In his latest video, synthesist Espen Kraft offers a review of the Roland TR-505 drum machine, originally introduced in 1986.
Kraft calls the Roland TR-505 “undervalued and underestimated”, adding that it’s the perfect drum machine for an ’80s pop sound.
Check out the video, and share your thoughts on the TR-505 in the comments!
Photo credit: EternityofNight
The TR-505 was among the first pieces of electronic gear I ever bought. It was my first big dopamine hit from a gear purchase. I bought it right when it came out from a store called “Pianos N’ Stuff” in Blawnox, PA. That store is now called “N Stuff”.
I didn’t live there, but I shlepped there from time to time, because they had fun gear.
I enjoyed my time with the 505. I learned a lot about drum parts/grooves.
Of course, we now life in a golden age where the best drum machines live in your pocket.
I loved the TR-505, and I used to rent it from “Piano’s ‘N Stuff”. lol
When was that?
Now that I think about it, I got my Tascam PortaOne Cassette 4 track there before the 505. I miss those fresh moments when overdubbing & bouncing were new to me.
I use mine to program and trigger a MIDI-modified (note in only) CR-68. Solid.