Roland System 700

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via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"This is a unique opportunity to buy a monster synth, that is also a piece of synth pop history. Two cabinets plus the original keyboard, all lids, interconnection cables and original manual included. The first cabinet is a Roland System-700 Lab is one of the rarest and most sought-after modular synthesizers ever built. Introduced in 1976 as part of Roland’s legendary System-700 series, the Lab version was designed as a compact, self-contained modular laboratory for advanced sound design, research, and education — but with the same discrete analog circuitry, massive sound, and build quality as the full studio system.

This one was owned by Bill Vorn, keyboardist of the synth-pop band Rational Youth, used in the following albums dated 1981 to 1983 : Rational Youth, Saturdays in Silesia, City of Night and I want to see the light, as reported in the certification signed by Bill Vorn himself, provided in the item. The second one is another original SYS 700 one, connected and internally cabled to the main one by means of the original cable, with the super rare modules that you see in the picture: an additional, multimode filter, the great output module and… a professionally custom module with a perfect ARP 2600 VCF clone… plus other stuff.

All the best Sys 700 modules, featuring the iconic vintage Roland tone — warm and incredibly dynamic — and offers an extraordinary range of sonic possibilities thanks to its flexible patch architecture. Perfect for collectors, professional studios, or synth enthusiasts looking for a centerpiece instrument with historical and musical significance. The system sports a comprehensive modular architecture with 3 oscillators, 2 filters, 2 VCAs, 6 envelopes (!), mixer, phaser, spring reverb (HUGE) and …utilities.

Legendary System-700 sound — powerful basses, evolving textures, experimental tones. What to say more? Fully functional and in very good cosmetic condition with minor signs of use. You will never find another in such condition. Last call…"

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Roland System 700

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Roland System 700 main cabinet, sequencer, keyboard & ultrarare Polyfusion monophonic cv keyboard with velocity & aftertouch. The Polyfusion keyboard is connected directly to the main cabinet. There is a 1/4 patchbay to connect cv, gate trigger, velocity, pressure, etc. to make use of its extended possibilities. It has been done to make it reversible. This is a rare opportunity to own this incredibile original modular synthesizer with its sequencer. Main cabinet, sequencer & Roland keyboard are in very good shape, the Polyfusion keyboard needs (estetically) a bit TLC but it works. Famous users are Vince Clarke, Hans Zimmer, Giorgio Moroder, Aphex Twin, Richard Barbieri (Japan), Isao Tomita, Jam & Spoon, The Human League, Visage Roland System 700 main cabinet, sequencer, keyboard & ultra-rare Polyfusion monophonic CV keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. The Polyfusion keyboard is connected directly to the main cabinet. A 1/4' patchbay allows connection of CV, gate, trigger, velocity, pressure, etc., enabling full use of its extended capabilities. The modification was done in a fully reversible way. This is a rare opportunity to own this incredible original modular synthesizer with its sequencer. The main cabinet, sequencer, and Roland keyboard are in very good condition, while the Polyfusion keyboard could use a bit of cosmetic TLC but works perfectly. Famous users include Vince Clarke, Hans Zimmer, Giorgio Moroder, Aphex Twin, Richard Barbieri (Japan), Isao Tomita, Jam & Spoon, The Human League, and Visage. These are the modules: 702A VCO 702B VCO 702C VCO 708A Ring Mod / Noise 703A VCF 703B VCF 704A VCA 704B VCA 711A Rev / Pan / Phase Shifter 712A Monitor / Voltage Proc. 706A LFO 706B LFO 709A S&H 707A Amp / Env. Follower / Integrater 705A Dual EG 716A Mixer 710A Multiple Jack 718A Power Supply 717A Sequencer"

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System 700 original power supply

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via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Roland System 700 European / UK / Australian voltage power supply. Can supply power for 3 System 700 cabinets. Very nice condition and just checked up at my Tech. Not part of second chance sunday."

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The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

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via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

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Roland System 700 (Live performance feat. Wizard) ‪@SynthTemple‬

video upload by Brett Little

"All sounds created and performed in a single patch on the magnificent Roland System 700 at Synth Temple in Melbourne. A throwback performance to the mid 70s when this rare and absolutely monolithic synth was invented. Performance and patch by Wizard, featuring artists Mu-Gen and Cosmic Sound Explorer."

