Synth Stuff Ep. 72 - Roland JD-800

I've wanted to make this episode since day one. In fact, I've wanted this synth since I was 15 years old, I think, after seeing one being used by Akira Yamaoka in a video showing the making of the video game Silent Hill 2. A friend recently bought this and allowed me to film it, so shout out to Trevor! What can I say about the JD-800...just LOOK at it! It will do thick basses and soaring leads, but it truly excels as a pad machine. The build quality is robust and the sound is exceedingly good - they must have used pretty nice D/A converters for the time. The prices these sell for, as with most vintage Roland gear, are absurd. But I can already say this lived up to my personal expectations and I'll have one eventually. (Edit: I've since acquired one, this very one, actually!) Be sure to do your research if you decide to get one - they suffer a common issue of the "red glue" which is well documented online.


Check out my synth duo at:
www.funayureimusic.com