Roland TB-303

^# 58

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$2,199.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (73)

10 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Roland Boutique TB-03

$345.50 - $479.99

4.5 (58)

Find out who is using Roland TB-303

7 community setups

127 wishlisted

221 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (11)

$2,199.00 11 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $2,199

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Roland TB-303 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit 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

What type of sound is the Roland TB-303 known for?: The Roland TB-303 is renowned for its distinctive squelchy basslines and acid sounds, which are iconic in genres like acid house and techno.
Is the Roland TB-303 polyphonic or monophonic?: The Roland TB-303 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can only play one note at a time.
What are the main controls on the Roland TB-303?: The Roland TB-303 features controls for tuning, cutoff frequency, resonance, envelope modulation, decay, and accent, allowing for detailed sound shaping.
Can the Roland TB-303 be used with modern DAWs?: 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.
What is the historical significance of the Roland TB-303 in music production?: 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

Add video

Doctor Mix

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

Add review

PROS

Unique sound that can't be replicated by clones or VSTs
Iconic in dance music history, especially acid house
Each unit has slight sound variances, adding to its uniqueness
Built-in sequencer with distinctive slide and accent programming
Holds its value well, considered a good investment
Can be powered with a DC adapter for flexibility
Durable and reliable over many years of use

CONS

Expensive, with prices often in the thousands
Pre-MIDI, limiting connectivity with modern gear
Preset patterns can be hit or miss
The fear of wear or damage due to its collector's item status
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

0 0

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
0 0

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

0 0

The TB-03 includes MIDI, distortion, reverb/delay effects, and two programming methods, providing a more versatile experience compared to the original TB-303.
Source
0 0

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

0 0

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

0 0

The MAM MB33 lacks a sequencer but integrates well with other gear like the MPC One, making it suitable for modular setups.
Source
0 0

The TB-03 is noted for ambient music when slowed down and paired with reverb or delay, using its sequencer and effects for texture.
Source
0 0

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.
Source
0 0

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

Value and pricing

0 0

The Behringer TD-3 is highlighted as a cost-effective entry into hardware acid music despite its basic features and controversial brand practices.
Source

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 10 Reviews and 73 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

lntmike

172

over 11 years ago

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.

x0d

161

almost 6 years ago

One of my biggest regrets was selling mine.

I purchased mine for $500, back in 1995. Many years, good times and fun live performances on this. Wish I hadn't sold it when I did, but luckily I did (before having a house fire and losing whatever gear I had left).

From Gear Setup

jurgendriessen

165

almost 9 years ago

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.