Roland TR 77

Tech. sheet

Videos

Q&A

1. What is the Roland TR-77

The Roland TR-77 is the first analog drum machine marketed by Roland in 1972. It is monophonic, non-programmable, and produces sounds through analog synthesis circuits.

2. Why is the TR-77 special?

The TR-77 is emblematic, representing Roland's beginnings in the music industry. Despite its limitations, it offers surprising versatility thanks to its innovative controls and unique sounds.

3. Which famous artists have used the TR-77?

Many legendary artists have incorporated the TR-77 into their tracks:

• David Bowie: Art Decade (album Low).
• Ultravox: Hiroshima Mon Amour (album Ha! Ha! Ha!).
• Gary Numan: I Nearly Married a Human (album Replicas).
• George McCrae: Rock Your Baby, one of the first disco hits to use a drum machine.

4. Is the TR-77 programmable?

No, the TR-77 does not allow you to program rhythm patterns. It uses presets that can be modified in real-time to create customized variations and rhythms.

5. Can the TR-77 still be used today?

Yes! The TR-77 remains a popular choice among analog music enthusiasts. It can be modified for modern uses, and its audio outputs are compatible with current equipment.

6. How the TR-77's analog synthesis works

The TR-77 uses two types of synthesis circuits:

• White noise generators for high-pitched sounds (snare, maracas, hi-hat).
• Sinusoidal oscillators for low or mid-tones (bass drum, bongos).

7. Is it possible to find used TR-77s?

Yes, the TR-77 can be found on platforms like Audiofanzine, which is a reference for vintage audio equipment enthusiasts. Its price varies according to its condition and any modifications.

8. Is the TR-77 comparable to other Roland models?

The TR-77 stands out for its lack of programming, unlike later models, such as the CR-78 or TR-808, which offer more advanced customization options. Nevertheless, it remains a landmark in the evolution of drum machines.

9. Is the TR-77 easy to modify?

Yes, with a bit of knowledge of electronics, it's possible to add individual outputs for each instrument or integrate modern features, such as MIDI synchronizations.

Audio excerpts

• 10-TANGO

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• 09_BOLERO

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• 08_WALTZ

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Manuals and other files

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