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Price
Average Price: $2,978
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Experience the unique charm of the Roland TB-303, a classic analog bass synthesizer that was born in the 80s and still thrives today. Initially designed as a substitute for studio bassists, this musical marvel unexpectedly became the backbone of acid house music with its distinctive, squelchy bass lines. Its signature sound, largely attributed to its transistor-based resonant low-pass filter, is a testament to its enduring popularity among music enthusiasts and professionals alike. The TB-303 is equipped with a DIN Sync24 input and CV/Gate functionality, offering a seamless blend of vintage character and modern convenience. The built-in step sequencer, complete with slide, swing, and accent features, ensures an engaging and dynamic user experience.
Key Features:
- Analog bass synthesizer with a unique, vintage sound
- Transistor-based resonant low-pass filter for distinctive bass lines
- DIN Sync24 input and CV/Gate functionality for versatile connectivity
- Step sequencer with slide, swing, and accent functions for dynamic sound creation
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | TB-303 Bassline Synthesizer Module |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 1981 - 1984 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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What type of sound is the Roland TB-303 known for?
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The Roland TB-303 is renowned for its distinctive squelchy basslines and acid sounds, which are iconic in genres like acid house and techno.
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Is the Roland TB-303 polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Roland TB-303 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can only play one note at a time.
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What are the main controls on the Roland TB-303?
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The Roland TB-303 features controls for tuning, cutoff frequency, resonance, envelope modulation, decay, and accent, allowing for detailed sound shaping.
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Can the Roland TB-303 be used with modern DAWs?
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While the original TB-303 does not have MIDI, it can be used with modern DAWs through CV/Gate interfaces or by using a TB-303 clone with MIDI capabilities.
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What is the historical significance of the Roland TB-303 in music production?
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The Roland TB-303 played a crucial role in the development of acid house music in the late 1980s, influencing electronic music production with its unique sound.
Videos
Doctor Mix
The Bass Line Of “I Feel Love” On A TB-303
The Bass Line Of “I Feel Love” On A TB-303
Doctor Mix
Roland TB-303 Bass Line In Action
Doctor Mix
Joris Voorn Studio Jam | Melodic Acid Live Session (Roland TB-303, TR-909, MC-202, JD-990 + FX)
Joris Voorn
ROLAND TB 303 vs BEHRINGER TD3
Riktenstein
Roland TB-303 and TR-909 making Acid Techno
funkyberlin303
Behringer TD3 vs Roland TB303
egowaves
Roland TB-303, Excellent. £499 ono. Ring Martin after 6pm.
Expect Resistance
Reviews
PROS
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Unique sound that can't be replicated by clones or VSTs
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Iconic in dance music history, especially acid house
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Each unit has slight sound variances, adding to its uniqueness
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Built-in sequencer with distinctive slide and accent programming
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Holds its value well, considered a good investment
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Can be powered with a DC adapter for flexibility
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Durable and reliable over many years of use
CONS
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Expensive, with prices often in the thousands
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Pre-MIDI, limiting connectivity with modern gear
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Preset patterns can be hit or miss
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The fear of wear or damage due to its collector's item status
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Software options offer more flexibility
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland TB-303.
Comparisons
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The Cyclone TT-303 V2 is preferred by some for its form and function similar to the original TB-303, offering MIDI and additional features.
Source -
The saw wave on the TB-03 is considered overly harsh, especially at higher pitches, contrasting with the smoother tones that other synths may offer.
Source
Features and functionality
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The TB-03 includes MIDI, distortion, reverb/delay effects, and two programming methods, providing a more versatile experience compared to the original TB-303.
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The TB-03's rnd2 function has a "bug" that allows notes outside the usual sequencer range, creating unique textures with high resonance and long decay.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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The Behringer TD-3 can be significantly enhanced with mods, improving its performance beyond the standard model for more intense acid sounds.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The MAM MB33 lacks a sequencer but integrates well with other gear like the MPC One, making it suitable for modular setups.
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The TB-03 is noted for ambient music when slowed down and paired with reverb or delay, using its sequencer and effects for texture.
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It can be used for non-acid applications like minimal ambient tracks, as exemplified by artist TM404, who uses multiple 303s for nuanced ambient soundscapes.
