synthesizer that has captured the hearts of musicians since the late 1970s. Known for its precise modulation and rich, warm tones, this classic synth offers a hands-on approach to sound design. With its straightforward layout and intuitive controls, the SH-2 is perfect for both beginners and seasoned synth enthusiasts looking to explore a wide array of sonic possibilities. Its dual oscillator setup is capable of delivering both deep bass lines and shimmering leads, making it versatile for any music genre.

The SH-2 features a highly responsive keyboard with a solid build meant to withstand the rigors of live performance and studio production. Its dedicated LFO, filter, and envelope controls allow you to shape your sound with precision, while the sync and modulation capabilities give you the freedom to experiment with complex sound textures. This synthesizer is also equipped with external input options, making it easy to connect with other gear in your setup.

With its authentic analog circuitry and vintage appeal, the Roland SH-2 remains a beloved tool for music creators seeking the genuine sound of classic synthesis.

Key Features:

  • Monophonic analog synthesizer
  • Dual oscillator design for rich, warm tones
  • Dedicated LFO, filter, and envelope controls
  • External input options for integration with other gear
  • Highly responsive keyboard suitable for live and studio use
  • Authentic vintage sound and classic design

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model SH-2 37-Key Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1979 - 1982
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

Is the Roland SH-2 synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?

The Roland SH-2 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for basslines and lead melodies.

What type of synthesis does the Roland SH-2 use?

The Roland SH-2 utilizes analog synthesis, known for its warm and rich sound characteristics, making it a favorite for classic synth tones.

How many keys does the Roland SH-2 have, and what is their size?

The Roland SH-2 features 37 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a comfortable playing experience for performing melodies and basslines.

What are the standout features of the Roland SH-2's sound engine?

The Roland SH-2's sound engine includes two oscillators and a sub-oscillator, allowing for thick, powerful sounds and a wide range of classic analog tones.

Is the Roland SH-2 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland SH-2 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and intuitive interface, making it easy to tweak sounds on the fly.

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Roland SH-2 Analog Synthesizer Demo

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-2 Analog Synthesizer Demo by Perfect Circuit

Roland SH-2 Analog Synthesizer Demo

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for ROLAND SH-2 Demo & Review [English Captions] by musictrackjp

ROLAND SH-2 Demo & Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for The Joy of the Roland SH-2 (Featuring Hainbach) by Alex Ball

The Joy of the Roland SH-2 (Featuring Hainbach)

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Roland SH 2で作る「RYDEEN」リード風音色 by イノシシ野郎

Roland SH 2で作る「RYDEEN」リード風音色

イノシシ野郎

イノシシ野郎

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-2 | Black Box Skank by Alex Ball

Roland SH-2 | Black Box Skank

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Vintage vs Modern: Worth It? Roland Mono Synths | SH-101 vs SH-09 vs SH-2 vs MS-1 vs Minibrute 2 by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Vintage vs Modern: Worth It? Roland Mono Synths | SH-101 vs SH-09 vs SH-2 vs MS-1 vs Minibrute 2

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-2 Analog Synthesizer Demo by Jonasan

Roland SH-2 Analog Synthesizer Demo

Jonasan

Jonasan

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-2 - a quick tour by Stazma

Roland SH-2 - a quick tour

Stazma

Stazma

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched deep sub and bass synth capabilities

  • Unique noise oscillator adds distinct texture

  • Smooth, very effective filter

  • Portable and gig-friendly design

  • Horizontal modwheel enhances live performance

  • Compatible with modern modular setups via CV and gate inputs

  • Grittier, more organic sound compared to other 80s Rolands

  • Envelope offers zappy quality for percussive sounds

  • Basic sounds are exceptionally well-executed

  • Durable build with a retro aesthetic

CONS

  • Considered a splurge; not budget-friendly

  • Limited to basic sounds, despite their quality

  • Lacks MIDI integration, limiting modern connectivity options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-2.

Features and functionality

  • SH-2 creates a unique, fat dark bass using both VCOs with LFO controlled PWM, slightly detuned, and a near-max suboscillator.

