description Roland TR-808 Overview
The Roland TR-808 is an analog drum machine created by Roland in 1980. It gained prominence through its distinctive sound, particularly its powerful kick and snare, which heavily influenced genres like hip-hop and electronic music. The instrument’s unique tonal characteristics made it a crucial tool for producers and musicians seeking innovative rhythmic textures. It remains highly sought after today by artists and historians involved in these musical styles.
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Roland TR-808 ranks #2 of 113 in the Artifact ranking, behind LEGO Bricks, ahead of Moog Minimoog.
help Roland TR-808 FAQ
When was the Roland TR-808 released and who invented it?
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer was released by the Roland Corporation in 1980. It was designed by a team led by Tadao Kikumoto, who aimed to create an affordable and programmable drum machine for musicians to create demo tracks.
Why did the Roland TR-808 fail commercially but later become legendary?
Initially, the TR-808 was considered a commercial failure because it lacked realistic drum sounds and was easily overshadowed by the LinnDrum in 1982. However, its synthetic, booming analog sounds eventually caught on in the underground electronic and dance music scenes, becoming the foundational instrument for genres like hip-hop and techno.
What is the Roland TR-808 most famous for in hip-hop music?
In hip-hop, the TR-808 is famous for its booming, deep kick drum that provided the heavy bass backbone for early rap records. It is perhaps best known for its prominent use in Marvin Gaye's 1982 hit "Sexual Healing" and Afrika Bambaataa's "Planet Rock."
Does Roland still manufacture the original TR-808?
No, Roland discontinued the original TR-808 in 1983 due to the shift toward digital sampling and the high cost of its analog components. However, Roland has released modern successors and software emulations, such as the AIRA TR-8, to recreate the legendary analog sound.
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