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Average Price: $4,500

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Dive into the rich, analog soundscapes of yesteryears with the Roland SH-7, a treasure from the golden era of synthesis. This duophonic synthesizer, crafted between 1978 and 1981, stands as a testament to Roland's enduring legacy in sound innovation. With its dual oscillators and a versatile filter system, the SH-7 invites you to explore a vast sonic territory, from lush pads to screaming leads. Whether you're a seasoned synth aficionado or a newcomer eager to experience analog synthesis at its finest, the SH-7 offers a unique blend of historical significance and timeless sound.

Key Features:

  • Duophonic synthesizer with a rich analog sound
  • Dual oscillators for complex sound shaping
  • Low-pass and high-pass 12db/octave filter for versatile tone sculpting
  • Two ADSR envelopes for dynamic sound modulation
  • Ring modulator and noise generator for textured sounds
  • 44 keys, providing a wide octave range
  • CV and Gate functionality for integration with modern setups

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model SH-7 44-Key Duophonic Synthesizer
Finish Green
Year 1978 - 1981
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 44 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Roland SH-7 synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?

The Roland SH-7 is a duophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play two notes simultaneously, which allows for more complex sound textures compared to a monophonic synth.

What type of synthesis does the Roland SH-7 use?

The Roland SH-7 utilizes analog synthesis, offering rich, warm sounds characteristic of vintage synthesizers from the late 1970s.

How many keys does the Roland SH-7 have, and what is the key action like?

The Roland SH-7 features 44 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and smooth playing experience suitable for expressive performances.

What makes the Roland SH-7 unique compared to other synthesizers from its era?

The Roland SH-7 stands out with its duophonic capability, allowing for more versatile sound design, and its rich analog tone, which remains sought after by synth enthusiasts and collectors.

Does the Roland SH-7 have any built-in effects?

The Roland SH-7 does not include built-in effects, focusing instead on its robust analog sound engine and modulation capabilities for sound shaping.

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

The Rare Roland SH-7 (1978)

Video thumbnail for The Rare Roland SH-7 (1978) by Alex Ball

The Rare Roland SH-7 (1978)

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-7 "Drone" (Sample/Hold) by DeathByDinSync

Roland SH-7 "Drone" (Sample/Hold)

DeathByDinSync

DeathByDinSync

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-7 by rimela

Roland SH-7

rimela

rimela

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-7 Ringmodulator Melody by Magnus Gladén

Roland SH-7 Ringmodulator Melody

Magnus Gladén

Magnus Gladén

Video thumbnail for Alan's Roland SH-7 Service (by synthpro) by synthpro

Alan's Roland SH-7 Service (by synthpro)

synthpro

synthpro

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-7 by SSM Curtis

Roland SH-7

SSM Curtis

SSM Curtis

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-7.

Features and functionality

  • The SH-7 offers unique functionality with autobend routing on VCOs and invertible envelopes, enhancing sound modulation possibilities beyond the SH-5.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Both SH-5 and SH-7 deliver a similarly fat tone; however, the SH-5's bandpass filter distinguishes its sound character from the SH-7.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite high market prices, the Behringer clone of the SH-5 provides a more affordable alternative with a similar sound profile.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner of both models notes minimal sound difference, emphasizing the shared fat tone and rare availability of these original synths.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland SH-7 Vintage Synth Review – Of All Roland’s SH Synths, “It’s The Coolest One – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Roland SH-7

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via SoundCloud

In the description of "love 7" soundcloud upload. It has since been deleted.

"Recorded approx 2005 at the bank & Lake district directly after Synthacon 9 Roland TR-808 Roland SH5 [x2] Roland SH7 Roland Jupiter 6 Exc. analoggins -the Aviator Boss CS1 Ensoniq Mirage DMS-8 SCI Pro1 Korg PS3300 Soundcraft Ghost 32 AKG BX25 TC electronic TC 1210 - Spatial Expander Oram Pro Audio HD-EQ2 Klark Teknik DN362"

See how Venetian Snares uses Roland SH-7

Venetian Snares

Music Producer

Speed Dealer Moms

...
Verified via Photo

Venetian Snares is shown to use the Roland SH-7 synthesizer in a photo featured on Bensecret, highlighting his 2007 Computer Music setup.

See how Benjamin Goldwasser uses Roland SH-7

Benjamin Goldwasser

Keyboardist

MGMT

...
Verified via Emusician

"But also, older synthesizers such as the Nord Lead and Access Virus—whose older digital converters appeal to Goldwasser—as well as the Roland SH-7 found their way into the circle of gear."

See how Chris Carter uses Roland SH-7

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how John Tejada uses Roland SH-7

John Tejada

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

John Tejada describes the Roland SH-7 as a comprehensive, classic Roland mono synth, reminiscent of the System-100 and the later 101 models. He notes its ability to produce spacey, Moog-like, and expansive sounds. This insight is supported by a user-uploaded photo on Xlr8r.

See how Toby Smith uses Roland SH-7

Toby Smith

Keyboardist, Composer

Jamiroquai

...
Verified via Jamiroquai

"At home, their analogue catalog includes two Moog sources, Sequential Circuits Prophet-T8 ("the supreme mother of synthesizers"), Memorymoog, ARP Odyssey and 2600, Roland SH-101 and SH-7, and a Minimoog, " that I didn't use much, because it was a mistake. "

See how Phil Oakey uses Roland SH-7

Phil Oakey

Singer, Keyboardist

The Human League

...
Verified via The-black-hit-of-space

Phil Oakey of The Human League is documented using the Roland SH-7 synthesizer, as listed in the band's equipment kit in the 12th August 1978 issue of Sounds, featured on The-black-hit-of-space.

See how Rob Garza uses Roland SH-7

Rob Garza

Guitarist, Music Producer

Thievery Corporation

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible throughout the music video for “Something That’s Different” starting at 2:04.

See how Akufen uses Roland SH-7

Akufen

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Ableton

From an interview with Ableton circa 2002.

"At the age of sixteen, almost twenty years ago, I decided to trade in my piano and my guitar for an analog sequencer and a duophonic Roland synthesizer SH-7."

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-7, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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