What could Roland do an MKS-70 for today ($$$)?

[Sundown]

Hey all,

 

Set aside SuperNatural, modeling, sampling, and little 9V synths with mini keys. Also set aside the (somewhat inflated) prices of used vintage analog gear.

 

If Roland did a true re-release of the MKS-70 Super JX rack, what could they sell it for today while still making a profit? Recall that it was a DCO/VCF/VCA architecture with 12 voices (and it sounded great).

 

Have manufacturing and technology outpaced inflation, and could this instrument sell for a reasonable price today?

 

What if they made a 24-voice version?

 

I know this is all pipe dreaming, but I'm cuious if circuit design has improved for a hybrid design like this.

 

Thanks in advance.

[J. Dan]

That many analog filters and amps would get pricey in a hurry. Although I guess the DM12 has proven that it's possible. Before that I wouldn't have thought it could be done for less than $2-3000

[RandyFF]

Is the MKS-70 the rack version of the JX-10? One of favorite keyboards of all time!

[newkeys]

You would need someone to remake the Roland filter chips, and whatever IC the DCOs are. Unless those parts are out there, that's presumably a significant cost for Roland.

[Analogaddict]

Now is actually a good time to get a JX-10 and get the Vecoven mod installed..!

[Al Coda]

Hey all,

 

Set aside SuperNatural, modeling, sampling, and little 9V synths with mini keys. Also set aside the (somewhat inflated) prices of used vintage analog gear.

 

If Roland did a true re-release of the MKS-70 Super JX rack, what could they sell it for today while still making a profit? Recall that it was a DCO/VCF/VCA architecture with 12 voices (and it sounded great).

 

Have manufacturing and technology outpaced inflation, and could this instrument sell for a reasonable price today?

 

What if they made a 24-voice version?

 

I know this is all pipe dreaming, but I'm cuious if circuit design has improved for a hybrid design like this.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

I wonder why people want the most simple synth designs as a remake today.

I owned both, the MKS80rev4 and MKS70 ... and sold both.

Don´t miss ´em.

MKS80 sounded much fatter than MKS70 though.

MKS70, even based on the "2x JX8P voice boards stacked in one box",- never offered the best filters Roland had available.

In fact, the filter and vca per voice are on a single chip in MKS70,- there are only 2 waveforms and the LFO isn´t freerun.

The main feature which made the JX10 and MKS70 a perfect pad-synth was using the machine in dual mode, both voiceboards detuned and same waveforms (sawtooth prefered) selected, then run each to dedicated stereo outputs A & B and have a individual stereo chorus for each output pair.

Truly a warm and lush sound all-in-all but w/ similar FX usage easy to recreate elswhere.

Every other sound designs you better did w/ different synths when you had such available at that time.

Today you have in native software already, or better, on DSP.

 

IMO the only Roland synths worth a remake are those using the Roland IR3109 and even there, several different circuit designs exist,- so I´d prefer a Jupiter-8 remake over a SH-101 or Juno-6 p.ex. and still wanted upgrades like more and individually to pitch, PW, VCF cutoff and VCF resonance assignable LFOs.

 

But that might cost a kingdom to realize for Roland and we might see such toys much earlier and cheaper from Behringer.

 

But I don´t need anyway,- get my analog sounds from Minimoog D and Oberheim Xpander and use S|C XITE w/ SCOPE for some DSP remakes, modular and others.

 

S|C SCOPE just upgraded w/ driver updates and including new devices.

clonk

 

A.C.

[Synthoid]

But that might cost a kingdom to realize for Roland and we might see such toys much earlier and cheaper from Behringer.

 

Let's get the Model D in the stores first.

 

 

[Al Coda]

 

Let's get the Model D in the stores first.

 

 

Yes !

 

A.C.

 

 

[Sundown]

Interesting. Thanks guys.

 

The Super JX/MKS-70 has a sentimental meaning to me, and it was one of the first pro synths that I heard up close and in-person. I'll never forget the sound of a fast, fat saw patch coming through the speakers for the first time.

 

I might pay $2,000 for a re-issue, but if it crept into $3K territory, I'd be looking at a Prophet-6 or OB-6 (despite the limited polyphony).

[Al Coda]

... fat saw patch coming through the speakers for the first time.

 

Well, that came from 2 (two) chorus delay lines being active,- noisy ones though ...

 

I might pay $2,000 for a re-issue,...

 

I´d like to be tha manufacturer then ... !!!

 

A.C.

[J. Dan]

Yeah I think Jupiter 8 would be the reissue that would be in demand - but that's been discussed. For those who don't know, the MKS80 would seem similar to the Jupiter 8 but in fact is more like an 8 voice version of the Jupiter 6 but with 8 voices and enhanced MIDI implementation, I personally like the Jupiter 6 (I have one) but concede that the Jupiter 8 has something special.

[burningbusch]

I don't disagree with Al Coda's assessment of the MKS-70, but I don't care I love mine. I had no strong desire for the synth, but came across one at an estate sale for $600 with programmer in perfect condition. I have it set up in dual stereo mode. It's just so easy to get wonderful pads and all. I use MIDI Quest more often than the programmer. Just a great sound. I passed on an equally beautiful MKS-80 with programmer. It would have set me back 3x as much. For that price I'd opt for one of the Dave Smith desktop units (Prophet 6/OB-6).

 

Busch.

[Sundown]

I know it's blasphemy, but if software recreations are at all accurate, the Jupiter 8 doesn't really grab me. It just strikes me as having a thin, biting sound.

 

I'm judging this from the Arturia model, which may not be the best indicator.

 

I always remember the MKS-70 as having a very warm sound.

[J. Dan]

I know it's blasphemy, but if software recreations are at all accurate, the Jupiter 8 doesn't really grab me. It just strikes me as having a thin, biting sound.

 

I'm judging this from the Arturia model, which may not be the best indicator.

 

I always remember the MKS-70 as having a very warm sound.

 

That's why you shouldn't trust software recreations.

 

 

....that said, the JP8 DOES have it's specific place. I always think Duran Duran.

[Marzzz]

I have bought and sold an MKS-70 on three separate occasions over the years. Absolutely loved the sound of it, but was always turned off by the very loud background noise. Would definitely welcome a modern version, but not holding my breath.

[ProfD]

As I recommended in another thread, check out the Roland System 8 if feeling nostalgic for some semblance of that 1980s Roland synth sound.

 

The System 8 is a VA but it sounds great recreating those phat pads, basses and leads.

[stillearning]

Interesting... I might pay $2,000 for a re-issue, but if it crept into $3K territory, I'd be looking at a Prophet-6 or OB-6 (despite the limited polyphony).

I've got two Super JX 10's, and might consider selling one. PM if interested.

[mate stubb]

I know it's blasphemy, but if software recreations are at all accurate, the Jupiter 8 doesn't really grab me. It just strikes me as having a thin, biting sound.

 

I'm judging this from the Arturia model, which may not be the best indicator.

 

I always remember the MKS-70 as having a very warm sound.

 

That's why you shouldn't trust software recreations.

 

 

....that said, the JP8 DOES have it's specific place. I always think Duran Duran.

 

Arturia emulations seldom hit their mark. Put your hands on a real Jupiter 8 and hear the magic. They have a somewhat narrow sonic range, but within that range they are incapable of making anything but beautiful sounds.