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Average Price: $961
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$500
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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
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Is the Roland SH-2 synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?
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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.
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What type of synthesis does the Roland SH-2 use?
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The Roland SH-2 utilizes analog synthesis, known for its warm and rich sound characteristics, making it a favorite for classic synth tones.
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How many keys does the Roland SH-2 have, and what is their size?
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The Roland SH-2 features 37 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a comfortable playing experience for performing melodies and basslines.
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What are the standout features of the Roland SH-2's sound engine?
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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.
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Is the Roland SH-2 suitable for live performances?
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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.
Videos
Perfect Circuit
Roland SH-2 Analog Synthesizer Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Unmatched deep sub and bass synth capabilities
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Unique noise oscillator adds distinct texture
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Smooth, very effective filter
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Portable and gig-friendly design
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Horizontal modwheel enhances live performance
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Compatible with modern modular setups via CV and gate inputs
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Grittier, more organic sound compared to other 80s Rolands
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Envelope offers zappy quality for percussive sounds
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Basic sounds are exceptionally well-executed
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Durable build with a retro aesthetic
CONS
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Considered a splurge; not budget-friendly
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Limited to basic sounds, despite their quality
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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
Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
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Owners favor SH-2 for aggressive old-school bass sounds, suitable for thematic music projects like atmospheric concept albums.
Source
Comparisons
Setup and maintenance
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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
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings
64
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.
1264
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
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.
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.".
In a video by The Vinyl Factory titled "In the Studio with Nils Frahm," Nils Frahm is shown using the Roland SH-2 synthesizer.
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.
Nick mentions in this video that he used a Roland SH-2, and the CSQ-100, on both The Chauffeur, and Save A Prayer.
In this article, the ** Roland SH2** is mentioned in William Orbit’s equipment list.
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
Album Usage
The Roland SH-2 has been featured on the following albums:
Dön Desem Döner Misin
Barış Manço (2020)
All Melody
Nils Frahm (2018)
Metamatic
John Foxx (2018)
The End of the World
Joe Hisaishi (2016)
Roller
Digitalism (2015)
The Wind Rises Soundtrack
Joe Hisaishi (2013)
Junk Culture
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1984)
Save A Prayer
Duran Duran (1982)
Rio
Duran Duran (1982)
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure (1980)
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.
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