Land of the Rising Sound | A Roland Retrospective

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  • Опубліковано 3 кві 2019
  • Land of the Rising Sound: A Roland Retrospective.
    The story of Roland is one of the most expansive and influential in the world of music technology. This feature length documentary sets out to tell it through their iconic inventions.
    Roland: www.roland.com/global/
    General Thanks:
    First of all, a huge and heartfelt thank you to some anonymous synth experts who not only leant me a jaw dropping array of rare equipment, but who also gave up time from their busy schedules to show me how to use it and who even helped record it on location. I owe you a debt of gratitude, but the entire community at large does too. Thank you!
    I also need to thank Gordon Reid for answering my tedious questions and for helping with the explanations of some trickier technical aspects. Furthermore, both Gordon and Sound on Sound need crediting for having already gone the whole 9-yards on the subject:
    www.soundonsound.com/music-bu...
    Named Thank yous: Paolo @ SynthMania, Dan, Michael and Joe @ Reverb.com, Conny @ Asteroid Killer Music, Gordon Reid, Paul & Ian Gilby @ Sound on Sound, Peter Venuto @ Synth Palace, Sanj Sen @ Ropey Sound, Pea Hicks, Brandon @ Zibby Bone, Marko Ettlich @ RetroSound, Ra Smith @ madFAME, JP Geersing @ synthsandstuff, Synth4ever, Reuben Jones, Patrick Gill, Woody @ Piano Shack, Andrew Pimblott @ Roland, David Åhlund @ Roland Artist Relations Centre, Romain Segaud, Pendle Poucher @ Sound Dust, Pablo and James @ The Toy Rooms, Paul Hartnoll @ Orbital, Paul @ M&S Organ Parts, Richard @ Retro Synth Ads, Rob Nicholls, Synthetic Machines, Ed Lewis, Joseph Hecht, Jason Scammell @ Now and then FX. Ian Livingstone. Some other people who know who they are!
    Links:
    SynthMania: UA-cam: / synthmaniadotcom
    Reverb.com: / reverbmarket
    Joe George: www.joegeorgemusic.net/
    Asteroid Killer Music: / asteroidkillermusic
    Synthetic Machines: / syntheticmachines
    Ropey Sound: www.ropeysound.com/
    Synth Palace: www.synthpalace.net/
    SynthPalace UA-cam: / @synthpalace3048
    Peter Venuto: / electricrainbowness
    Pea Hicks: / @peahix
    MC-8 website: rolandmc8.wordpress.com/
    Zibby Bone: / zibbybone
    RetroSound: / retrosound72
    madFAME: / madfameltd
    Linn LM-1 video referenced in the film: • The Linn LM-1: The Dru...
    JP Geersing: / synthsandstuff
    Synth4ever: / @synth4ever
    Woody: / @woodypianoshack
    Liam Howlett’s W30 original video: • The Prodigy - Liam How...
    Reuben Jones: / tucker10
    Patrick Gill: / patrickgillmusic
    Anders Enger Jensen: / hariboosx
    Some soundtrack excerpts from this film: / s-2zi3u
    Additional incidental music provided by Joseph Hecht:
    / polygonimbus
    Other Image Credits:
    Title image by Romain Segaud
    www.romainsegaud.com/
    The three System 100m cases, the red and blue Roland SH-101s and the Devil Fish 303 are photos I took at Curve Pusher Studios in Hastings last year. You can book time to record with those here:
    www.curvepusher.co.uk/studio/r...
    Several press release photos and manuals from Roland.com
    www.roland.com/global/products/
    Several images (JV80, VG-8, VS-880, UA-100) by Sound on Sound Ltd
    www.soundonsound.com/
    ATV A Frame images
    www.aframe.jp/
    Various advert scans by Retro Synth Ads
    retrosynthads.blogspot.com/
    Ace Tone R-1 images by M&S Organ Parts
    msorganparts.com/
    Ace Tone FR-1 images from Encyclotronic
    encyclotronic.com/drum-machin...
    Ace Tone FR-6 images by Rob Nicholls
    provincialparcs.bandcamp.com
    Some creative commons Ace Tone images from Wikipedia
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ace_Tone
    Some GS-500 print ads from Wayne Scott Joness superb archive
    www.joness.com/gr300/GS-500.html
    MC-8 photos by Pea Hicks
    Behind-the-scene photos at Roland from Ralph Dyck’s collection
    rolandmc8.wordpress.com/2010/...
    Additional 727 logo image from here:
    djjondent.blogspot.com/2017/08...
    CMU 800R photos:
    www.gearslutz.com/board/elect...
    www.matrixsynth.com/2018/05/r...
    Social:
    / alexballmusic
    / alexballmusic

КОМЕНТАРІ • 3,1 тис.

  • @LGR
    @LGR 5 років тому +671

    This was obviously a monumental task to put together. Massive props, this was fantastic.

