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Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer

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Photo of Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer and more gear in a studio and synths

Photo of Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer and more gear

Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer

^# 5

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$4,599.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (57)

4 Critic Reviews

6 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Roland Boutique TR-09

$1,649.00

4.5 (40)

Find out who is using Roland TR-909

10 community setups

127 wishlisted

231 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (23)

$4,599.00 26 available Used

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Average Price: $4,599

High-end/Boutique

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Drum Machines category, Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer 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

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Description

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Introducing the Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer; a legendary piece of music history. This programmable, step-sequenced drum machine is renowned for its distinctive blend of sampled and analog drum sounds, making it a go-to choice for techno and house music creators. Its impressive compatibility features, such as DIN Sync24, MIDI In and Out, along with individual outputs for each sound, allow it to seamlessly integrate with various gear setups. With the TR-909, you're not just getting a drum machine, you're getting a tool that's been an integral part of the creative journeys of iconic artists like Moby, The Prodigy, and The Chemical Brothers.

Key Features:

Programmable, step-sequenced drum machine
Unique blend of sampled and analog drum sounds
DIN Sync24, MIDI In and Out for enhanced compatibility
Individual outputs for each sound
Numerous controls for fine-tuning each sound
Used by renowned artists across the globe

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	TR-909 Rhythm Composer
Finish	White
Year	1983 - 1985
Made In	Japan
Categories	Drum Machines
Analog / Digital	Analog
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony	11 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Roland TR-909 use?: The Roland TR-909 uses analog synthesis for its drum sounds, providing a distinctive, classic sound that has been influential in electronic music.
Is the Roland TR-909 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Roland TR-909 is highly regarded for live performances due to its robust build, intuitive interface, and ability to sync with other MIDI equipment.
How many voices of polyphony does the Roland TR-909 have?: The Roland TR-909 offers 11 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex rhythmic patterns and layering of sounds.
Does the Roland TR-909 have MIDI capabilities?: Yes, the Roland TR-909 features both MIDI Input and Output, making it compatible with other MIDI devices for synchronized performances and studio work.
What are the main sound characteristics of the Roland TR-909?: The Roland TR-909 is known for its punchy kick drum, crisp snare, and unique hi-hats, which are staples in techno and house music production.

Videos

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Doctor Mix

Roland TR-909 Famous Patterns

Doctor Mix

Roland TR-909 Demo

Perfect Circuit

Roland TR-909 - Sound Demo & Features HD

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Reviews

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PROS

Snare sound unmatched by emulations, delivering unique audio quality
Hi-hats and claps provide distinct techno sound, cutting through mixes
Tactile interface and knob-laden panel for hands-on control
Durable build quality, designed to last
Excellent sequencer for precise rhythm composition
Each unit has a unique sound character, even among other 909s
Can shape Toms for melodic additions, enhancing track versatility
Iconic 909 kick offers powerful bass tones
Allows for separate instrument sampling without losing analog warmth

CONS

High market prices can be prohibitive for new buyers
Limited sound adjustability compared to modern drum machines
Some find it overhyped and replaceable by newer models like RD9

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer.

Features and functionality

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The TR-909 is renowned for its iconic hi-hat sound, particularly favored in house and techno music.
Source

Use cases and applications

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This drum machine is highly valued in dance music production, considered a classic for its use in genres like house, techno, and even hip-hop.
Source

Comparisons

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Users often compare the TR-909 to the TR-808, noting that preference between them can depend on whether one leans toward hip-hop or EDM soundscapes.
Source

Value and pricing

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Collectors' market prices for the TR-909 can reach up to $9,000 to $10,000, depending on condition, highlighting its status as a sought-after item.
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Software and compatibility

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The internet offers numerous free samples and VSTi replicas of the TR-909, providing a more accessible way to achieve its distinct sounds without the high price.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland TR909

soundonsound.com

The Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer is a legendary piece of gear that has withstood the test of time, cherished for its distinctive sound and real-time control. This iconic drum machine, once undervalued, found its niche within Chicago house and Detroit techno scenes, bringing a unique character to electronic music. Pros include its durable build, intuitive interface, and tweakable sounds, from punchy kicks to snappy snares. However, its vintage status means it lacks modern conveniences like extensive MIDI capabilities, and its high second-hand price reflects its sought-after status. Despite these downsides, the TR-909 remains a staple for those seeking authentic, vintage drum sounds.

