Roland SH-2

$955.32 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (13)

1 Critic Review

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Roland SH-2

12 wishlisted

34 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (11)

$955.32 8 available Used

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Average Price: $955

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Roland SH-2 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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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.

Videos

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Perfect Circuit

Roland SH-2 Analog Synthesizer Demo

Perfect Circuit

ROLAND SH-2 Demo & Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

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

Alex Ball

Roland SH 2で作る「RYDEEN」リード風音色

イノシシ野郎

Roland SH-2 | Black Box Skank

Alex Ball

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

Roland SH-2 Analog Synthesizer Demo

Jonasan

Roland SH-2 - a quick tour

Stazma

Reviews

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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

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

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A resistor replacement mod can enable triggering the SH-2 off a standard 5V gate, enhancing compatibility.
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0 0

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

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

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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.
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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

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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

User experience

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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.

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Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

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nick_monk

10 months ago

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.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Jazz

mikefiction

1264

almost 7 years ago

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.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Electro-industrial