    • @MrMG43
      @MrMG43 3 роки тому +21

      Clint was here! That's how you know this video is fantastic :)

    • @mima85
      @mima85 3 роки тому +6

      @Knobcore Actually the two worlds are closely related for a good number of reasons, just think about the fact that a lot of early computers and game consoles had a little synthesizer in them (the C64's SID, the Yamaha OPL2 and OPL3 in the PC/DOS world, the FM synthesis and squarewave-cruncher chips in game consoles, etc...), and all the great music that came out from such systems. Also add the fact that every digitally-controlled synthesizer, even analog ones, actually has a little computer inside, in the form of a full Z-80 system or based around an Intel/Motorola/whatever microcontroller.

    • @MiriusTube
      @MiriusTube 2 роки тому +2

      haha read that, slowly, in your voice

    • @justahfreakin
      @justahfreakin 9 місяців тому +1

      what you said

  • @DestroyER82
    @DestroyER82 5 років тому +1819

    When "fan made" documentary completly demolishes anything that serious media or TV ever done. This is absolutely marvelous in quality and range of information and also in production level like spot on amount of talking and sound/music, editing, effects and so on. Hat down and huge respect.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +101

      Thank you! Guess it's easier to make something without corporate considerations. Just throw up a camera and go.

    • @drjazz7278
      @drjazz7278 5 років тому +34

      It looks and sounds like a zillion bucks has been spent making it

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +46

      @@drjazz7278 Thanks! Zero bucks were spent. Just petrol money and a lot of hours. :)

    • @papahuge
      @papahuge 5 років тому +18

      +1 Incredibly well made and entertaining documentary.

    • @Sparks127
      @Sparks127 4 роки тому +5

      @@AlexBallMusic I'm sure Rory Daniels approves! Fantastic documentary. Brought back so many memories of programming the JX3-P, Set me up for a DX-7, then an M1 and a D-50.
      Luckily by then I'd been programming Theatre Lighting boards across several Continents so "protocol" involved "mindset"

  • @TheParadox1010
    @TheParadox1010 3 роки тому +354

    "the synth flopped"
    "5 years later the synth was everywhere"
    even when Roland fails, they succeed

    • @mark.audacity
      @mark.audacity Рік тому +22

      Can you imagine the rage of being a Roland marketing exec in the 80s and 90s?
      “WHY do they only like our stuff AFTER IT FAILS!?”

    • @dreamstaticsounds
      @dreamstaticsounds Рік тому +3

      @@mark.audacity they probably should have looked in the mirror, lol.

  • @connollysoviet2359
    @connollysoviet2359 3 роки тому +125

    Fantastic documentary. The BBC would be proud of this standard.

  • @xXAjaxXx
    @xXAjaxXx 5 років тому +303

    What really impresses me about this is all the demos you do. Anybody with enough patience can rattle off a bunch of Roland facts in front of pictures of synths, but you actually have the access to these instruments and take the time to demonstrate what they sound like. The difference that makes is huge.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +46

      Thank you! I'm in the very fortunate position where people are letting me access their instruments and so I'm trying to do the best I can with that opportunity. Really glad to hear that comes across. Thank you!

    • @scramblesthedeathdealer
      @scramblesthedeathdealer 4 роки тому +7

      @@AlexBallMusic You have a lot of talent composing and playing.

    • @garyturner5204
      @garyturner5204 3 роки тому +3

      Alex Ball you are impressive, knowledgeable and talented! Thank you for sharing here with us all! A wonderful and engaging production!

    • @bwgti
      @bwgti 3 роки тому

      I’m only a third of the way through and this aspect makes the documentary phenomenal. The demo with the giant modular synth is incredible.

    • @BothoHohbaum
      @BothoHohbaum 2 роки тому +1

      Indeed. It looks like you already made yourself familiar with a variety of such instruments for years. For a synth noob it is a real achievement to get even one sound out of the instrument that somehow resembles the musicians intent.
      A phase you left behind years ago, obviously.

  • @johnnyparker2128
    @johnnyparker2128 4 роки тому +279

    I planned to quit watching this about every 5 minutes until I ended up watching the entire video. Great job!

  • @DarthPanthro
    @DarthPanthro 3 роки тому +108

    Even still today scientists are unable to "mix" latin and jazz rhythms

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  3 роки тому +20

      The eighth wonder of the world.

    • @graxjpg
      @graxjpg 3 роки тому +7

      Bossa nova?

    • @M364A
      @M364A 2 місяці тому

      just get two of em, sync em up, then play latin and jazz rhythms at the same time

  • @lordnevets9184
    @lordnevets9184 3 роки тому +48

    I've watched this with tears and joy and respect and regret.
    Thank you so much.
    I've learnt the name of a Man who, without me knowing, has touched my soul and diverted the crash of a teenage life, drove the spirit of my heady 20s and given me the warmth of great memories in my 30s, 40s and at the onset of my 50s.
    Ikutaro Kakehashi. I thank you.
    This has been a fortuitous discovery stumbling upon this video and I feel blessed to of done so.
    Thank you Alex.
    This is stunning. And DAMN BOY! YOU CAN PLAY A MEAN SYNTH!
    Again, Thank you.
    I'll never forget this.

  • @HilarioGalan
    @HilarioGalan 4 роки тому +135

    I canceled my doctors appointment to watch this. Writing this in case I die.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  4 роки тому +36

      Hope the synths gave you life.

