Gear & Technology — Japan’s 1980s Music History
The instruments and machines that shaped the sound of Japan’s 1980s music scene.
1980
TR-808
Manufactured by Roland from 1980 to 1983, the TR-808 generated its sounds through analog synthesis rather than sampling real drums. A commercial failure at launch among players seeking realistic drum tones, its distinctive character was later revered worldwide, cementing its status as a classic instrument.
Source: Wikipedia “Roland TR-808”
1981
Polysix
Korg’s 1981 six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer offered one more voice than most contemporary rivals, along with built-in patch memory and chorus/phase effects. Its thick, layered sound made it a global bestseller.
Source: KORG official site
SDS-V
Released by the UK’s Simmons Electronics in 1981, the SDS-V was among the first fully realized electronic drum systems, built around hexagonal pads and an analog “Drum Brain” synthesizer module. It became one of the decade’s defining electronic instruments, used widely by musicians both abroad and in Japan.
Source: The Police Equipment Wiki / Equipboard
1983
DX7
Adopting FM synthesis, the DX7 excelled at electric-piano tones that had been difficult to achieve on analog synthesizers. At a comparatively accessible ¥248,000, it sold explosively — over 200,000 units by the end of production — becoming the first commercially successful digital synthesizer.
Source: Nigo Reuse
Artstar
Released by Hoshino Gakki’s drum brand TAMA in 1983, the Artstar paired a forward-looking design built on straight lines with the distinctive grain of cordia wood, delivering a dynamic, powerful sound that established it as one of the world’s leading drum kits.
Source: TAMA 50th Special Site (Hoshino Gakki)
1985
DW-8000
Combining digital oscillators with analog filters and amplifiers in a “digital-analog hybrid” design, the DW-8000 was notable for including the world’s first built-in digital delay. It served as the higher-end sibling to the DW-6000, released the previous year.
Source: kblovers.jp