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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 Steve Mac uses Roland SH-5

Steve Mac

Music Producer

Rhythm Masters

...
Verified via YouTube

During a studio tour with Future Music Magazine, Steve Mac says [@ 01:25] about his Roland SH-5:

"The beast, SH-5. Another Roland synth. What we've been using this a lot for lately is bass. It's got two filter sections on it, and it's the Band Pass filter that really, really pushes it out in the mix. It's hard to explain what it does. It just gets this huge, huge bass sound."

See how Jake Gosling uses Roland SH-5

Jake Gosling

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Soundonsound

On this interview with Jake Gosling on 2012 about producing Ed Sheeran's first album "+", the article mentions:

"On +, along with his production and co‑writing duties, Jake Gosling also served as the main keyboard player, utilising his array of vintage synths, which includes a Roland Jupiter 8, a Korg MS2000 and a Roland SH5."

See how Timothy J. Fairplay uses Roland SH-5

Timothy J. Fairplay

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see the Synthesizer in the Jam!

J

Joie Hinton

Keyboardist

Ozric Tentacles

...
Verified via Photo

Per this 2005 photograph from the Glade Festival, Joie can be seen playing a well-worn Roland SH-5. While this is only a shot of the rear of the unit, the case-shape is unique to the SH-5, neither Roland, nor any other synth manufacturer used that shape for another model.

Additionally, the story of Joie's SH-5 is recounted in this January, 1997 issue of Sound on Sound:

However, it turns out that Joie's Roland SH5, which he bought new way back in 1977, is the Eat Static equivalent of Ed's Pro Ones, as Merv explains: "We always turn to that — even if we don't use it in a track CV'd or sampled, it would be acting as an audio processor using its audio input. The band‑pass filter on it is like a mad filter and EQ going at the same time. We use it for gating a lot, rather like a noise gate shutting on and off with a rounded filter effect thrown in. I'm dreading the day it packs up for good; trying to find another one is going to cost us at least two grand by today's prices, I'd say — assuming we can find one."

See how Justin Moyle uses Roland SH-5

Justin Moyle

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Justin Moyle is associated with the Roland SH-5, a sophisticated monophonic synthesizer known for its versatility and rich features, including dual VCOs, LFOs, and filters. This synthesis powerhouse is favored for its capability to produce intricate electronic and dance music sounds. The connection to Moyle is illustrated by a Google image result showcasing the SH-5, highlighting its significance in his setup.

See how Serge Locat uses Roland SH-5

Serge Locat

Keyboardist

Harmonium

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Canadian band Harmonium is performing "Viens Danser" during a 1977 concert in California. Keyboarder Serge Locat is playing a solo on the SH-5 starting at 5:20.

See how Jeffrey Fisher uses Roland SH-5

Jeffrey Fisher

Keyboardist, Composer

Harmonium

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Canadian band Harmonium is performing "Viens Danser" during a 1977 concert in California. Keyboarder Jeffrey Fisher is playing a solo on the SH-5 starting at 5:20.

See how Richard Hewson uses Roland SH-5

Richard Hewson

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Muzines

Richard mentions using a Roland SH5 in this 1985 interview.

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.

Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
3
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
3
Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
2
Roland JX-3P
Roland JX-3P Synthesizers
2
Roland Jupiter-8
Roland Jupiter-8 Synthesizers
2
Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
2
Neumann KM 84
Neumann KM 84 Condenser Microphones
1
Electro-Voice RE20
Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphones
1

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