    • @TheLarryBrown
      @TheLarryBrown 4 роки тому +13

      Man: what happened? Dr: You were in a horrible car accident but you're going to live. Man: OH NO! Will I be able to play my Roland synthesizers? Dr: Yes you will! Man: Oh that's great! I could never play before!

    • @prettypointlessvideo
      @prettypointlessvideo 3 роки тому +3

      @@TheLarryBrown Dr. Zeus, Dr. ZEUSS.

    • @coolmancam1032
      @coolmancam1032 3 роки тому +3

      Bro that's one of the funniest comments ever lol

  • @Doctormix
    @Doctormix 5 років тому +73

    This is awesome, you should have a lot more views and subscribers!!!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +7

      Thanks Claudio, nice to see you here!

  • @git606
    @git606 3 роки тому +127

    I’ve watched this 3 times now and just marvel at your documentary skills, you really are extremely talented, surely the best documentary on Roland.

  • @oaktreeyt6488
    @oaktreeyt6488 Рік тому +62

    Timestamps:
    0:00 Intro
    0:51 Ikutaro Kakehashi
    1:41 Start of Ace Tone
    2:02 R-1 Rhythm Ace
    2:26 FR-1 Rhythm Ace
    2:59 Ace Tone Organs
    3:15 Kakehashi leaves Ace Tone and founds Roland
    - 1970s -
    3:35 TR-77 Rhythm
    4:33 TR-55 and TR-33
    4:40 SH-1000 (song)
    5:40 AF-100 BeeBaa Fuzz
    6:00 BOSS
    6:16 EP-30 Electric Piano
    6:24 RE-201 Space Echo and Ace Tone EC-10
    7:56 SH-2000 and SH-3
    8:05 SH-5 (song)
    8:50 BOSS CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
    9:23 System 100 (song)
    10:04 System 700
    12:03 System 700 Song
    13:04 RS-202
    14:00 GR-500 and GS-500 (song)
    15:28 MC-8 MicroComposer
    16:26 CR-78 CompuRhythm
    17:12 Jupiter 4
    17:57 ProMars
    18:10 SH-7
    19:08 SH-7 Song
    20:18 SH-1
    20:43 Song with CR-78, SH-1, Jupiter 4 and Promars
    22:00 Paraphonic 505
    22:16 Paraphonic 505 Song
    23:22 System 100M
    24:43 System 100M Song
    26:03 BOSS DR-55
    26:26 VP-330
    - 1980s -
    27:23 TR-808
    29:14 Jupiter 8
    30:14 Jupiter 8 Song
    31:30 TR-606 Drumatix and TB-303 Bass Line
    33:04 Juno 6
    34:31 Juno 6 Song
    36:11 Juno 60
    36:21 SH-101
    37:34 SH-101 Song
    38:42 MIDI
    39:15 Jupiter 6 Song
    40:16 Jupiter 6
    40:57 JX-3P and PG-200
    41:47 JX-3P and PG-200 Song
    42:46 MSQ-700
    42:54 CMU-800R
    43:20 TR-909
    44:38 Roland's survival through the Yamaha-DX7
    45:43 BOSS Stompboxes
    46:37 HM-2
    47:05 TR-707
    47:57 MKB-1000 and MKB-300
    48:07 Juno 106
    48:57 Juno 106 Song
    49:43 JX-8P
    50:20 Super JX
    50:38 Octapad
    50:54 DDR-30
    51:11 RD-1000
    51:47 Acid
    55:31 D-50
    58:21 W-30
    - 1990s -
    58:55 JD-800
    59:30 JD-800 Song
    1:00:30 JV-80
    1:00:46 JV-1080
    1:01:06 BOSS VT-1
    1:01:56 VG-8
    1:02:10 V Drums
    1:02:39 JP-8000
    1:03:38 VS-880
    - 2000s -
    1:04:23 VP-9000
    1:05:57 V-Synth
    1:06:46 Jupiter 80
    1:07:51 TR-8
    1:08:04 Plug-Out
    1:08:29 Boutique Versions
    1:09:00 Song with modern Roland products
    1:10:17 ATV A-Frame
    1:10:36 R.I.P. Ikutaro Kakehashi
    1:11:03 Outro
    If I missed anything, feel free to reply!

    • @Brendici
      @Brendici Рік тому +7

      Thank you for taking the time to index this marvelous video. I wondered if I had missed mention of my beloved MKS-80 and MPG-80 Programmer. Nope. Too many great products to cover them all, I suppose.

    • @jaypublic6477
      @jaypublic6477 7 місяців тому +3

      @@Brendici likewise the JD-XA. All of these iconic too. Regardless, what a great documentary! Congratulations.

  • @rcz2439
    @rcz2439 5 років тому +127

    And now I want Yamaha, Moog, Korg, Oberheim,...

    • @josephwright5921
      @josephwright5921 4 роки тому +6

      R Cz I would especially like to see Oberheim, then Korg.

    • @777jones
      @777jones 4 роки тому +2

      Joseph Wright I always thought Korg the name sounds like a 1980s synth tone.

