Custom Roland Jupiter-8 Reproduction Keyboard Controller

via this auction

"Up for auction is a one-of-a-kind, custom built model of the heaviest hitter of analog synthesizers, the legendary JP-8. Every “synth freq” wants one, but who can afford the $5000 or more price tag so . . . . Our small team of Houston synth experts, builder, modeler and graphic designer took this challenge from concept to reality: To build a full-scale, working keyboard controller that can be used with Arturia’s JP-8V program, soft-synths, or any other synth module. Not only a midi controller, this unit is built around a 32 voice polyphonic synth module with 375 high-quality instrument voices and 100 accompaniment styles that in demo mode, will auto-play for hours!

First, this is an exceptionally accurate model as you can see in the pictures, right down to the stainless steel screws into the beveled side panels, the acrylic crystal and polished fasteners over the faux LED display and signature rainbow of graphic buttons. Huge illuminated on/off power switch and supplied standard 3-prong power cord power up the module inside. Twelve OEM style knobs, pitch bender, LFO button, amazing crystal display and 26 slider caps do not move, light up or operate but are securely mounted to the cover that lifts up and tilts back out of the way – just like the real JP-8 – to reveal all sound selecting and programming controls.

The brain inside is a brand-new Yamaha YPT-220 synthesizer wearing a nifty Roland badge. LCD Display, 9 reverb effects and 102 built in songs allow it to stand on its own as a fully functional intro synth/keyboard, but with its midi on and local “off” – this amazingly accurate model is ready to bring even the most well equipped studio right back into 1985! We’ve used this unit with Arturia’s JP-8V synth free demo and with their on-screen display, slider movement and patch programming – we think this is an amazing combination for anyone who craves their own Jupiter 8 but simply can’t justify such an investment.

On to the back side of the unit: midi IN and midi OUT, jacks for sustain pedal (not included) and output are easily accessed. Internally, a 2.5 watt amp and speaker which is loud, clear and active until a ¼” plug is plugged in, then the speaker is silenced and all audio is redirected though this stereo output jack. Drawing less than 10 watts (unlike the real one you can fry an egg on), we keep it on and set to Sawtooth . . . certainly a surprise when people touch the keys and find sound coming from the unit itself! This unit generates no heat and never goes out of tune.

Now, this keyboard is actual size (it’s a monster) at 43-1/4” wide, 6” high and 19-1/2” deep and weighs in at about 35 lbs. Built entirely of high-grade MDF, marine plywood laminates, our Jupiter is very strong, very well built and easily moved or carried. As a model however, it needs be treated with same care a real JP-8 would require: liquids, small children and cigarettes should stay away.

You may have seen our ¼ scale JP-8 model that sold on ebay last month, or maybe the “black plastic side cheeks for the Juno-60” we produce . . . Our commitment is keeping this classic equipment at the forefront of the modern studio. This project is a result of that total commitment and the experience we have in this area. "

Also see the 1/4" version.