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The Roland Jupiter-6, although it was initially created as a more affordable alternative to the famous and beloved Jupiter-8, is a great six-voice polysynth in its own right, serving up iconic analog Roland sounds. Introduced in 1983, the 61-key Jupiter-6 added MIDI capabilities and improved upon the oscillator stability of the 8. Despite its heritage as a cheaper take on the 8, the Roland Jupiter-6 has become a classic synth in and of itself. Please note that all accessories including cables, boxes and power supplies will be accurately photographed in our listings. If any of the previously mentioned items are not viewable in the photos, they are not included with the advertised product. *Here at Bucket List Guitars, we strive to reduce our environmental impact. All of our orders are shipped using reused/recycled packaging materials, boxes constructed with recycled cardboard and biodegradable, plant derived packaging tape! Rest assured that your order will make as small of a footprint as possible.*

The Roland Jupiter-6, introduced in 1983, is one of the seminal analog synthesizers of the 1980s, renowned for its versatile sound and robust build. Part of Roland's prestigious Jupiter series, the Jupiter-6 is often overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the Jupiter-8. However, it stands out on its own merits, offering a distinctive set of features that have cemented its place in synthesizer history. One of the key attributes of the Jupiter-6 is its six-voice polyphony. Each of its six voices has two oscillators, providing a rich and complex sound palette. The oscillators can generate a variety of waveforms, including sawtooth, triangle, and square waves, as well as noise. This dual-oscillator architecture allows for intricate detuning and fat, layered sounds, which are a hallmark of the Jupiter-6's lush sonics. The Jupiter-6's filter section is particularly noteworthy. It includes a multimode filter, a rarity at the time, offering low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass modes. This multimode capability allows for a broad range of sound shaping options, from the warm, resonant sweeps of a low-pass filter to the more cutting and precise characteristics of a high-pass filter. The resonance control can push the filter into self-oscillation, adding another layer of sonic potential. In terms of modulation, the Jupiter-6 is equipped with a comprehensive set of tools. It features two LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) that can modulate various parameters, including pitch, filter cutoff, and amplitude. The LFOs offer multiple waveforms, including sine, triangle, square, and random, enabling complex and evolving soundscapes. Additionally, the synthesizer has envelope generators for both the filter and the amplifier, allowing for precise control over the attack, decay, sustain, and release (ADSR) of each sound. The Jupiter-6 also includes an arpeggiator, a staple of 1980s electronic music. The arpeggiator can be synchronized to an external clock, making it ideal for creating rhythmic patterns and sequences that lock in with other gear. Its versatility extends to the keyboard, which is splitable, allowing players to assign different sounds to different sections of the keyboard, a feature that expands its live performance capabilities. MIDI implementation is another significant feature of the Jupiter-6. As one of the first synthesizers to incorporate MIDI, it offers extensive connectivity with other MIDI-equipped instruments and sequencers. This made it a valuable tool for both live performances and studio production, where it could be integrated into larger setups and controlled via MIDI, paving the way for the interconnected electronic music environments that followed. The build quality of the Jupiter-6 is robust, typical of Roland's engineering standards at the time. Its interface is laid out logically, with a dedicated control for each function, making it intuitive and user-friendly. This hands-on approach is favored by many musicians who appreciate the immediacy and tactile nature of the controls. Despite being less celebrated than the Jupiter-8, the Jupiter-6 has found a dedicated following among synthesizer enthusiasts and musicians. Its unique sound, versatility, and reliable performance make it a sought-after instrument in the used market. Over the years, it has been used by numerous artists across various genres, from electronic and pop to rock and experimental music. In conclusion, the Roland Jupiter-6 is a remarkable synthesizer that combines rich analog sound with extensive modulation options and early MIDI capabilities. Its six-voice polyphony, multimode filter, and robust build quality make it a versatile and reliable instrument for both live and studio use. The Jupiter-6's distinctive sound and hands-on interface continue to inspire musicians and producers, ensuring its legacy in the world of electronic music.