Roland SH2
Forum rules
READ: VSE Board-Wide Rules and Guidelines
READ: VSE Board-Wide Rules and Guidelines
Roland SH2
Im thinking about going for one of these. However I dont see many around - how much can I expect to pay for one? There are a few on ebay around $900 - $1000 - this seems a little steep?
Anybody got any opinions on them?
Anybody got any opinions on them?
- Z
- Synth Explorer
- Posts: 3548
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2007 3:08 am
- Gear: Bubble wrap, Styrofoam, boxes, packing tape
- Location: Docking Bay 94 (Dallas, TX)
- Contact:
Re: Roland SH2
Damn fine monosynth. I've owned mine about 17-18 years. With 2 detunable oscillators, that smooth Roland PWM, they make great leads. Switch the waveforms over to SAW and add the sub osc and you've got nice, thick basses. Check out my YouTube vids:
In the 2nd video, I demonstrate controlling the SH-2 via CV/Gate with a SH-101, both via keyboard and sequencer. Then I demonstrate the running an external signal (TR-626 drum machine) into the SH-2's filter, first using the SH-2's enverlope follower and lastly by triggering the envelope with the 626's Rim Shot programmed trigger out.
The sequenced ostinato part of "Ascension" was done with the 101's sequencer triggering the SH-2.
Yes, like most vintage synths, the price of the SH-2 has increased quite a bit over the past couple of years. The evilbay price is $900 - $1K, but you might find someone to make you a deal outside the bay for $700 - $800.
Best of luck.
In the 2nd video, I demonstrate controlling the SH-2 via CV/Gate with a SH-101, both via keyboard and sequencer. Then I demonstrate the running an external signal (TR-626 drum machine) into the SH-2's filter, first using the SH-2's enverlope follower and lastly by triggering the envelope with the 626's Rim Shot programmed trigger out.
The sequenced ostinato part of "Ascension" was done with the 101's sequencer triggering the SH-2.
Yes, like most vintage synths, the price of the SH-2 has increased quite a bit over the past couple of years. The evilbay price is $900 - $1K, but you might find someone to make you a deal outside the bay for $700 - $800.
Best of luck.
Re: Roland SH2
Ah yes!
It was me who commented only yesterday - thanks for that video
I was hoping to spend £400 which is $700. Perhaps thats not so realistic...I might try some Japanese stores...
Does anybody know any others than fiveG.net?
It was me who commented only yesterday - thanks for that video

I was hoping to spend £400 which is $700. Perhaps thats not so realistic...I might try some Japanese stores...
Does anybody know any others than fiveG.net?
- Z
- Synth Explorer
- Posts: 3548
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2007 3:08 am
- Gear: Bubble wrap, Styrofoam, boxes, packing tape
- Location: Docking Bay 94 (Dallas, TX)
- Contact:
Re: Roland SH2
It's those Japanese sellers who are asking the high prices on eBay. With the weak US Dollar, you might be able to find one in the States at a better price.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
- wiss
- Supporting Member!
- Posts: 2141
- Joined: Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:03 pm
- Gear: .com, mpc, and a studio full of behringer clones.
- Location: Chicago
Re: Roland SH2
best little roland mono for bass
you can find them less than 800 if you keep your eye out
you can find them less than 800 if you keep your eye out
"All we used was the explosion and the orchestra hit. The Fairlight was a $100,000 waste of space."
- Automatic Gainsay
- Synth Explorer
- Posts: 3962
- Joined: Wed Feb 14, 2007 12:22 am
- Real name: Marc Doty
- Gear: Minimoog, 2600, CS-15, CS-50, MiniBrute, MicroBrute, S2, Korg MS-20 Mini, 3 Volcas, Pro 2, Leipzig, Pianet T, Wurli 7300, Wurli 145-A, ASR-10, e6400.
- Band: Godfrey's Cordial
- Location: Tacoma
- Contact:
Re: Roland SH2
Jesus, buy two SH9s for less and have more functionality.
"I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question." -Charles Babbage
"Unity and Mediocrity are forever in bed together." -Zane W.
http://www.youtube.com/automaticgainsay
"Unity and Mediocrity are forever in bed together." -Zane W.
http://www.youtube.com/automaticgainsay
- Sir Ruff
- Synth Explorer
- Posts: 3519
- Joined: Tue May 09, 2006 11:55 pm
- Gear: Two persimmon modulators and a frequency adjudicator.
- Band: Ruff in the jungle
- Location: Philadelphia
Re: Roland SH2
but but but... no.Automatic Gainsay wrote:Jesus, buy two SH9s for less and have more functionality.

