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$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

Is the Roland SH-5 a monophonic or polyphonic synthesizer?

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.

What are the standout features of the Roland SH-5's sound engine?

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.

How does the Roland SH-5 compare to modern synthesizers in terms of sound quality?

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.

What type of music is the Roland SH-5 best suited for?

The Roland SH-5 is particularly popular in electronic, dance, and experimental music due to its flexible modulation capabilities and rich analog sound.

Does the Roland SH-5 have any built-in effects?

The Roland SH-5 does not include built-in effects, focusing instead on its powerful oscillators and filters for sound shaping.

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Roland SH-5 (Electronic Beats TV)

Video thumbnail for Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Roland SH-5 (Electronic Beats TV) by Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Roland SH-5 (Electronic Beats TV)

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Video thumbnail for Behringer MS-5 vs Roland SH-5! A deeper Comparison. by Knobs & Switches

Behringer MS-5 vs Roland SH-5! A deeper Comparison.

Knobs & Switches

Knobs & Switches

Video thumbnail for ROLAND SH-5 - Analog Synth Demo | Sounds & Patches by synth4ever

ROLAND SH-5 - Analog Synth Demo | Sounds & Patches

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for ROLAND SH-5 Analog Synthesizer 1976 | HQ DEMO by AnalogAudio1

ROLAND SH-5 Analog Synthesizer 1976 | HQ DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for ROLAND SH-5 SYNTHESIZER DEMO (1976) by CLASSIC VINTAGE

ROLAND SH-5 SYNTHESIZER DEMO (1976)

CLASSIC VINTAGE

CLASSIC VINTAGE

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-5 by rimela

Roland SH-5

rimela

rimela

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-5 & TR-606 (1976, 1982) - Werkstatt Matlak by Werkstatt Matlak

Roland SH-5 & TR-606 (1976, 1982) - Werkstatt Matlak

Werkstatt Matlak

Werkstatt Matlak

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

  • Owners recommend starting with the power supply when scaling pitch, using an oscilloscope and precise voltmeter for best results.

    Source
  • The SH-5 requires attention due to multiple interacting trim pots affecting octave switches and tuning scale.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SH-5 includes a filter CV input, offering unique sequencing possibilities alongside standard controls.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Many users prefer the SH-5’s sound over the Minimoog, citing its clear, powerful waveforms and imposing presence.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • SH-5 prices are often high due to rarity, but negotiating in person for units with cosmetic damage can yield better deals.

    Source

User experience

  • The SH-5 is noted for its parallel bandpass feature, which is considered exceptional for a 70s synth.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland SH-5 - king of the vintage SH-series? - GreatSynthesizers

greatsynthesizers.com

The Roland SH-5 stands as a monumental figure in the vintage synth world, earning its title as the "king" of the SH-series. Praised for its robust design and exceptional sound quality, it features a versatile multi-mode filter and powerful band pass filter that produce unparalleled analog sounds. While its heavy build ensures durability, the keyboard's poor quality and double-trigger issues are significant drawbacks. Despite these flaws, the SH-5's unique sonic capabilities, particularly in bass and experimental sounds, make it highly coveted. Its hefty price reflects its rarity and distinctiveness, solidifying its status as a vintage treasure.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
3emesexe

All mono

Great for bass leads scifi sounds and fuss leads

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Roland SH-5

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Boys Noize uses Roland SH-5

Boys Noize

Music Producer

Handbraekes

...
Verified via Musicradar

"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.”

See how Shpongle (Simon Posford) uses Roland SH-5

Shpongle (Simon Posford)

DJ

Shpongle

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Todd Terje uses Roland SH-5

Todd Terje

Music Producer

Terje, Todd & Prins Thomas

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 1:00 minute mark, you can see a Roland SH-5 synth on top of his organ.

See how Biosphere uses Roland SH-5

Biosphere

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Headphone Commute

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."

See how Chris Carter uses Roland SH-5

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Photo

Chris' keyboards in this image consist of an SH-5 and an SH-7.

See how Mr. Scruff uses Roland SH-5

Mr. Scruff

Music Producer, DJ

Mr. Scruff & Mark Rae

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen using it in this YouTube Video for Producer Masterclass - Computer Music magazine 2008. Time - 27:35

See how survive uses Roland SH-5

survive

...
Verified via MusicRadar

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."

See how Jody Wisternoff uses Roland SH-5

Jody Wisternoff

Music Producer

Way Out West

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:08 in this video, Jody plays an SH 5 synth.

See how Thighpaulsandra uses Roland SH-5

Thighpaulsandra

Keyboardist, Composer

Coil

...
Verified via The Quietus

"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."

See how Michael Stein uses Roland SH-5

Michael Stein

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

"...really complex and great sounding." - Michael Stein at 1:12 in this video talking about the Roland SH-5.

See how Paul Epworth uses Roland SH-5

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"This is the major machine," says Paul Epworth of his Roland SH5, "though the bottom end isn't so good, and for that reason, for bass lines I tend to use the Arturia Minimoog."

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-5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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