The JD-800 is Roland's answer to half a decade of hard-to-program synthesizers. Covered in sliders that act as dedicated editors just like a classic analog synth, the JD-800 is an extremely programmable and hands-on digital synthesizer. It is also an interesting and great sounding digital synth with incredible flexibility and control. Internal ROM based waveforms are combined to build your sounds. The sounds are based on Roland's D-50, but updated for the nineties with multimode filters - uncommon but welcome at the time.

The JD-800 came in a tough metal case capped off on the sides with large plastic covers. Programming may be a little too flexible for some users, but once you know what you're doing with it, almost any sound you can dream up can be dialed in and stored.

It has been used by William Ørbit, Emerson Lake & Palmer, 808 State, Ken Ishii, Astral Projection, Rabbit in the Moon, Depeche Mode, Underworld, Tangerine Dream, LTJ Bukem, Apollo 440, Jean Michel Jarre, ATB, Vangelis, Pet Shop Boys, Faithless, Luke Vibert, Mouse on Mars, Laurent Garnier, MC Hammer, Bushflange, Genesis, and Eat Static.

P.M

October 13, 2012 @ 4:03 am

Theres a pretty good "keytar" sound on this. Pretty digital synth.
Preset sounds [beep] s(basic 90's) but when you make your own sounds, then the sky is the limit. Not one of my favourites but if you want strange digital sounds, try this.

JD-800!

September 27, 2012 @ 2:16 pm

Nick Rhodes also used a JD-800 live in 1994 and even up till recording of their RCM album in 2005! Obviously a 'keeper'

JD-800!

September 27, 2012 @ 2:12 pm

There's a facebook page for the wonderful JD-800 at https://www.facebook.com/RolandJd800 - and this is one of the best synths I've ever laid hands on. Sounds great, looks great, and is a joy to interact with. Probably a strong contender for an 'only synth' if you had to make a choice - not for all sounds but for the fun factor and the versatility it does have! Beautiful machine.

SOS says...

September 26, 2012 @ 12:57 pm

"With its large, friendly panel, impressive programming depth and warm sounds, the JD800 might have dominated the market had it been launched a year or two before, but it arrived just as Korg released the similarly-priced 01/WFD workstation and the Wavestation, both of which proved to be more popular. Nonetheless, it's the JD800 that still turns heads in the 21st century." from Sound on Sound - History of Roland. AGREED!

Pob

June 7, 2012 @ 5:27 pm

Got one from new. Interface allows you to explore without hindrance. The waves in isolation seem limiting but any doubts are put to bed as it can take that seed and mangle it so wildly. Effects are excellent.
After 15 years, had previous mentioned issues and the repair guy failed to find spares so I had to let it go.
Got a JD990 now but it is not the same and does not invoke the same creative urges the 800 did. It's interface was spot on.

If you get a good one, like exploring and creating sound in a flowing and organic way, I would be amazed if you found yourself disliking it.

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