Roland SH-101
The Hershey Kiss of analog synths. A small little bugger with a big bite. An early '80's Roland that was somewhat of a novelty in that it included strap pegs and a small handle (not shown in above picture) that could attach to the left side of the keyboard to allow it to be played like a guitar on a strap. Although, that should probably be a bass guitar referrence as the SH-101 is widely known and used for it's bass tones. Very simple, basic synth, but like Roland's Junos of the same era, able to squeeze every once of itself through it's audio outs for maximum effect.
Average Advertised Price: $250 to $600. Over priced is average, being $450 or more.
Jetboy's Humble Opinion Of Worth: $300. It's really a cool synth, but let's not make a mountain out of a mole hill (not intenting to belittle the SH-101 - it's little enough already!). Like other trendy units, it's price has increased due to it's name.
Jetboy's Review - Main opinions on the SH101 usually sit on two different sides of the fence. One side being the pro-trendy side of "hey, it's an SH101, those are trendy, they're cool." And the opposite side being the anti-trendy side of "hey, it's and SH101, those are trendy, they suck." Smart opinions come from viewing it as a synth: "hey, let's plug it in and see what it does?" I have never spend alot of time with one of these units, but like most Rolands of this era, I totally dig it.
MrKrypto at mrkrypto@mrkrypto.com coins the following phrases: This one came in the same fantastic deal that got rid of the Q-less M1 and brought the Juno 106. I love the Juno more than any other Synth, but the SH has a very special place in my heart. It's really in a league of it's own. When the TB suddenly became "the big thing" I wondered (and wonder) what all the fuss was about. The SH can make all the same sounds (esp if you add a touch of distortion) and more. The arpegiator is great, but I really love the sequencer. It takes time to get the most out of, but I can't stress more than enough the use of the rests. Think of it as a four or five bar sequencer (and divide that by the 100 (I think) steps) and you're cooking. Then throw in the random lfo waveform routing it to filter mod (subtle is what I like the most, although things can get crazy at high settings). Heaven. This is one of those synths that at first you say (and trust me, this happened to me) "Yeah, that's kind of cool, nice low end but not much to it." It always s! eems to get relegated to being just a 16 beat bass line. Tragedy! When I buy a new synth, I dedicate myself to using it and nothing else for a month (sometimes more, as in the case of the Juno). Even with other beloved toys around, I just work with the new one. At first there's excitement which quickly becomes boredom. Then, when you've found a gem, there's an epiphany. Stick with the SH and you'll have one. Oh yeah, and the Blue one's look just soo cool (wish I had one).
Sean Alan at seanalan@bayol poetically ponders: The 101 sounds best distorted with either a Dod overdrive plus, or a Boss bass overdrive guitar pedal. Try these and you should be in analog heaven.
Karoshi at karoshi@metronet.com proves the computer keyboard is mightier than the Pen, which in turn is mightier than the Sword: Hate to admit this, but I got my 101 NEW for $200. I miss it, but mostly because of what I could sell it for now. It IS a terrific little budget monosynth that rumbles pleasingly, but the fact that these are going for more than a good PolySix doesn't make any sense to me. It is great fun to strap the sucker on and pretend you've just joined P-Funk, tho...
Shawn Cleary at shawnclear@aol.com informs us: Join the sh-101 mailing list: www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/sh-101
Larry at computercontrled@hotmail.com tells us what color the sky was when he was young: Here's a fun little ditty. If you're controlling the SH from an external source( i use a Doepfer MCV1), split the gate in two. Put one into the Gate input, & the other into the CLK input. That will sync the random waveform to your sequenced pattern. Very fun. But for some reason, only the random waveform works. But all 3 work when using the internal clock. Hmmf. Fun synth!!
Danny Walls at ddub303@yahoo.com tells us about his audio crayons: I have a mint red Sh-101 with mod grip. I admit I paid 465 for it, but the red one was a must have!! Now I'm looking for a blue, and I have heard that there are a few green units out there.....hmmmm....? It is truely a LIL monster, that I think can sceam better than a TB-303! It has a very high pitch scream to its filter, that is great through effects! Find one strap it on....enjoy
MooT BooXLe at lbaxley@bellsouth.net just has a plain weird name: All that can be said is this: Roland analogues are awesome!! I have an SH-3 and it usually finds its way into everything I do musically. If it's an SH, and it works well, and is cheap(most are), you should buy it. They all sound great. Especially the 101!
