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Average Price: $4,511
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Discover the Roland SH-5, a vintage analog synthesizer that has captivated musicians and sound designers since its introduction in the late 1970s. Renowned for its robust build and distinctive sound, the SH-5 offers a unique synthesis experience, blending subtractive synthesis with modulation capabilities that set it apart from its contemporaries. This monophonic synthesizer is a treasure trove for those seeking rich soundscapes and an intuitive interface.
The SH-5 features a dual oscillator design, providing a wide range of sound possibilities from deep basses to soaring leads. Its standout feature is the multimode filter, which offers a variety of filter types for intricate sound shaping. The synthesizer also boasts a ring modulator and a noise generator, adding further depth and texture to your creations. With its flexible modulation routing, the SH-5 allows users to experiment with complex modulations, making it a favorite among electronic musicians who seek to push sonic boundaries.
Whether you're looking to recreate classic tones or invent entirely new ones, the Roland SH-5's powerful architecture and hands-on control make it a versatile tool for any studio setup. Its analog warmth and character remain highly sought after, making it both a collector’s item and a functional powerhouse for sound exploration.
Key Features:
- Dual oscillator design for a wide range of sound possibilities
- Multimode filter with various filter types
- Ring modulator and noise generator for enhanced sound textures
- Flexible modulation routing for complex sound design
- Intuitive interface for hands-on control and experimentation
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | SH-5 44-Key Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1975 - 1978 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 44 Keys |
| Polyphony | 5-voice |
FAQs
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Is the Roland SH-5 a monophonic or polyphonic synthesizer?
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The Roland SH-5 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead sounds.
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What are the standout features of the Roland SH-5's sound engine?
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The Roland SH-5 is renowned for its versatile sound engine, featuring dual oscillators, a multimode filter, and extensive modulation options, allowing for rich and complex sound design.
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How does the Roland SH-5 compare to modern synthesizers in terms of sound quality?
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The Roland SH-5 is celebrated for its warm, vintage analog sound, which many musicians find more organic and characterful compared to some modern digital synths.
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What type of music is the Roland SH-5 best suited for?
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The Roland SH-5 is particularly popular in electronic, dance, and experimental music due to its flexible modulation capabilities and rich analog sound.
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Does the Roland SH-5 have any built-in effects?
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The Roland SH-5 does not include built-in effects, focusing instead on its powerful oscillators and filters for sound shaping.
Videos
Telekom Electronic Beats TV
Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Roland SH-5 (Electronic Beats TV)
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-5.
Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
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The SH-5 includes a filter CV input, offering unique sequencing possibilities alongside standard controls.
Source
Comparisons
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Many users prefer the SH-5’s sound over the Minimoog, citing its clear, powerful waveforms and imposing presence.
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Value and pricing
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SH-5 prices are often high due to rarity, but negotiating in person for units with cosmetic damage can yield better deals.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Facebook post from Joel, a Roland SH-5 can be spotted. Link to image: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=455108766805&set=a.455108446805
Link to album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.455108446805&type=3
"At the front is the SH-05 it’s got such a powerful sound. I only got it a couple of months ago and I’ve already done two tracks. The filters are so amazing.”
In an interview on YouTube, Simon Posford of Shpongle discusses the Roland SH-5, noting its "great squitchy filter," a feature also appreciated by Eat Static.
In the article, Geir Jenssen is quoted as saying: "My two favorite instruments in the ’90s were the samplers from Akai: S950 followed by S3000. I could use these almost blindly. The lowpass filter on the S950 is so unique that I acquired another S950 on the used market this week. The filters are the most important part of all the instruments for me. I have read a lot about filters lately and found out that Roland SH-5, an analog synth from 1975, should have the best lowpass filter ever. So when this came up for sale on the second-hand market here in Norway recently, I just had to purchase it. Roland has also recreated the SH-5 filter in the Eurorack module SYS-505. That’s why I’ve also invested in Roland’s System 500 Complete Set, a Eurorack version of System 100M from the ’70s. So even though I do not fully master these instruments yet, the SH-5 and System 500 are my favorite instruments at the moment. Otherwise, I just have to say that I can not work with many of the new instruments that have a lot of LEDs. It looks ugly and destroys concentration. System 500 and SH-5 are perfect in that respect and remind me of my old Sony shortwave radio from the ’70s."
Can be seen using it in this YouTube Video for Producer Masterclass - Computer Music magazine 2008. Time - 27:35
MD: “The main one I’ve been obsessed with, for live shows at least, is the Roland SH-5. It’s kind of rare. They’re not super common. It has two LFOs and a Sample + Hold, two VCOs and Ring Mod. It’s pretty decked out. It has all the classic features you would want. I kind of have an affinity for it when it comes to playing live because it’s so easy for me to tweak all the knobs. I can play a note with one finger and with the same hand tweak the filter up and down. I’ve just become very intertwined with it."
"I think I bought my first synth in 1979 and I still have it, a Roland SH5 and it cost me £721 and I’ve still got the receipt! I was working in Basingstoke at the time training to be a psychiatric nurse, and I remember going to London to a place in Charring Cross called Chase Musicians, a synthesiser shop, and I bought this thing. I managed to carry it home, even though it was really heavy and I’m only a little guy."
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland SH-5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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