Roland System 700 Lab jam #rolandsystem700 #system700

video upload by analogia pl

ROLAND SYSTEM 700 - Handmade miniature1/6 scale.

video upload by Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

Roland System 700 Lab jam w/ AKG BX-15 #rolandsystem700 #system700 #akgbx15

video upload by analogia pl

"Sometimes hype is justified - System 700 is one of the best sounding synths in existence. This jam was recorded after we serviced another one for a client."

Roland System 700 Lab

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via this Reverb listing

"Roland System 700 Lab vintage analogue modular synth for sale - this has been fully overhauled and recapped by James Walker at Soundgas for perfect operation.

It sounds as stunning as it looks (more so infact) and is a perfect introduction to the Roland System 700 family. Not much comes close to the sound of these synths - we prefer them to Moog (sacrilege?).

The System 700 Lab is Block 8 (main unit/oscillators), Block 2 (keyboard) and comes complete with case lids and original patch/connecting cables."

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Roland System 700 Lab jam #rolandsystem700 #system700

video upload by analogia pl

"Post-calibration jam done on a 700 Lab. Reverb could have been AKG BX-15 spring."

Roland System 700 Lab jam #rolandsystem700 #system700

video upload by analogia pl

"Another jam from the work bench at analogia.pl - too bad I did not record this one."

RARE Roland System 700 Modular Synthesiser 1970s - Lab Module & Keyboard

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via this Reverb listing

"The System 700 was Roland’s answer to the Moog Modular: it offers similar muscle combined with the very best of 70s Japanese design, engineering, build quality and synth expertise.

For Sale is the lab unit containing: three oscillators, noise generator, ring modulator, VCF, VCA, LFO , dual envelope generators, sample and hold module, and mixer.

Also included is the keyboard controller module and connecting cable.

The synth sounds FANTASTIC but case has minor blemishes and scratches (as per listing photos) as to be expected from a unit dating to the late 70s. Cap missing off the power button.

Synth comes with Australian power supply cable.

Own this rare piece of synth history!"

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MEGA Roland System 700 Modular Analog Synthesizer SN 630086

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via this Reverb listing

"The Bonfires Vintage is thrilled to offer Voltron! -A once in a lifetime complete Roland system 700 modular synthesizer, meticulously serviced and restored, in absolutely gorgeous playing condition.

Regarded as perhaps the finest analog synthesizer ever designed, only 40 of these miraculous systems were ever produced, and I think Hans Zimmer owns 39.

Please check out the video below of this actual synth in action!

Main Console:

OSC 702a, OSC 702b, OSC 702c

Noise/ ring mod 708, VCF 703e, VCF 703B,

VCA 704a, VCA 704b, Stereo output 711a,

Monitor 712a, LFO 706a, LFO 706b,

S&H 709a, AMP 707a, dual ADSR 705a,

MIX 716a, MULT 710a, PSU 718a.

Block 5:

VCF 703f, VCA 703c, 3x VCA 704c,

Gate Delay 713a, 2x Dual ADSR 705a,

MULT 710a

Block 4:

3x VCO 702d, 3x VCO 702e, MIX 716a,

MULT 710a, LFO 706b, S&H 709b,

DUAL ADSR 705a.

Block 7:

MULT 710b, SWITCH 723a,

DUAL PHASE 720b, DUAL DELAY 721a

Block 6:

IF1 714b, VCA 704c MULTIMODE VCF/ MIXER 715a

Keyboard Controller: 701a.

Each module has been cleaned, calibrated, and recapped as necessary for optimum performance. The connectors have all been upgraded to locking DE9 with hi spec 80c 300v rated cabling for all modules. The system also comes with a dedicated test jig for module repairs."

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Surfing The Roland System-700

video upload by Rosen Sound

"In this video Rob takes you on a basic tour of the modules in a main block system 700 plus sequencer block.

These repair videos are filmed with a tripod in Rob's personal home workshop away from the hectic vibe at Rosen Sound's Burbank location."

