Value of old synths, Roland SH-1

[espressogeek]

I suppose this is really open ended but I am interested in a SH-1 synth but I have no idea what they are worth. I checked the completed items search in ebay and found nothing but there are two online right now. Any ideas on how to value these things?

[xjscott]

Basically, it's worth what you are willing to pay, assuming of course it's received in the condition you are expecting.

The page at Vintage Synth estimates $200-$400 range. That's probably a reasonable guess.

http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/sh1.shtml

[elektro80]

Quite true, it is worth what you are willing to pay for it. That implies that you have probably already have made up your mind regarding what it can do for you.

You should be aware that the SH-1 is not some kind of holy grail unless you are a collector. It is simply an SH-1. It didn´t present anything significantly great way back then when it was new and it certainly doesn´t now. It is just exactly what it is. You can certainly use one for making music though.. but..

[elektro80]

Of course, a Roland synth of that period is often easier to hook up with other gear like modern step sequencers compared to say
this one: http://www.vintagesynth.com/misc/octavekit.shtml
or the similar ARP Axxe or the MS-10.
For a single VCO monosynth with a keyboard from that period I would have chosen either the Kitten or the Axxe. Well, there are others as well. My point is simply that the SH-1 never really stood out as something really interesting way back then ( and I´ve owned all of these.. the SH-1, Kitten, Axxe and MS-10 ). So.. be very sure that you know what you are doing before you start bidding on one.

[altemark]

I bought my SH-1 for 550 EUR two years ago and sold it for a little bit less a month ago.

[espressogeek]

Yea I ask because I am seeing them from 800 - 1300 on ebay right now. Surely that is a quirk .

I have never played with a WASP or AXXE but I have always like the sound of the old Rolands and the Pro-One. I just want something to hold me over until I can get my DIY modular synth off the ground. Plus I wanted something that would hold it's value. I had a Korg MonoPoly and I sold it for much more than what I paid for it back in the day.

[Computer Controlled]

I sold my SH-1 for $700. They're rather rare, and sound really good. About as close to a System 100 as you're gonna get w/o buying one. Really nice smooth creamy basses.