Do you even post on vse bro?
- samsam81073
- Newbie
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:10 pm
- Gear: Minimoog, my pride and joy.
- Contact:
Re: Roland SH2
I would like to get one of these one day. Hope I can find a good price on one in the Toronto area. I am nervous to buy from ebay.
Buy Vintage synths at http://moogprodigy.com
Also guitars and Basses at http://www.aliveguitar.com
and http://4001.aliveguitar.com
Also guitars and Basses at http://www.aliveguitar.com
and http://4001.aliveguitar.com
-
- Active Member
- Posts: 357
- Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2006 6:00 pm
- Location: UK
- Contact:
Re: Roland SH2
I've had one from new. That price seems a bit much but it does seem to be increasing in price. I found it to be quite versatile in a smooth and mellow way, I did 2 albums with only that in the early 80s. I still prefer it to the SH101 which I also have. Note that the CSQ100/600 sequencers seem very cheap and go with it very nicely (the original SH2 flyer has a picture of it paired with the CSQ).
- shaft9000
- Supporting Member!
- Posts: 2042
- Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2006 3:13 am
- Real name: Dave
- Gear: Whips chains waxes oils dildos DMT TNT the LHC, and a black rubber duckie
- Band: moneymoneymoney
- Location: VanNuys, CA USA
- Contact:
Re: Roland SH2
it should go for around 700-900 based on condition. i sold my sh-09 for 550 about 4 years ago in great condition.
besides the LP i have now, the sh-09 was my favorite synth for bass of all the mono's i've had.
besides the LP i have now, the sh-09 was my favorite synth for bass of all the mono's i've had.
2600.solus.modcan a.eurorack.cs60.JP8.Juno6.A6.sunsyn.volcakeys.jd990.tb303.x0xb0x.revolution.
999.m1am1.RY30.svc350.memotron
shaft9000.muffwiggler.com <- singles & mixtape
shaft9000.bandcamp.com <- spacemusic album
youtube.com/shaft9000 <- various synth demos and studies
999.m1am1.RY30.svc350.memotron
shaft9000.muffwiggler.com <- singles & mixtape
shaft9000.bandcamp.com <- spacemusic album
youtube.com/shaft9000 <- various synth demos and studies
-
- Newbie
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 3:16 am
- Location: Miami, Florida
Re: Roland SH2
I'm lucky I got to pick one up for 400$can last winter. It's not in the greatest shape... the keys double-trigger sometimes but that doesn't really matter since I've midied it up. The master-tune knob is super tempermental as well but yeah, still useable. BIG bass from this little beasty even though I actually find it harder to get good "rez-bass" type sounds from it than my other synths just because of how sensitive the resonance sliders seem to be on these kind of roland synths.
But yeah, theyre around for cheaper if you can find them!
But yeah, theyre around for cheaper if you can find them!
Re: Roland SH2
Same with me.TRANSISTOR FACE wrote: BIG bass from this little beasty even though I actually find it harder to get good "rez-bass" type sounds from it than my other synths just because of how sensitive the resonance sliders seem to be on these kind of roland synths.
I got mine about 6 weeks ago, in mint condition for $750 Australian. I was happy with that price

I also picked up a CSQ-600 to use with it - brilliant!