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Roland MKS-70 with PG-800 Programmer
Vintage Analogue Synthesizer Module – 1986
Condition
This Roland MKS-70 is in excellent cosmetic condition with only some light signs of rack rash to the mounting points. The main user-interface, controls, and buttons all work perfectly, and the display is bright and clear — as indeed it should be, as it has a new OLED display fitted.
Servicing & Restoration
Our trusted partner KSR carried out a full service in December 2024, during which a brand-new OLED display was fitted. The instrument has been fully tested, calibrated, and is 100% operational to factory specification.
Background
The MKS-70 and its companion PG-800 Programmer have been in our client’s possession for at least 15 years, to the best of their recollection. It has been one of those dependable go-to instruments — supremely reliable and effortlessly capable of producing those lush, wide analogue pads and piano tones for which the Roland Super JX series is celebrated.
The MKS-70 has featured on countless recordings over the years and remains a highly relevant and inspiring sound source, perfectly suited for anyone seeking that unmistakable late-1980s synth character in a modern studio environment.
Roland MKS-70 Super JX — Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Roland Corporation, Japan
Model: MKS-70 (Super JX)
Type: Analogue polyphonic synthesizer module (rack-mount)
Year of Release: 1986
Synthesis Architecture
- Synthesis Type: Analogue subtractive synthesis
- Tone Generation: Dual voice boards (same as JX-8P), each containing one complete 6-voice synthesizer
- Voices: 12-voice polyphony (2 × 6-voice)
- Timbrality: Bi-timbral (Upper/Lower tones)
- Oscillators: 2 × Digitally Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) per voice
- Waveforms: Sawtooth, Square, Pulse (variable width)
- Cross-modulation and oscillator sync
- Sub-Oscillator: Available per voice
- Filter: 1 × Resonant Low-Pass Filter (VCF) per voice + Non-resonant High-Pass Filter
- Envelopes: 2 × ADSR (for VCF and VCA)
- LFO: 1 per tone (waveforms: triangle, square, saw up/down, random)
- Keyboard Tracking: Adjustable for filter and envelopes
- Chorus: Dual-mode analogue chorus (same design as Juno series)
Performance & Control
- Tone Memory: 50 factory presets + 50 user tones per tone bank (2 tone banks total)
- Patch Memory: 64 user patches (combinations of two tones)
- Split/Dual Modes: Yes (Upper/Lower tone layering and keyboard split functionality)
- External Control: MIDI In, Out, Thru
- Programmer Port: Proprietary DIN interface for PG-800 programmer
- Tuning: Master tuning ±50 cents
Connectivity
- Audio Outputs:
- 2 × Mono outputs (Upper / Lower)
- 1 × Stereo mixed output
- Headphone Output: 1 × ¼” stereo jack
- MIDI: In, Out, Thru (5-pin DIN)
- Programmer Interface: 6-pin DIN (for PG-800)
- Footswitch Inputs: Hold, Patch Shift
Hardware
- Display: Backlit 16-character LCD
- Front Panel Controls: Increment/decrement buttons, value slider, parameter select buttons
- Power: Internal PSU, 240V AC (UK model)
- Dimensions: 480 mm (W) × 132 mm (H) × 330 mm (D)
- Weight: Approx. 8.5 kg (approximately 17.8 lbs)
Roland PG-800 Programmer — Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Roland Corporation, Japan
Model: PG-800
Type: Hardware programmer for MKS-70, JX-8P, and JX-10
Year of Release: 1986
Overview
The PG-800 is a dedicated hardware controller providing real-time, hands-on access to all major synthesis parameters of compatible Roland JX-series instruments. It connects directly to the MKS-70 via the dedicated 6-pin DIN programmer port.
Controls
- Sliders: 29 (assignable to DCO, VCF, VCA, and ENV parameters)
- Switches: 2 (for Tone selection: Upper/Lower)
- Indicator LEDs: 2 (Tone select indicators)
- Parameter Coverage:
- DCO 1 & 2 tuning, waveform, PWM, sync
- VCF cutoff, resonance, envelope modulation, key follow
- VCA level, ENV depth, chorus on/off
- Envelope attack, decay, sustain, release
- LFO rate, delay, and modulation depth
Connectivity
- Interface: 6-pin DIN proprietary cable (supplied)
- Power: Supplied via MKS-70 or JX-8P (no separate PSU required)
Hardware
- Dimensions: 370 mm (W) × 240 mm (D) × 35 mm (H)
- Weight: Approx. 0.9 kg (approximately 2 lbs)
Handy Links
Inclusions
This sale includes:
- Roland MKS-70 Synthesizer Module
- Roland PG-800 Programmer
- Original Interconnect DIN-Cable (for programmer connection to front panel)
- Standard IEC Mains Cable for the MKS-70
Price & Availability
£2,200 GBP – Available for sale now
As this is a brokered sale, no VAT is applicable to UK buyers. International buyers are responsible for any import duties or taxes levied in their respective countries.
The instrument will be supplied fully tested, carefully packaged, and prepared to RL Music standards — meaning it has been professionally inspected, fully quality-controlled, and presented to the highest collector-grade specification to ensure authenticity, reliability, and buyer confidence.
Payment
Due to the high value of this instrument, we accept bank transfer only (UK Faster Payments / CHAPS or international wire).
Full payment details will be provided on the invoice.
Packing & Shipping
We ship worldwide. Packing, shipping, and insurance are not included in the sale price and are quoted upon request.
Our standard practice is professional, export-grade packaging tailored to the instrument and fully insured for its sale value.
UK buyers are welcome to collect from Reading, Berkshire, or we can arrange a dedicated personal delivery within the UK (subject to quotation).
We are happy to tailor a logistics solution to your requirements.
Warranty
RL Music provides a full 3-month warranty on this instrument, covering all labour and parts. Our warranty guarantees that the synth will arrive in excellent working order and perform exactly as described.
Conclusion
The Roland MKS-70, paired with its essential PG-800 Programmer, represents one of the last great analogue instruments from Roland’s classic era — a true bridge between the warmth of voltage-controlled synthesis and the precision of digital control. Its unmistakable sonic character, reliability, and elegant design have ensured its enduring status among musicians, producers, and collectors alike.
This particular example, having been fully serviced and expertly presented to RL Music’s exacting standards, offers an exceptional opportunity to own a definitive piece of 1980s analogue heritage — ready to inspire in any modern studio or collection.
Pictures coming shortly!
We are currently preparing a full set of high-quality photographs, which will be added to this listing shortly. Should you wish to request any specific images — for example, detailed panel views, internal assemblies, or serial identification plates — please contact us, and we will be pleased to arrange these for you.
