A very underrated drum machine! It resembles the popular TR-909, and better yet, its hi-hat, cymbals, and clap sound almost identical to the TR-909! The TR-707 is a great source for cheap 909 samples. It has some other cool features too such as its Matrix display which clearly maps out your pattern for you in an easy to read display panel. It also features both MIDI in/out and DIN sync control - the best of both worlds. Why this unit even has individual outputs for each of its drum tones!

For programming, it features a shuffle and flam effect and its programming abilities are very impressive. But it does have its limitations, the only adjustment you can make to each drum tone is volume. And all of its other drum tones are boring (especially ride, kick and snare). It's used by Aphex Twin, Laurent Garnier, Squarepusher, Luke Vibert, Freddy Fresh, Phil Collins, Marshall Jefferson and Plastikman.

49 VISITOR COMMENTS

th0mas

November 4, 2011 @ 11:40 am

Roland still supplies parts for their old drum machines (for the parts they still have in stock or can order, that is). I was able to get a replacement TR-707 DC jack for $2 + $8 shipping from Roland Canada!

charles

October 14, 2011 @ 3:06 am

@ andy edwards: the 707 is not difficult to programme. Look for the manual online. If you read it and still need help programming rhythms buy the book "260 Drum Machine Patterns". It's on Amazon.
@everyone: I keep almost selling this, but then bring it out to play one last time and just can't bring myself to do it! The separate audio outs and mixer section are the real killer features, makes it infinitely flexible. Really clever interface too, so easy to use. A keeper.

andy Edwards

September 3, 2011 @ 8:28 am

I really love the Roland TR-707 and am willing to pay someone to program it for me. It has some drum patterns in it that need to be erased and then new (stock) patterns programed. I only need 8th note, 2/4, shuffle, waltz, 16s and maybe a swing. Don't know where to go for a programmer. I live in Anaheim, California (714) 397-2830

Steve Davies

August 5, 2011 @ 11:52 am

I used this unit for years in my One- Man Group setup. The bonus was the separate outs & being able to use EQ & Effects on the individual sounds. I midi synced to a 505 running an odd number of fill patterns muting the sound so I could kick in a fill at any point in the bar. The sounds are all there to do what you want with them don’t be put off with the tinny sounds you hear on this demo. Plug it into something decent and “GIVE IT SOME WELLY”

Perseus Traxx

May 3, 2011 @ 2:50 am

I've just got one of these. The sound limitations aren't an issue as they can all have individual outs, though having to share certain sound channels clap/tambourine and stick/cowbell isn't something i'd had to consider while using samples in the past. For years I've used heavily eq'd and processed samples of this machine despite its reputation for sounding cheap and not very good. For me its reputation as a cheap drum machine is what meant it was pounced on by young producers back in the early days of house, and as someone who likes that sound - its an obvious choice.

<1098765432>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (required)

Email Address: (required)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.