    • @hevyonez97
      @hevyonez97 4 роки тому +2

      Definitely Oberheim! 👍🏿😁

    • @florianstorck2718
      @florianstorck2718 3 роки тому +1

      and PPG + Waldorf

  • @Ishkur23
    @Ishkur23 5 років тому +227

    Fucking brilliant, mate.
    Now do Korg.

    • @justinhavu
      @justinhavu 5 років тому +7

      Yes, please!!

    • @fawltytenor
      @fawltytenor 5 років тому +16

      After Yamaha, of course.

    • @DjSegwon
      @DjSegwon 5 років тому +1

      You didnt read the pinned comment, lol

    • @Shred_The_Weapon
      @Shred_The_Weapon 5 років тому +3

      Awesome idea! Yamaha also!

    • @serge2603
      @serge2603 5 років тому +4

      @David Harrell =)) And Behringer of course)

  • @prophetofdoom5999
    @prophetofdoom5999 9 місяців тому +10

    I know I’m late to the game, but this documentary is bonkers. As someone just becoming interested in synths (I’ve been a drummer my whole life), I learned an incredible amount of information. Well done and thank you for this amazing piece of content!

  • @StofffeGbg
    @StofffeGbg 3 роки тому +43

    A massive amount of work must have gone into making this. Hands down the best Roland documentary I've seen. Great work!

  • @farquoi
    @farquoi 5 років тому +102

    Great research, filming, editing, writing, narration, ... and he actually plays music. Amazing, amazing. A million thumbs up. This belongs on Netflix or something

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +5

      Thanks! Yes, always music is the thing that I'm interested in, rather than just making sounds.

  • @SynthManiaDotCom
    @SynthManiaDotCom 5 років тому +220

    _Amazing_ job, Alex!!! I enjoyed watching this so much, and special thanks for the shoutout at the W-30 clip in particular ;-) I can only imagine how long it took to put it together, and the patience and amount of research this entailed! Thank you very much for all your fantastic contributions to the synth world - (p.s. if you do decide to go for the Korg one... after a well-deserved looong rest! - I have a few of those to contribute as well :-D )

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +8

      Thanks SO much for your help Paolo, your clips were invaluable! You're a huge resource of knowledge and equipment, so really grateful for your help.
      Korg - would be great further down the line, but it would be another monster. Think the plan is some of the icons who burned bright and faded fast as those stories are easier to tackle...

    • @JyotiMishra
      @JyotiMishra 5 років тому

      I knew you would love this, Paolo! :-D

    • @KutWrite
      @KutWrite 5 років тому +1

      ...and the music was so good, I'm coming back again just for that.

    • @SynthManiaDotCom
      @SynthManiaDotCom 5 років тому +1

      @@JyotiMishra I knew you would love this one too! :-D Hi, Jyoti!!! :-)

  • @EHiggins
    @EHiggins 3 роки тому +21

    I was a teenager in the 80's. Seeing all of those synths, and drum boxes in action was awesome!

  • @killer151489
    @killer151489 2 роки тому +14

    I have absolutely no idea about 95% of the content of this video, but it's so mesmerising and captivating watching all those retro, vintage instruments, .. amazing, keep it up 👐

  • @amatplayer
    @amatplayer 5 років тому +103

    This is one of the best video's Ive watched in a long time on YT. In fact, it is the best.

    • @youreale
      @youreale 4 роки тому

      @@williamtopping indeed

  • @ricochetsixtyten
    @ricochetsixtyten 4 роки тому +94

    Musicians in early 80s: ''303 is never gonna be useful for anything...''
    Techno musicians: Hold my 909

  • @DizzleFitzpizzle4eva
    @DizzleFitzpizzle4eva 11 місяців тому +5

    That was SOOOOOO cool when you rabbit holed the boss heavy metal pedal into the Swedish death metal scene … buzzsaw!!! I am a big fan of Entombed … that was awesome !!!

  • @herbcraven7146
    @herbcraven7146 3 роки тому +30

    I finally took the time to watch this film, and I'm so glad I did. Roland is never given enough credit for their groundbreaking work in the world of synthesis, and continues to push the technology forward long after so many of the legendary pioneering synthesizer companies crashed and burned. I especially love how the company's "failures" were only failures because they were so far ahead of their time.
    Ikutaro Kakehashi should be revered on par with Bob Moog, Alan Pearlman, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, and Don Buchla.
    Thank you for an expansive, beautiful documentary that finally compiles nearly all of the amazing achievements of Roland in one place, Alex.

  • @fernandes5986
    @fernandes5986 5 років тому +40

    I'm a an 80s metal guitar freak, but this documentary is AMAZING. Please do more like Korg, Yamaha or Moog, etc.

  • @joelspaulding5964
    @joelspaulding5964 5 років тому +71

    This was a proper documentary. The soundtrack is so intrically involved with the subject matter.
    Truly phenomenal-
    Subscribed.
    Current and former Roland player, with a Korg, Ensoniq and Sequential also floating around the house.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +8

      Thank you, I appreciate the support.

  • @mystscot9814
    @mystscot9814 3 роки тому +3

    4 years ago today we lost Ikutaro Kakehashi, what a legacy to leave behind. Thank you for allowing us to express our creativity using your creations. Gone but never to be forgotten. Honourable mention to Alex on this monumental documentary, the research and time in his excellent skills to present us with what is possibly the best Roland documentary I've come across, so again, thanks Alex.

