Ten Great Things about the Roland SH-101

The 101 made quite an impact both in music and culture. Here are our favourite ten SH-101 moments

01 PORTISHEAD SUBTERFUGE

Portishead were an era-defining band; their debut album Dummy is a suave and sophisticated collection of trip hop grooves, synthesis and beautiful vocals from singer Beth Gibbons. The first track from the album Mysterons is credited as having a Theremin playing the lead melody, but band member Adrian Utley later admitted that it was in fact an SH-101, with a large dose of portamento.

02 COOL COLOURS

After the initial release of the SH-101, Roland decided to produce two additional colours. Apart from the default grey, you could also buy the classic 80s stylings of bright red and mid-blue. This gave rise to the urban myth that one colour was better for basses while another was better for leads; there was no truth to this at all, as all three models adopted the same form, functionality and electronics, but it didn’t stop a typically 80s accompanying advertising campaign, playing up the stereotypical colour sets.

03 STRAP IN

In-line with its reissued 80s colour scheme, the SH-101 could also double as a keytar. This would require the addition of the MGS-1 mod grip, as a separate purchase, which was in turn available in three different colours. The kit contained the mod grip itself, which provided a convenient place to hold the 101 while cavorting around on stage, with a button for modulation and small wheel for pitchbend, but only in one direction. Potential purchasers were also treated to a Roland branded guitar strap!

04 GO WEST TO OMD