2 x Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter with 1 x MPG-80 Programmer 1984 - 1989 - Black

BEST POLYSYNTH EVER...?

You decide :-) This is an analogue dream machine: TWO Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter rackmounts (each basically a rackmounted, 8-voice Jupiter) plus the MPG-80 programmer to control them via knobs and sliders. One MKS-80 is already a dream synth; two together becomes really quite stunning.

For example: split or layer sounds on your keyboard while retaining full 8-voice polyphony. Combine completely different sounds, focusing one on weight and depth and the other on air and high-end, for textures a single MKS-80 can't reproduce. Pan the two machines across the stereo field and spread their soundscapes as wide as you like – again, impossible on just one unit.

And, perhaps most powerfully, with the MPG-80 attached to the first MKS-80, and a MIDI cable running between both units, you can program both simultaneously – which lets you create the same patch on both machines, and then further tweak, edit or detune it on just one of them for an absolutely MONSTROUS depth of sound.

This set-up is insane. If you turn on Unison mode, you are stacking 32 analogue VCOs at once! (I've tried this and it sounds gorgeous...)

Programming is super easy on the MPG: you can dial up all the analogue classic sounds in no time at all. PWM pads, sync leads, pulse basses, big thick brass and string patches... it's all here, plus (with the high-pass filter) plenty of ethereal washes, bell tones and all kinds of cool stuff. Having two units working together makes for instant and very powerful detuning, lending natural chorus whenever you want it.

WHAT REV?

One unit is a Rev4 (serial #501xxx) and the other is a Rev5 (serial #563xxx). There are subtle sonic differences between the two, which makes combining them even more effective :-)

CONDITION

Both MKS-80s and the MPG are in excellent cosmetic shape from the front, but have different amounts of wear on the main chassis. The Rev4 unit is in great cosmetic shape all over, but the Rev5 has significant scratches on the top and sides (but not on its front) – this is detailed in the final six photos. The MPG is excellent all over. Do check the photos for yourself: of course, none of the body wear is visible when the unit is racked. There are some very small scuffs on the front fascias. All units work perfectly, with the MPG talking to the MKSs seamlessly and all front-panel operations working without a hitch.

The original non-backlit LCD displays (impossible to read in low light) have been replaced on both units with vintage amber OLED displays, which match the onboard LEDs and make seeing what you're doing a lot easier! The 10th photo shows the units in low light so you can see how they look.

I am also including an original Roland RAM memory cartridge on which you can save further patches.

VOLTAGE – IMPORTANT!

Both units are US 110V and will require a transformer if used on a European 220V supply. I can thoroughly recommend AirLink transformers as being rock-solid and built like tanks; or you can source your own appropriate unit. Do please make sure you either have two transformers or one with dual outputs to power the two MKS-80s. (The MPG takes its power from the MKS it's connected to, so doesn't require a PSU.)

DELIVERY

I am based in Valencia, Spain. Local pickup welcome for these units (and you can see / hear them in action!) or I will pack very carefully for shipment. I'm including a guide price for delivery within the EU, but do please contact me for a proper quote.

A NOTE ON PRICE

I've priced these to sell. A quick look at listings across Reverb and eBay suggests two MKS-80s plus the MPG programmer should be more like €10,000... so you can think of it almost as buying two MKS-80s and getting the MPG for free! In any case, they need a good home, so I hope they find one :-)