  • @slimyelow
    @slimyelow Рік тому +6

    Every demo track you make Alex is a totally unique sonic and compositional gem. I just luv 'em all.

  • @AndersEngerJensen
    @AndersEngerJensen 5 років тому +45

    Man, this is such a massive feat. I had goosebumps all the time, this is what I’ve been dreaming of making since I started collecting the old Roland brochures and magazines. All the goodies all rolled up in one! I’m stoked that I could contribute my tiny little VT-1 part, 😂😎🎹

  • @mrdiggie3321
    @mrdiggie3321 5 років тому +77

    One of the best historical synth vids I've ever seen. Amazing work.

    • @MrOly0001
      @MrOly0001 5 років тому

      thee $4k used wow

  • @TheScreamingFrog916
    @TheScreamingFrog916 Рік тому +8

    This is so cool.
    I drooled over many of these synths, when they showed up in my local music store, back in the 70s.
    I was just in my teens, and could not afford them, but I poured over every brochure I could get my hands on.
    A few years later, I got a ARP Odyssey, and my journey began.
    Now I have the good fortune of being able to own a lot of good classics, and contemporary synths, thanks to Behringer and others.
    It’s a great time to be into synth music.
    Thanks so much for sharing this comprehensive overview of Roland gear.
    Best wishes for your continued success.

  • @derandi8567
    @derandi8567 4 роки тому +32

    Impressively well made!
    The units, the demos, the background information, all arranged in a clear timeline, even portraying the human behind that excellent company.

  • @IlBiggo
    @IlBiggo 4 роки тому +28

    "The story of Roland begins in Osaka" (shows Mount Fuji) .-D
    But honestly, what a memory trip! This is a great documentary. The love is showing.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  4 роки тому +30

      Ha, yeah. I needed to find some rights free footage of Japan from the 40s and that was the best I could find. Poetic license.

  • @tornghost
    @tornghost 5 років тому +46

    Wow Alex, you're really raising the ante here, and you didn't even monetise it! Thank you :D

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +4

      Roland story is a huge one! Think the video is monetised, but just the basic one, so doesn't always play an ad.

  • @NathanChisholm041
    @NathanChisholm041 2 роки тому +6

    My JP-8000 is my favorite synth i own! I was big into Trance in the 90s and early 2000s and still are and it was a beast....

  • @ElijahRock92
    @ElijahRock92 5 місяців тому +1

    This documentary needs a sequel especially with Roland's move towards subscription services for vintage synths.

  • @miaroscfala
    @miaroscfala 4 роки тому +7

    59:30 My era! This type of 80's production reminds me of the films, TV and memories of my childhood. So comforting!

  • @drjazz7278
    @drjazz7278 5 років тому +12

    Just finished watching. If UA-cam give awards for straightforward scholarly briliant quality content.. it's yours

  • @madmac66
    @madmac66 4 роки тому +4

    As someone who grew up a punk and metal guitarist in the 80s and 90s and only later got into synths this fills a big gap in my education. Like everyone else I need more now on all the big hitters. Fascinating history especially of the rags to riches story

  • @huntrrams
    @huntrrams 3 роки тому +9

    Awesome documentary! With the demos I felt like I was at a virtual museum exhibit!

  • @InstrumentalJourney
    @InstrumentalJourney 5 років тому +9

    The Roland company. ..thank you for all the great synths..

  • @AlexBallMusic
    @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +49

    As I can’t fit it into the video description and there’s been quite a few people asking. Here is the list of who was composing and performing what:
    Alex Ball: TR-77, SH-1000, EC-10, RE-201, SH-5, System 700 (with much help from Sanj Sen), System 100m, RS-505, Jupiter 4, Promars, SH-1, CR-78, SH-7, TR-808, Jupiter-8, TB-303, TR-606, Juno-6, SH-101, JX-3P, TR-909, TR-707, VP-9000, System 500, System 1m, System-8, TR-8s, Boss HM-2, CE-2 and DM-2
    JP Geersing @ Synthsandstuff: Jupiter-6
    ua-cam.com/users/synthsandstuff
    Paolo Di Nicolantonio @ Synth Mania: Ace Tone FR-1, Hammond XK-3c, RS-202, W-30, JV-1080, Jupiter-80
    ua-cam.com/users/SynthManiaDotCom
    Conny Johansson @ Asteroid Killer Music: Boss CE-1, JX-8P
    ua-cam.com/users/AsteroidKillerMusic
    Synthetic Machines: System 100
    ua-cam.com/users/SyntheticMachines
    Peter Venuto / Synth Palace / SLURP: GR-500 / GS-500
    ua-cam.com/users/electricrainbowness
    Pea Hicks: MC-8
    ua-cam.com/channels/tJfsUa_J6DMp-p2eS7hp5w.html
    Brandon @ Zibby Bone: VP-330 / TR-727
    ua-cam.com/users/zibbybone
    Marko Ettlich @ Retro Sound: Additional VP-330 and D-50 music
    ua-cam.com/users/retrosound72
    Joe George @ Reverb.com: AFM100 Bee Baa Fuzz
    ua-cam.com/users/reverbmarket
    www.joegeorgemusic.net/
    Espen Kraft: MSQ-700
    ua-cam.com/channels/a5swc5zZU-xdI8T2RzhL4Q.html
    Anders Enger Jensen: Boss VT-1
    UA-cam: ua-cam.com/users/HariboOSX
    Ra Smith @ madFAME: DR-55, R-8 (heard but not seen), DDR-30, Juno-106
    ua-cam.com/users/madfameltd
    Woody @ Piano Shack: D-50
    ua-cam.com/channels/27jRFKGzztB9u9T5GkPH_g.html
    Reuben Jones: JD-800
    ua-cam.com/users/tucker10
    Patrick Gill: JP-8000
    ua-cam.com/users/PatrickGillMusic
    Synth4ever: V-Synth, JX-10
    ua-cam.com/channels/NsgT_XxwSPdjRka1LD7RRw.html

