The stories of Roland and the drum machine are inextricably linked. Roland Corporation is known for many things: the iconic Juno and Jupiter lines, the influential SH-101 and SP-404, and a deep catalogue of instruments, effects and innovations – but the company’s most enduring impact lies with its groundbreaking contribution towards creating the modern drum machine.
Since 1972, the late founder Ikutaro Kakehashi’s vision has been singular, with each new piece of Roland gear making good on the brand’s effort to design the future through high-quality, boundary-pushing kit. This year, Kakeshi’s legacy has been once again rejuvenated with the release of Roland’s TR-1000, the company’s first drum machine in 40 years to feature a true analogue sound engine.