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The TB-03 can effectively serve as a bassline tool in various genres, demonstrated by its use in tracks like Orange Juice's "Rip It Up" and Heaven 17's "Let Me Go."
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 10 Reviews and 73 Ratings
172
Acieed !
This silver box is badass ! I bought it 15 years ago and this bassline and I are totaly in symbiosis. I bought and tried many clones but noone of them equals its acid feel. My dream is to get another one. It's the most loved machine of all my collection. I'm using it in 99% of all my tracks. It's value will keep rising.
165
Outstanding cult !
Acrid Abeyance, Pergon, Unknown Structure were made with original TB's. I bought them very cheap (haha) in the late 80's, early 90's. And I made a lot of records and live gigs with it. Pure or with stompboxes or other fx. It always sounds just phatt. For me it has also the best sequencer with the acc / slide programming.
195
analog bassline
pre midi, din-sync, great sequencer, can link pateras to build songs
111
The Original!
What else is to be said here? It`s the original, nothing less, nothing more :)
41010
hahahaha.... its an instrument, use it or its just a paper weight
128
Classic
Used it on my first record: AUM-Morph - software is more flexible now...
424
Organic great bass sounds
Little but a devil! Still working with a DC adaptor, sounds aggressive. I have his TR606 companion too.
339
TB#3 303
just picked this up a few months ago it has good vibe real powerful great for layering passes..
Artist usage
Add artist
In a post by his label "Acid Test" on Facebook, John Frusciante mentions using the Roland TB-303 among various instruments throughout his career.
Jay Watson can be seen controlling the Roland TB-303 at 4:58
This thread contains an old article from technorama that explains all the gear Daft Punk's old live setup, including the TB-303.
Calvin Harris posted a photo on Instagram of his Roland TB-303.
In the DJ Mag video "David Guetta On His Hybrid DJ Setup, Key Sync & Creative Use Of FX," David Guetta uses the Roland TB-303 Bass Line Synthesizer.
In an interview with Future Music Magazine in 1993, Aphex Twin used a TB-303 in his London studio.
In this Instagram video clip captioned "Let the 303 be free!!!", Dada Life can be seen tweaking the cutoff frequency knob on the Roland TB-303.
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at 0:23 of the "Audio, Video, Disco" music video.
Richie Hawtin's can be seen using a stock Roland TB303 and a Devilfish Modded TB303 in this live performance photo as Plastikman.
Boys Noize talks about that despite being able to make the "acid" sound with plugins, the original TB-303 has a character that cannot quite be replicated.
"You can make acid with a lot of plugins too. I think the filters of the 303 are what really make it special. I haven't heard any one going as soft. And then what I like to do is put the 303 through a distortion pedal, which in this case is an OTO pedal."
Album Usage
The Roland TB-303 has been featured on the following albums:
Sinister Grift
Panda Bear (2025)
The Slow Rush
Tame Impala & Kevin Parker (2020)
Small Moon
Chris Carter (2018)
Strange Directions
DMX Krew (2017)
Turn off Your Mind
Ellen Allien (2016)
4th Dimension
Danny Byrd (2013)
Music Components
Arnaud Rebotini (2013)
That Hug
Dusty Kid (2013)
Not Coming Down
Ferry Corsten (2012)
Need In Me
Flashmob (2012)
WKND
Ferry Corsten (2012)
Someone Gave Me Religion
Arnaud Rebotini (2011)
Alive 1997
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)
Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?
Moby (1999)
Homework
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1997)
Everything Is Wrong
Moby (1995)
Thinking About Myself
Cosmic Baby (1994)
Loops of Infinity
Cosmic Baby (1994)
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 TB-303, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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Similar
Add recommendation6 alternative and related items for Roland TB-303, curated by the Equipboard community.
Audio Realism ABL3 is a long-established and very detailed software emulation of the Roland TB-303.
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The Behringer TD-3 is an analog clone of the original TB-303, utilizing modern manufacturing techniques to hit a very reasonable price-point.
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The TT-303 is an analog clone of the TB-303, with some modern improvements.
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The original Cyclone Analogic TT-303 looked almost identical to the TB-303. The v2 looks quite different but still sounds the same, and adds some more sequencer features.
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