  • @gooserayos
    @gooserayos Рік тому +6

    I was feeling a bit down, but this made me so happy. Thank you for your energy making this. Thank you for Ikutaro Kakehashi and all the people at his companies. Without them we wouldn't have the music we love today.

  • @gazvlogs7459
    @gazvlogs7459 4 роки тому +8

    DUDE you are SO talented!

    • @peterson3
      @peterson3 3 роки тому

      ua-cam.com/video/IIOfaNtYxz4/v-deo.html

  • @Toolsquatch
    @Toolsquatch 5 років тому +37

    Your videos are quickly becoming a great resource for anyone wanting to learn about synthesizers, I came to see you recreate Daft Punk sounds on an MS-20 out of curiosity and I've gotten so much more wonderful content out of your channel since then: keep up the *fantastic* work!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +1

      Thank you! I think these stories are worth telling as they mean a lot to so many people and the joy of 2019 is that it's possible to do that!

    • @bandfromtheband9445
      @bandfromtheband9445 5 років тому +1

      Most definitely! This post is astonishing and something that I never thought that I would ever see! Amazing work, Alex! Thank you....so much!!!

  • @Kj16V
    @Kj16V 5 років тому +47

    In the future, after the machines have risen up and defeated mankind, they will come across your synthesiser music and say *The fleshlings know the superior music of the Machine People. Perhaps they are not savage beasts as we thought .* The machines will decide to spare the human race from destruction, all because of your synthesiser tunes.
    Congratulations, you're the saviour of mankind and you don't even know it!

    • @pgray46
      @pgray46 4 роки тому +4

      So goodKj16V, you are a visionary fo sho... Be blessed my brother

    • @hickorymccay2994
      @hickorymccay2994 3 роки тому +1

      I've read enough Stanislaw Lem to know where this is going.

  • @abxorb
    @abxorb Рік тому +4

    That was an amazing documentary, made me realise that Roland probably was present in 80% of all of my childhood's favourite music. ♥ Thank you so much for putting all of this together, awesome work! 😊

  • @ynnebbenny
    @ynnebbenny 4 місяці тому +1

    That was the best documentary I have seen in years. Coming from a 60 year old who has never touched a synth in his life, your documentary held me with fascination the whole time. WELL DONE !! and thank you !

  • @cdnb3
    @cdnb3 4 роки тому +5

    From someone who performed on a SH-1000 in the late 1970s to early 1980s, and who spent a lot of the 1980s in keyboard rooms drooling over the Jupiters, Junos, JXs and later the D-50, as well as all of the other Roland products, this is absolutely a fantastic film. I want to watch it in a theatre !

  • @slowneutron6163
    @slowneutron6163 4 роки тому +13

    "Put on 'White Rabbit'. I need a rising sound."-Dr. Gonzo, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

  • @Ca11mero
    @Ca11mero 3 роки тому +4

    This is one of many reasons why I like minimal wave, one of the few genres that still relies heavily on analog synths.

  • @compnmuzac
    @compnmuzac 4 роки тому +2

    I will cherish the "Letter of Thanks for Mr. Roland for submitting my Synth Music Demo with a Roland 90 Min Cassette Tape as a Gift for entering !

  • @richard2090
    @richard2090 4 роки тому +5

    This documentary is of such high quality I don't think the Beeb could touch it. This is PHD strength knowledge, hats off (not high hats) to you and your insights. You've answered a whole load of questions I didn't even know I had, and at 48 years old, pretty sure everything in my growing up music life has just been finished off by this incredible YT video :-) thank you

  • @cgpokoy
    @cgpokoy 4 роки тому +9

    This documentary gives me way more satisfaction than any film could do... good memories of the sound of my childhood and awesome jams years later, technical & engineering insights, history of music and the tech behind, and finally some awesome handmade music. A big heartfelt Thank You!!!

  • @garyturner5204
    @garyturner5204 3 роки тому +4

    Thank you so very much for this concise and informative video covering the history of Roland and their many iconic synthesizers, drum machines, sound effects processors and so much more! Covering the time line, development and production of so very many Roland products truly lays out the how and why of where Roland has come from, and evolved along the way. You have done an impeccable job on this video! A tribute to the Roland companies, their staff, founder and products enabling many thousands to have fun creating music they love! THANK YOU!