    Source
  • Using SH-09 and SH-2 together via CV/Gate and external inputs can effectively create a unique 3VCO synthesizer setup.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A resistor replacement mod can enable triggering the SH-2 off a standard 5V gate, enhancing compatibility.

    Source
  • Combining a Behringer Crave with the SH-2 provides MIDI to CV conversion, an extra VCO, and noise, enhancing sonic possibilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners favor SH-2 for aggressive old-school bass sounds, suitable for thematic music projects like atmospheric concept albums.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SH-2's double PWM sound is considered unique, with some owners noting the SH-9 can handle bass effectively, but lacks the SH-2's specific timbre.

    Source
  • An SH-09 paired with a Boss DC-2W can be an alternative to the SH-2, providing a stereo spread effect.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report the SH-09's ADSR S and R sliders can malfunction, occasionally causing unintended LFO modulation. Regular use and manual adjustments can improve functionality over time.

    Source

User experience

  • Long-term SH-09 users highlight its reliability and stability, although some experience tuning drift after extended periods.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Rewind: Roland SH-2 - An Oft-Forgotten Classic

musictech.com

The Roland SH-2, an oft-overlooked gem from the late '70s, shines with its unique sonic character. Featuring two VCOs and a sub-oscillator, it delivers a robust, 'phat' sound reminiscent of both Moog timbres and classic Roland filters. While it lacks an oscillator sync and its Sample and Hold LFO doesn't sync externally, its self-oscillating filter and snappy envelope make it a standout. The quirky Autobend and Portamento controls add to its vintage charm. Overall, the SH-2 offers a distinctive, punchy sound that fills a niche between American and later Roland synths, ideal for those seeking a slice of early '80s sonic joy.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
nick_monk

The ultimate Roland monosynth from the late 70s

Two oscillators make the sh2 more powerful than the sh9. A great sounding analog monosynth.

Fat basses, big leads, unique percussions. A true powerhouse.

mikefiction

Small synth with a big sound

This thing makes the good sound. The VCOs have something going on that even with the filter wide open, it sounds great. The filter is also pretty neat. It's limited to pretty basic sounds, but those basic sounds sound basically amazing.

Sold in my studio purge. I miss it. Maybe I'll get another one someday. I modified mine to have filter CV in and tied that to velocity or mod wheel via Midi to CV most of the time, that was super fun. Roland did good with this one.

jerome

Shaking bass

Awesome synth for shaking bass (and more)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Roland SH-2

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Inside deadmau5's Incredible Synth Studio | My Career Through Gear" by Reverb, at the 7:30 mark, Deadmau5 is shown using the Roland SH-2.

See how Richie Hawtin uses Roland SH-2

Richie Hawtin

Music Producer

Sven Väth & Richie Hawtin

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen at 0:15 in the video

See how Andy Summers uses Roland SH-2

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Photo

In this undated advertisement, Andy's rig is shown with an SH-2 on top of the left-most rack. It's identifiable by the four knobs in the middle, and the one above the VCO and VCF sliders.

See how Autechre uses Roland SH-2

Autechre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Autechre said in an interview, "We still have quite a bit of analogue gear and we still use it. It's just there, it's part of what we do, like the 202, the Roland SH2, or Korg MS10 and MS20, real cheap basic techno stuff from the time we were into acid house and dirty sounds.".

See how Nils Frahm uses Roland SH-2

Nils Frahm

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by The Vinyl Factory titled "In the Studio with Nils Frahm," Nils Frahm is shown using the Roland SH-2 synthesizer.

See how Avey Tare uses Roland SH-2

Avey Tare

Singer, Guitarist

Animal Collective

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In terms of synthesizers, it's analogue all the way for Animal Collective: namely the Roland SH2 and Juno 60. "We've used them on almost every record for the last 10 years,” says Weitz. "The Juno we use primarily for mid?range or high?end melodic lines and the SH2 we use more for the bass sounds.

Since Avey plays most of the keyboards in AnCo we can assume Brian is referring to Avey when he mentions what keyboards they have used.

