Description
Studio must have! Roland Juno-106 Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer with custom wood side panels, $2999!
The Roland Juno-106 is an iconic six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer, released in 1984, and part of Roland’s Juno series. Known for its warm, lush analog sounds and legendary chorus effect, the Juno-106 has become a staple in electronic, pop, and synth-driven music. Its simple interface makes it an easy-to-use instrument, perfect for both beginners and seasoned synthesists alike. The Juno-106 is celebrated for its versatile sound, capable of delivering everything from smooth pads and lush strings to punchy basses and bright leads, making it highly sought after in both modern and vintage synth markets.
Key Features
Six-voice polyphony, allowing for rich, layered soundscapes
One digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) per voice, ensuring pitch stability while maintaining analog warmth
24dB/octave low-pass filter (VCF) with resonance, providing classic filter sweeps and shaping
Built-in analog chorus effect, famous for adding depth and richness to sounds
Full MIDI implementation, allowing for integration with modern setups
Simple control panel with sliders and buttons, offering hands-on control over parameters
Portamento and LFO modulation for creating expressive, evolving sounds
Patch memory, allowing players to store and recall sounds
Sound Profile
The Juno-106 is known for its warm, fat sound that is highly versatile and can cover a wide range of sonic territory. The DCO, while digitally controlled, still produces the rich, full-bodied tone characteristic of analog synthesizers. The filter is particularly praised for its smoothness and resonance, and the built-in chorus adds a signature lushness that has become synonymous with the Juno sound. The Juno-106 excels at creating lush pads, sweeping leads, punchy basses, and bright stabs, making it ideal for electronic music, synth-pop, ambient, and even contemporary genres.
Applications
The Roland Juno-106 is ideal for a wide variety of musical genres, from electronic and synth-pop to indie and ambient music. Its versatility and ease of use make it a great choice for live performances, where the hands-on interface allows for real-time sound tweaking. In the studio, its lush, analog sound is perfect for layering pads, creating melodic leads, or building punchy bass lines. The full MIDI implementation also makes the Juno-106 suitable for modern production environments, allowing it to be easily integrated into DAWs or used with MIDI controllers and sequencers.
Build Quality and Aesthetic
The Juno-106 is built with a solid plastic and metal chassis, making it durable for both studio use and live performance. Its control panel is clean and intuitive, with sliders and buttons that make sound shaping straightforward. The black casing with colorful button accents and LED indicators gives it a classic, vintage synthesizer look that has become iconic in the synth world. Its user-friendly interface and robust build make it a reliable and highly playable instrument.
Country of Manufacture
Japan
Collectibility and Market Value
The Roland Juno-106 is one of the most highly regarded vintage synthesizers and holds significant value on the used market. Its combination of analog warmth, famous chorus effect, and full MIDI functionality makes it desirable for both collectors and musicians alike. Over the years, its price has steadily risen due to its popularity and the demand for vintage analog gear. The Juno-106 is considered a classic, and its legacy continues to influence modern music, making it a staple in many studios and collections around the world.