  • @budgetkeyboardist
    @budgetkeyboardist 6 місяців тому +1

    This is one of the documentaries that I rewatch about 2 times per year because it's so good.

  • @synth4ever
    @synth4ever 5 років тому +6

    Amazing work Alex, you put your heart and soul into everything you do! Thanks for this in-depth retrospective on Roland -- I'm honored to have been able to contribute. Keep up the great work as always!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому

      Thank you for your bits, was great to include those. Your choral V-Synth piece is wonderful.

  • @EspenKraft
    @EspenKraft 5 років тому +22

    This is a great video Alex, I love watching this as I eat my morning cereals. Congrats on a massive achievement! :)

  • @larryknicks
    @larryknicks 4 роки тому +3

    The story of Roland was fortunately recommended to someone with a few pocket operators. Knew there was a lot involved with a lot of personal favorites in music, but how many pieces there is is baffling.Thank you for this vast well of knowledge. Time to dive in! ✌🏾👽

  • @danielboni6749
    @danielboni6749 11 місяців тому +1

    Alex Ball, you should be a star... Hope you will keep on enjoying us like this for a long time !!!! Thank U mate !

  • @Nightmoore
    @Nightmoore 4 роки тому +10

    This was absolutely legendary. Incredible production......one of the finest videos ever posted on UA-cam.

  • @ian_b
    @ian_b 5 років тому +5

    I nearly invented Acid House, the "nearly" being that I didn't. But I had a Drumatix, a Pro-One, a Prodigy, a Jen SX-1000 and a Juno 106. And I loved twiddling with short fast sequences on the Pro-One while widdling the knobs around. But like an idiot, my "serious" attempts at music were 4-tracking sub-par 3rd rate Hawkwindesque attempts at psychedelic rock while bemoaning the hopeless inadequacy of my riddim section for that purpose. Despite the fact that I'd kept the analogue faith when everyone else got a DX7, I'd started off doing electropop and I adored filter sweeps.
    Oh, hindsight. What a thing it is.
    *edit* and I could've picked up a TB303 as well looking back. Everything analogue was in those precious years going for peanuts (as noted in the documentary).

  • @arcadianguitars3936
    @arcadianguitars3936 2 місяці тому

    Dude!! You’ve made ‘THE Synth Documentary’…congratulations and thank you 🙏

  • @javierb5645
    @javierb5645 2 роки тому +2

    This is the 3rd time i watch this documentary it's soooo great

  • @retrosound72
    @retrosound72 5 років тому +12

    So great Alex. The best retrospective over the iconic Roland products ever.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +1

      Thanks Marko. Your 330 and D-50 bits are in there. 😎
      Got another one planned I'll ask you about...

    • @retrosound72
      @retrosound72 5 років тому +3

      @@AlexBallMusic Yes I hear it. ;)
      Ask me when you need anything.
      And now Oberheim.... :D

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 років тому +3

      Oberheim is the plan funnily enough! ;)

    • @retrosound72
      @retrosound72 5 років тому +2

      @@AlexBallMusic I know... :D

  • @andrewblackburn1426
    @andrewblackburn1426 5 років тому +3

    Man, those are some great-sounding instruments, even 40+ years later. Great job showing off this classic gear!

  • @greggregory2554
    @greggregory2554 3 роки тому +15

    I've lost faith/interest/obsession in music tech in general but bloody heck, this is a superb video! Started watching and could not stop. Nice production. @ 10:05 😎

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  3 роки тому +2

      Glad to have been entertaining in that context, thanks for letting me know! 🙂

    • @themaster1336
      @themaster1336 3 роки тому

      What was the music being performed at 9:56? It’s haunting and compelling. I want to immerse myself in this sound!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  3 роки тому +1

      @TheMaster13 ua-cam.com/video/DyOt4DYO3B0/v-deo.html

    • @themaster1336
      @themaster1336 3 роки тому

      @@AlexBallMusic ahhhhhhhhh... ****deeep sigh***** Thank You 🙏 Soul is actively being soothed 😊

  • @jackcraig4655
    @jackcraig4655 3 роки тому

    Just incredible. Well done! x

  • @bobacks
    @bobacks 5 років тому +9

    As a Roland fanboi, I salute you, sir.

  • @JustPlayingBass
    @JustPlayingBass 4 роки тому +11

    Fantastic show. Growing up in the 70s/ early 80s, these synth sounds were wondrous and still are. Best in depth documentary I've seen. Thanks you so much for sharing.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks for watching. Yes, a familiar sounds to so many of us, their influence is deep.

    • @scramblesthedeathdealer
      @scramblesthedeathdealer 4 роки тому +1

      I started playing guitar, still do, but I was always drawn to the crazy sci-fi/cyber sounds.
      Dropped LSD and listened to The Prodigy Fat of the Land on headphones... changed my whole outlook on music, life as well.
      Wound up playing with the synths more than the guitars when we would go to music stores.
      I gotta pull out my recording equipment, my MicroKorg, JP-8080, Eurorack and some guitars and actually create a new track for the first time in over a decade.
      *Almost forgot my Arturia MicroBrute, Electrix Filter Factory (and other effects units), etc.

