Roland System 700

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our client

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music on 17th March 2019

Restoration Status: KSR to service once sold, and prior to shipping to the new owner.

We are both delighted and honoured to be able to offer the Roland System 700 Block 1 (Main Console) and Block 2 (Keyboard Controller) for sale.

We probably don’t need to make much in terms of introduction here, but with there only believed to be around 40 full System 700 ever made, then you will appreciate this instrument was scarce even when it was in manufactured during the period of 8 years from 1976. Over the years, the systems were broken up, and/or perhaps Roland only supplied partial systems to buyers back in the 1970s, but it’s not uncommon to see partial systems coming up for sale, like the one we are offering here.

As electronic musical instruments go, this is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of synthesizers, and is without any doubt, amongst the very best designed and built analogue modular synthesizers ever made. It’s not for us to sell the virtues of such an outstanding instrument as the worlds most accomplished synthesists have shown the capability of these beautiful creations, so we will just talk here about this particular instrument that’s available for sale.

Provenance

This System 700 has been in our client’s ownership for only a few short years, and they had purchased it from a very respected analogue synth collector in the EU. Any provenance prior to this is unknown, but like most System 700 we see, these Blocks have been extremely well cared for and maintained.

Cosmetic Condition

Upon arrival at RL Music, we checked over the system and found it to be 100% intact with all the controls, ancillary hardware (including all lids), knobs, sliders caps, switches, keys, cable and serial plates etc., all to be present and correct.

The overall condition of the Tolex covering on each Block is excellent, with only 2 scuffs to note, that can be seen in photos below. The anodised control surfaces & screen print on each individual module to be superb, with only minimal wear…remarkable!

Operational Condition

We carried out a full assessment on the Blocks after they arrived here, so can confirm everything is working. The system will benefit from a minor service, which would include a full potentiometer/slider clean and calibration etc., and this will be included in the sales price.

A much higher level of ‘restoration’ can be undertaken, should any new owner decide that this is something they would like, for future proofing, so the best thing is to contact Richard here at RL Music to discuss your needs as a customised support package can be costed, including extended warranty.

Configuration

This is a standard configured Block 1 – Main Console. here is a full configuration breakdown:

Block 1 – Main Console (sn: 730139)
This is the Heart of the System, and it contains all the basic modules necessary for a professional system. It has 3 x VCO, 1 x Low Pass VCF, 1 x LP/BP/HP VCF, 2 x VCA, 2 x LFO, 1 x Dual ADSR Envelope Generators, Noise, Ring Mod, Voltage Processor, S/H, Envelope Follower, Integrator (Lag Processor), 1 x Mixer, 2 X 5 multiples, Headphone Monitor Module, and an Output Module, which includes Stereo VU Meters, a six-position test-tone, Phase Shifter, Spring Reverb, and voltage controlled Panning. Most common module connections (power, cv, gate) are made internally for easier patching.

Block 2 – Keyboard Controller (sn: 780202):
The 61-key two-voice Keyboard with Portamento and Pitch-bend controls.

What does it sound like?
It sounds incredible, and can be huge or beautifully musical and subtle…like any quality modular system, but the System 700 has its own sound and unique character. Kent at KSR actually wrote a short track with the full System 700 we sold recently, just after he had completed the restoration work, so if you click the link below you can listen to the piece on his Soundcloud account:

https://soundcloud.com/ksr80/uphill-700

The System 700 is a professional grade instrument, with a price tag to match back, even in the 1970s. The recent full System 700 we had available, sold for £70K GBP (February 2019). Recent specialist auction prices ( £110K GBP at VEMIA November 2017) show that these have risen very sharply in price. Demand has always been very high for anything System 700 related, either in the Lab Systems or separate Blocks being sold.

We are selling this Block 1 & 2 System 700 with a full 3-month warranty, and we will ship worldwide. A quote for custom packing (by us), shipping & insurance to get it to you will be produced upon request. Delivery by us (in person) is possible for most UK destinations – prices subject to address.

This beautiful synthesizer is currently set to operate on 220V, but it can be set internally to 110V if needed. We are not supplying any 1/4” jack audio cables with the sale, but the owner has printed off the original owners manual (red folder pictured), so that’s supplied with the system. We also have a high-quality version in PDF which we will include in the sale if needed.

This is one serious music machine and words simply can’t describe the power and potential for infinite sound creation possibilities. There is such a lot to say about this legendary and beautiful modular system but we just haven’t enough room here on our website so please call or email us to discuss your requirements.

Price: £40,000. GBP

Availability: This Roland System 700 Block 1 & 2 is now SOLD, as at 23rd March 2019.

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photos of the actual System 700 Block 1 & 2 for sale.

BUY THIS SYSTEM 700