1969 Moog IIIP Vintage Modular Synthesizer For Sale or NYC Studio Use

video upload by tonetweakers

"The Moog modular was one of the first commercially available synthesizers. Sold in different configurations, the Moog IIIP consisted of 3 portable cabinets. Containing ten (!) 901 series oscillators, the best lowpass and highpass filters in the biz, and a magical spring reverb that makes things sound more organic, we can't think of any other synth that matches the warmth and fatness of this genuine 1969 vintage Moog modular. Wendy Carlos’s classic album Switched on Bach and I Feel Love by Donna Summer were recorded on similar Moog modular systems. We just finished refurbishing this gorgeous example (assuming we don’t find any problems as we continue to test it). Restoration was done in stages and took many months to complete. Total tech time spent was around 85 hours. We hit a snag when some parts we ordered turned out to be fakes - a sadly common occurrence these days - but we eventually managed to track down some legit replacements. We originally planned to sell this system, but after spending some time patching it, we don’t know if we can let this one go! If this system was set up in a commercial studio here in New York City where it was available for use, would you be interested? If so, please email us. Or, make us a serious offer and if it's tempting enough, maybe we'll sell it. We'd also consider trades for similar vintage modular systems (Roland System 700, Buchla 200, Polyfusion, Emu Modular, ARP 2500, etc). We have a smaller (single cabinet) real vintage Moog Model 15 that's ready for sale.

We buy sell trade refurbish vintage synths and electronic musical instruments.

Tone Tweakers Inc.
http://www.tonetweakers.com"

Roland Synthesizer System 700 Modular Brochure

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via this eBay listing

"Roland Synthesizer SYSTEM 700 Modular Brochure, vintage original 1976, 6 pages front to back. Printed in Japan BUT In English. Vintage original and very rare. Note: Roland Brochure ONLY. Very Good to Excellent Condition with exception of music store written price on front cover. No missing pages, no tears, tight spine, no stains, no punch holes, no highlights. Now approx 49 years old. Almost half a century. Time keeps on slipping into the future."

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Celebrating International Synthesizer Day at SynthTemple

video upload by Luke Million

"What better way to celebrate International Synthesizer Day than surrounding yourself with the most iconic synths ever made in a giant studio?!

Recently I visited SynthTemple to familiarise myself with what is possible in this amazing sonic playground.

I thought it would be fun to recreate The Chase by Giorgio Moroder and in particular to learn how to use the Roland System 700.

A lot of fun was had and although I didn’t get through the whole track, I learnt so much about SynthTemple and I can’t wait to return to work on new music.

Equipment used;

Oberheim DMX, Roland System 700, Yamaha SPX-900, Solina String Synthesizer, Roland SPV-355, Oberheim Eight Voice, Roland System 100 & Yamaha CS-80

Check out the amazing synth playground which is SynthTemple here - https://www.synthtemple.com/"

Custom Roland System 700 Dual VCF filter module 703f 703a side cabinet

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via this Reverb listing

"Original vintage Roland system 700 703a and ultra rare 703f voltage controlled Filter module extension cabinet!"

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Playtime with the Roland System 700

video upload by Edwin Kiddo

Roland SH-1

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via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

"One of the earliest examples of Roland's pure class, the SH-1 was in many ways more powerful and impressive than the SH-2 that followed - and in many ways was streets ahead of its American rivals in build quality. It also, I thought, sounded more meaty than my SH-7 at the time. I still remember the owner of a London music shop going ape about the sounds he was getting out of his little SH-1 in the late 70s - at a time when they also had Moogs and ARPs at their disposal. Seriously solid, in its construction and in its sound. An especially nice feature is the audio input with an envelope follower - and this could be mixed with VCO, sub and noise in a dedicated little four-slider mixer. Plus, like its big brother, the SH-7, it has auto-bend - and the filter design uses the CA3080 OTA chip, like the System 700.

This example of this seriously rare synth is in superb cosmetic condition, and we reckon near-mint. It works beautifully, though like many of its contemporaries it has some difficulty getting back to perfect pitch after using the pitchbend.

[***UPDATE: we were able to find what the problem was (more the transpose switch than the pitchbend) and it's now good again. But in examining it very closely we decided that 'very good' (8/10) is better for the cosmetic description. Still a seriously lovely instrument for something only a few uears away from being 50 years old.***] Packing 12GBP."

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Making dubstep with a Roland System 700

video upload by

"Making dubstep with vintage analog synth. #RolandSystem700 #AnalogSynth #Dubstep #ModularMadness"

アナログシンセ同士、聴き比べてみた！　#RolandSystem700 #RolandSystem100m #電子音楽 #シンセサイザー

video upload by

And one featuring the MicroKorg. Posting it for the very end. See if you recognize it.

Microkorg買っちまった　#アナログシンセ #analogsynth #electronicmusic #音楽制作

video upload by Wana