  • @sedumjp
    @sedumjp Рік тому

    'The bass that launched a thousand trips'...
    Chef's kiss for that delicious line, seemingly thrown away right at the end of the 303 segment. You could give a production company £250K to make this film and it would get nowhere how interesting, informative and just damn enjoyable this is.

  • @themetamorph
    @themetamorph 3 роки тому

    An absolute joy to watch,thank you!

  • @hawk194
    @hawk194 5 років тому +6

    This is one of the best synth videos ever. Thank you.

  • @steadfastcoward
    @steadfastcoward 5 років тому +3

    I'm only 9 minutes into this and I'm just not worthy! THANK YOU, this is beyond awesome!

  • @bigleafwoodcraft1453
    @bigleafwoodcraft1453 2 роки тому +1

    Absolutely blown away! Well done Alex!!!!

  • @grahamsawyer831
    @grahamsawyer831 3 роки тому

    absolutely loved that! & i do hope y'all had a riot making it as well. spot on tribute to 'Mr. K.' too.

  • @danskopalj6826
    @danskopalj6826 5 років тому +5

    Hats off to you. This is a brilliant documentary. Watched and enjoyed this immensely. Thankyou Alex for this wonderful work! I had a JX-3P and a D-50 years ago but didn't appreciate their legacy at the time. Seeing and hearing them again made me emotional. What a wonderful history and story.

  • @stephenalcaide1778
    @stephenalcaide1778 5 років тому +2

    Thank you so much for this documentary. You will never know how happy this made me. I love you man!

  • @speeedskater
    @speeedskater 3 роки тому

    love it , love the sounds, love the history of them, well done

  • @dreamstaticsounds
    @dreamstaticsounds Рік тому

    This was superb. Thank you for making it!

  • @vidjenko8349
    @vidjenko8349 5 років тому +3

    Wow! An hour long Alex Ball video! This made my day.

  • @jean-paulsabiche9653
    @jean-paulsabiche9653 5 років тому +6

    Thxs a lot for all those memories ,when I used to have Jupiter-6 in early 90's(cost me 1800frcs,about150 pounds at that time),how great were those deep sounds!

    • @bmhater1283
      @bmhater1283 2 роки тому

      1800 Francs? Pre-Euro France?

    • @jean-paulsabiche9653
      @jean-paulsabiche9653 2 роки тому

      @@bmhater1283 For sure! Every analogic synth was cheap at that time.

  • @oroszistvan2639
    @oroszistvan2639 3 роки тому

    Alex, this is great work! Thank you!!

  • @nauka9634
    @nauka9634 3 роки тому

    One of the coolest clips I ve seen for years!

  • @brianmalik9383
    @brianmalik9383 5 років тому +3

    Remarkable work in every aspect--- story, sound, camera, edit!

  • @OriginalRaveParty
    @OriginalRaveParty 4 роки тому +5

    What an incredible documentary. I can only imagine how much research, time and effort went into creating such a brilliant video!

  • @josephwright5921
    @josephwright5921 4 роки тому

    Alex, your video footage is great and your demo songs are awesome. You not only show the wonderful sounds that each piece of gear is capable of, but your songs are extremely listenable on their own.

  • @avolaruruguay4625
    @avolaruruguay4625 Рік тому

    Man love your channel great documentaries and info all the best

  • @VoidloniXaarii
    @VoidloniXaarii 5 років тому +3

    this video presentation was sooo amazing! Best documentary i've seen in the past 5+ years at least!

  • @alejandronieto576
    @alejandronieto576 5 років тому +6

    Hey, great video!!! During the first 30 minutes I thought this video was made by Roland, but then as I realised that this whole production was made by a single UA-camr (with help from many people, of course) I was pleasantly surprised. I learned much from this. I will go on to see your other videos.
    Greetings from Buenos Aires.

  • @bilkun
    @bilkun 3 роки тому

    Absolutely incredible content right here! Enjoyed in so much! Thank you

  • @BroadbandBrat
    @BroadbandBrat 4 роки тому

    That was a fantastic documentary!! Thank You!!

  • @FallingIslands
    @FallingIslands 5 років тому +4

    This is it. This is the best synthesizer channel on UA-cam.

  • @JCooperAudioSystems
    @JCooperAudioSystems 5 років тому +4

    Great documentary. I love Roland products. I am happy to own several of these since the mid 90's.

  • @AntonioRigo
    @AntonioRigo 2 роки тому

    This is so good! Thank you!

  • @DJ_TideWave
    @DJ_TideWave 3 роки тому

    Wow! What a great documentary! You have made an awesome job putting all this together. Thanks! 😊

  • @wmalden
    @wmalden 5 років тому +3

    GREAT Roland retrospective but sad my XP-80 Music Workstation wasn’t mentioned. I bought mine new in 1996 and it’s still going strong!

  • @naoidfpaiourej3299
    @naoidfpaiourej3299 5 років тому +3

    Absolutely fantastic video. Thank you - Must have been so much work. Also, excellent System 700-produced track at 12:02.

  • @johnsaunders6510
    @johnsaunders6510 3 роки тому

    What a brilliant documentary. Thanks for putting that together.