Roland: Everything You Need to Know About the Brand That Revolutionized Electronic Music

Roland: much more than a brand, a musical revolution

When it comes to electronic music, one name inevitably comes up: Roland. For over fifty years, this Japanese company has shaped the sound of modern music like no other. From Detroit techno to New York hip-hop, through 80s pop and contemporary electro, Roland instruments are everywhere. The TR-808 gave birth to hip-hop. The TB-303 created acid house. The Jupiter and Juno synthesizers defined the sound of an entire generation.

But Roland is not just the story of a few cult machines. It is also the world's leading manufacturer of electronic drums with V-Drums, a leader in digital pianos, and a creator of guitar amps and effects. Even today, Roland continues to innovate with products like the FANTOM, the GO series, and the Roland Cloud platform. In this article, we invite you to discover the complete universe of this extraordinary brand, its legendary instruments, and how to find your Roland gear at the best price on Green Musicians.

Contents:

• The history of Roland: 50 years of innovation
• The iconic instruments
• Roland digital pianos
• V-Drums: the electronic drum revolution
• Roland today: FANTOM, GO, Cloud and more
• Why buy your Roland gear on Green Musicians

The history of Roland: 50 years of innovation

It all begins in Osaka, Japan, in 1972. Ikutaro Kakehashi, an engineer passionate about electronics, founds Roland Corporation. His ambition is simple: to create accessible and innovative electronic musical instruments. From the very first years, Roland stands out with revolutionary products that democratize electronic music.

In 1973, Roland launches the SH-1000, its first synthesizer. But it is in the early 80s that the brand enters legend. In 1980, the TR-808 is released and changes music history. This drum machine, capable of producing deep kick drum sounds and characteristic handclaps, would define hip-hop and dance music. In 1981, the TB-303, originally designed to accompany guitarists, accidentally becomes the iconic sound of acid house when Chicago producers discover its strange resonances. In 1982, the TR-909 completes the trilogy with a more aggressive sound, perfect for the emerging techno scene.

That same year, Roland releases the Jupiter-8, a polyphonic synthesizer that costs the equivalent of 12,000 euros today. Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Queen... All the biggest names in pop adopt it. In 1984, the Juno-106 makes Roland sounds accessible to the masses. More affordable, it becomes the go-to synthesizer for new wave and synth-pop musicians.

In the 90s and 2000s, Roland diversifies massively. Digital pianos in the HP and FP series, V-Drums electronic drums in the TD series, arranger keyboards... The brand covers every musician's needs, from beginner to professional. Today, Roland is present in over 100 countries and continues to innovate with digital platforms like Roland Cloud, which gives access to perfect software replicas of its legendary instruments.

The iconic instruments

The TR-808: the sound of hip-hop

Released in 1980, the TR-808 Rhythm Composer is arguably the most famous instrument in hip-hop history. With its deep kick drum, sharp handclaps, and metallic hi-hat, it has been used on thousands of hits: from Afrika Bambaataa to Kanye West, through Marvin Gaye and Phil Collins. Its success is all the more remarkable given that Roland stopped production in 1983, deeming it too unrealistic compared to the samplers of the time. Today, an original TR-808 can sell for several thousand euros on the second-hand market. On Green Musicians, you can find second-hand Roland drum machines in perfect condition.

The TB-303: the birth of acid

The TB-303 Bass Line was born from a misunderstanding. Supposed to replace an electric bass for solo guitarists, its nasal sound and metallic resonances convinced no one when it was released in 1981. It took until the mid-80s and Chicago house producers for its magic to work. By pushing its controls to their limits, they created the "acid" sound: that hypnotic squelch that would become the signature of house music. Entire labels like Trax Records were built around this sound. The TB-303 has become so iconic that Roland has reissued several modern versions.

The Jupiter-8 and the Juno series

The Jupiter-8 (1981) remains one of the greatest analog synthesizers ever built. Eight voices of polyphony, warm filters, a modular architecture... Its price was stratospheric but its sound was incomparable. Cheaper but equally iconic, the Juno-106 (1984) democratized the Roland sound with its legendary built-in chorus. Dozens of French Touch groups like Daft Punk and Air used Roland synthesizers. Today, you can find second-hand Roland synthesizers on Green Musicians.

