For sale is a Roland S-50, a legendary late ’80s digital sampler known for its gritty, musical 12-bit sound and hands-on workflow. This unit is fully functional and in excellent overall condition, with only a few minor, honest age-related quirks (listed below for full transparency).
Why the S-50?
The S-50 was a studio staple in its day and helped define countless records. Roland’s early samplers were used by artists and producers such as Peter Gabriel and bands like Depeche Mode, and were common in high-end studios including Real World Studios. If you’re after that authentic early digital sampler character, punchy drums, crunchy transients, and lush pads, this delivers.
Condition & Details:
* Boots reliably and operates as it should
* All keys and functions work
* New audio relays installed, fixed a known issue found on all of these S-50s
Includes:
* One floppy disk loaded with lots of samples + a drum kit
* Spare white key (included just in case)
* I can include some more disks of your choice (yes!, I still have a computer with floppy drive and a SW to create these disks)
Minor Notes (Disclosed for Transparency):
I’m listing these up front so there are no surprises:
* One side cover is missing (cosmetic only)
* One key is slightly less sensitive than the others (still playable)
* Boot time can be a bit longer sometimes, but it always boots successfully
None of the above affects basic operation or sound, and the sampler is ready to use.
Perfect For:
* Vintage sampler lovers
* ’80s / early ’90s electronic, industrial, ambient, or pop production
* Studios looking for real hardware character instead of plug-ins
Local sale preferred (Beaverton / Portland, OR).
Happy to demo for serious buyers. Cash and local pickup only.
If you’ve been looking for a classic Roland sampler with real history and vibe, this S-50 won’t disappoint. Feel free to message me with any questions!