positive

Full Review

Roland TR909 (12T Apr 84)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland TR-909 is a mixed bag for its time. While it offers a unique blend of analog and digital sounds, the overall effect leaves it sounding distinctly like a drum machine rather than a real drum kit. Its user-friendly interface is a highlight, making programming a joy. However, the snare sound disappoints, lacking the authenticity expected from a high-priced unit. Priced comparably to fully digital competitors like the Oberheim DX, it struggles to justify its cost with less convincing sound realism and limited expression. Despite its ease of use and live performance potential, the TR-909 feels overpriced and underwhelming, falling short of expectations for studio use.

negative

Full Review

Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer review on doctormix.com

doctormix.com

The Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer remains a quintessential force in electronic music, especially revered in techno and house circles. Its appeal lies in its robust MIDI capabilities, distinctive analog sound, and unique features like the "accent" and "flam," which inject life into its beats. While it lacks the realism of its Linn and Oberheim contemporaries, its characterful sound and user-friendly sequencer make it a studio and live favorite. The 909's limitations in realism were overshadowed by its pivotal role in defining modern dance music. Despite initial low prices and technical constraints, its sound and ease of use have cemented its legendary status.

positive

Full Review

Vintage Rewind: Roland TR-909

musictech.com

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 57 Ratings

5 star

4 star

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1 star

lntmike

172

over 11 years ago

One of a kind ! a Must Have

This vintage drum machine worth any penny I have spent to purchase it. There is only one Kick like the 909. Probably the most powerfull kick of all time. My second favorite instrument are the Hi Hats. It's sounds so Techno-ish. The clap is also excellent, especially through a good combination of effects (reverb/delay). The Toms can be shaped easily and can be a great melodic addition in any tracks. We can also do great things with the snares, so snappy and rich! It's possible to sample all the instruments separately & decently but you will loose the unique feel of the machine. This baby swings !

graspee

268

11 years ago over 11 years ago

I'm content to have samples of it instead. Yes it would be cool to have a real one but they are viciously expensive and what if it breaks?

lntmike

172

11 years ago over 11 years ago

It's unbreakable, this machine is a bear :) LoL just kidding, it may happen and if it happen there is skilled electronician to fix them in my city. One of my friend's one got a major electric failure and partially burned. They fixed it perfecly. Well I hope it will never happen to mine ... Samples are pretty decent but it's not the real thing. Yep 909 is expensive, but it worth it. :) (btw I did a lot of samples .. just in case.. some are ok..) Thanks for the comment bro !

bradflora

576

11 years ago about 11 years ago

Kudos to you for having great gear!

lucianofortalobos

278

over 8 years ago

With That House Music, You Can't Go Wrong...

Funny enough it's home to one of, if not, the most iconic Hi Hat ever to appear on a house track. Still, if you have the luxury of comparing them, no one 909 sounds exactly the same. Mine has been recapped, re-power supplied and pumped up to bring that little bit extra when I use it live. The snare sounds like an Uzi and the hats cut through like noones bizznizz. I'd kill to protect this box. And believe me, I'm so not joking...

atonalmeasure

257

over 9 years ago

The holy grail of house

Along with the TR808 the 909 is a complete legend, i have owned 2 of these, my first once was bought from Italy in 2001 and again its all over my early single releases, theres not a lot you can say about this amazing instrument, its a real performers machine, the sounds can be emulated pretty well but you can't get away from the fact that its all in that tactile interface and knob laden panel, just an absolute dream of an instrument and made to last until hell freezes over.

mick_roby

about 11 years ago

Absolute Classic

Sounds are large and incredible, cutting through the mix without any comp or eq. Although sounds are hardly adjustable, the amount of juice this thing kicks out is unparalleled.