The D-50 and the digital revolution

In 1987, Roland once again revolutionized the market with the D-50, one of the first mass-market digital synthesizers. Its unique feature: combining attack samples (piano, strings, brass) with synthetic waveforms for sustain. The D-50's "Fantasia" and "Soundtrack" patches were used in countless pop productions of the 80s and 90s. An absolute classic that can still be found second-hand on Green Musicians.

Roland digital pianos

Roland is one of the global leaders in digital pianos, with ranges for every level and every budget. The SuperNATURAL technology, developed by Roland, reproduces the complex behavior of an acoustic grand piano with remarkable precision: string resonance, hammer noise, touch response... Everything is modeled.

For beginners and tight budgets, the FP series (FP-10, FP-30X, FP-60X) offers excellent value for money. The PHA-4 keyboard, already present on the FP-10, is recognized as one of the best entry-level hammer-action keybeds. For intermediate musicians, the HP series (HP-704, HP-603) offers an elegant cabinet and richer sound thanks to dedicated amplification. Finally, the LX series and the GP series digital grand pianos represent the top of the range, with wooden cabinets and cutting-edge touchscreen interfaces. Discover our selection of Roland digital pianos at all price points.

V-Drums: the electronic drum revolution

Since the launch of V-Drums in 1997, Roland has dominated the electronic drum market. The concept is simple but brilliant: mesh pads that reproduce the feel of a real drumhead, paired with a high-quality sound module. The drummer can play with headphones without disturbing anyone, record directly, and switch drum kits at the touch of a button.

The TD range is the best known. Entry-level models like the TD-07DMK offer everything needed to get started or practice silently. The TD-17 series is the bestseller for amateur and intermediate drummers, featuring sounds borrowed from the high-end TD-50. For professionals, the TD-50X series and the new V-Drums 5 Series push the limits of realism with multi-layer sounds and digital pads capable of detecting strike position. Looking for an electronic drum kit? Check out our listings for second-hand Roland V-Drums on Green Musicians.

Roland also offers percussion pads like the SPD-SX, used by artists such as Twenty One Pilots and studio drummers to trigger samples and sequences live. Accessories like the PD-140DS digital snare or the CY series electronic cymbals complete the kits.

Roland today: FANTOM, GO, Cloud and more

Far from resting on its heritage, Roland continues to innovate at an impressive pace. The FANTOM series is the new benchmark for workstations: FANTOM 6, 7, and 8 offer phenomenal synthesis power, a touchscreen, and deep integration with computers. The FANTOM-0 makes this technology more accessible at reduced prices.

The GO series (GO:KEYS, GO:PIANO) targets beginners and mobile musicians. Lightweight, compact, and battery-powered, these keyboards are perfect for composing anywhere. The AIRA range, meanwhile, is aimed at electronic music producers with machines like the TR-8S (a modern TR-808 and TR-909 in one box) and the MC-707 groovebox.

Roland Cloud is the brand's digital platform. For a monthly subscription, you get access to perfect emulations of legendary synthesizers: Jupiter-8, Juno-106, D-50, and even the TR-808 and TR-909 as plugins. It's the simplest and most affordable way to bring the Roland sound into your studio.

Finally, Roland also makes guitar amps, effects processors, audio interfaces, monitor speakers, and even electronic wind instruments with the Aerophone series. A range of unmatched richness in the music industry.

Why buy your Roland gear on Green Musicians

Green Musicians is the go-to marketplace for musicians looking for quality gear at the best price. Our platform gives you access to hundreds of Roland instruments, from digital pianos to vintage synthesizers, electronic drums, and amps.

Whether you're looking for a legendary TR-808, an FP-10 digital piano to get started, or a complete V-Drums kit for your studio, you're sure to find what you need among our community's listings. Each product is offered by passionate private sellers and professionals, and you can chat with them before finalizing your purchase.

Green Musicians also gives you the opportunity to resell your old Roland gear to finance your next instrument. An eco-friendly and economical approach, perfectly aligned with the spirit of music.

And there you have it! We hope this article has inspired you to discover or rediscover the Roland universe and its legendary instruments. All that's left is to browse Green Musicians to find the Roland of your dreams at the best price.

We offer a complete catalog of musical instruments featuring brands from around the world such as Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor, Ibanez, and many more. Whether you're an amateur or professional musician, our marketplace is designed to give you the best of music.

Green Musicians is also the music marketplace where everyone can buy or sell music gear with complete confidence: new, refurbished, and second-hand instruments, as well as software, plugins, sheet music, and samples.

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