See how Nick Rhodes uses Roland SH-2

Nick Rhodes

Keyboardist

Duran Duran

...
Verified via YouTube

Nick mentions in this video that he used a Roland SH-2, and the CSQ-100, on both The Chauffeur, and Save A Prayer.

See how Digitalism uses Roland SH-2

Digitalism

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen right of the TR-909

See how William Orbit uses Roland SH-2

William Orbit

Music Producer

Torch Song

...
Verified via Muzines

In this article, the ** Roland SH2** is mentioned in William Orbit’s equipment list.

See how pdogg uses Roland SH-2

pdogg

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Pdogg thanks Docskim for this keyboard.

See how John Foxx uses Roland SH-2

John Foxx

Singer, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via The Quietus

On June 5th, John Foxx will be taking his group The Maths to the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm London for a one-off performance of his classic album Metamatic. Now, after our feature on Benge's synths was such a hit with you lot, we thought that some of you might like to get warm under the collar and quivery of the finger tip to learn what John Foxx will be packing in the back of the van for the Roundhouse show - please check out the mouthwatering list below, and have a look at some John Foxx & The Maths on YouTube while you're at it. Find out more about this incredible event (which also features a DJ set by Gary Numan and Ade Fenton) at the Roundhouse website. John Foxx'Metatronic best-of is out now.

Synthesizers:

ARP Odyssey x 2, ARP Sequencers x 2, Crumar Multiman, EDP Wasp, Korg MonoPoly, Korg 700, Logan String Machine, Moog Mini x 2, Moog Modular plus Sequencers, Moog Opus 3, Roland Modular System 100m x 10 Modules, Roland SH2, Roland SH-101, Roland Juno 60, Sequential Circuits Multitrack

Drum machines:

Amdek Percussion Synthesiser, Boss Dr Rhythm, Linn Drum, Klone Drum, Roland CR78, Roland TR808

Effects & Processors:

Boss Chorus, Boss Flanger, Boss Phaser, Electro Harmonix electric mistress Flanger, Furman Spring Reverb, Ibanez AD80 Analog Delay, Maestro PS-1 Phase Shifter, Mu-tron Phasor, MXR Phase 100, Roland Space echo RE-201

Other Equipment

Tascam & Revox Analogue Reel to Reel Tape Machines

See how Alan Braxe uses Roland SH-2

Alan Braxe

Music Producer

Alan Braxe & Fred Falke

...
Verified via YouTube

Alan Braxe talks about his SH2 in the beginning of the clip. "This one is really good for bass, leads and all kinds of plastic sounds"

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-2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
4
Korg PolySix
Korg PolySix Synthesizers
3
ARP 1623 Sequencer
ARP 1623 Sequencer Audio Sequencers
2
Moog Opus 3
Moog Opus 3 Synthesizers
2
Roland SBF-325
Roland SBF-325 Effects Processors
2
EDP Wasp
EDP Wasp Synthesizers
2
Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System
Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System Studio Monitor Management
2

More Roland Synthesizers

Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$277.66 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Nick Reinhart Porter Robinson Liam Howlett
53 artists using
Roland AIRA TB-3

$309.99 - $915.00

# 27

Rank

David Guetta Richie Hawtin Jean Michel Jarre
52 artists using
Roland Boutique JU-06

$479.99 - $1,099.00

# 31

Rank

Mike Shinoda Damon Albarn Matthew Healy
35 artists using
Roland SE-02

$441.00 - $699.99

# 48

Rank

Jon Theodore Hainbach Chris Vrenna
22 artists using
Roland JX-8P

$149.00 - $368.00

# 60

Rank

Tyler, The Creator John Paul Jones Max Martin
76 artists using
Roland FA-06

$611.00 - $1,199.00

# 65

Rank

Tyler, The Creator Noisia Front 242
15 artists using
Roland Juno-DS 88

$849.99 - $1,199.99

# 100

Rank

Nameless Ghoul Iñaki Vázquez Austin Hull
7 artists using
Roland JU-06A

$344.00 - $479.99

 
Malcolm Todd Tiril Hognestad C.H.A.Y.
3 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides