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Roland Jupiter-8 (14-bit) w/ Kenton MIDI

Posted in For Sale, Vintage Synths

Brokered Sale for our UK Client

Came into stock: November 2025

Servicing Status: A full health-check will be carried out by KSR (Kent Spong Restorations) in November 2025. A full service was previously completed by KSR in 2021.

Overview

We are pleased to offer this outstanding Roland Jupiter-8 (14-bit), complete with a professionally installed Kenton MIDI system, now available through RL Music on a brokered basis.

This superb example was fully serviced by KSR in 2021 and subsequently sold by us to the current owner, who has maintained it in a carefully controlled, private collection. They are now selectively downsizing, and the Jupiter-8 is being made available once again through RL Music.

Provenance & Background

This is a Jupiter-8 we know extremely well:

  • In 2021, it received a full KSR technical service, including calibration, PSU restoration, key-bed refurbishment, panel control work, and comprehensive component inspection.
  • During this service, Kent Spong installed a new Kenton MIDI kit, ensuring reliable integration while preserving originality and reversibility.
  • RL Music originally placed this instrument with its current owner, a long-standing private collector.
  • Since purchase, it has been kept in a stable home environment, used lightly, and maintained immaculately.

About the 14-bit Revision

The 14-bit DAC version of the Jupiter-8 is the most refined production model Roland produced. It retains the iconic Jupiter architecture:

  • 8 voices / 2 VCOs per voice
  • Discrete analogue VCF
  • Cross-mod and oscillator sync
  • Roland’s classic arpeggiator

…while offering smoother internal resolution and exceptional tuning stability.

It remains the preferred revision among many players, engineers, and collectors.

Technical Condition

Because this Jupiter-8 received a full KSR overhaul in 2021 and has been lightly used since, it remains in excellent operational order.

As part of our pre-sale quality control, RL Music will be commissioning KSR to perform a full health-check in November 2025 to ensure the instrument is operating perfectly before it is released to its new owner.

Cosmetic Condition

The instrument presents in very good cosmetic condition, showing only minor signs of careful use.

  • Front panel graphics are vibrant and original, with a few small marks on the painted surface.
  • End-cheeks are clean and well preserved.
  • All controls are original, correct, and in superb mechanical condition.

It is a visually striking example suitable for any serious collection or professional studio.

Features & Enhancements

  • Desirable 14-bit DAC revision
  • Kenton MIDI (MIDI In/Out/Thru) — installed by KSR
  • Full 2021 KSR service and restoration
  • 2025 KSR health-check prior to sale
  • Known provenance and long-term RL Music oversight
  • 3-month RL Music warranty
  • 230V UK-specification power

Handy Links

Why Buy a Roland Jupiter-8?

1. One of the finest analogue polysynths ever built

The Jupiter-8 represents the pinnacle of Roland’s classic analogue engineering:

  • Exceptionally stable VCOs
  • Wide, authoritative tone
  • Dual-VCO voice architecture
  • Cross-mod, sync, split & layer modes
  • A filter that’s both silky and powerful

It’s one of the rare synthesizers where every patch sounds musical.

2. The sound of an era

The Jupiter-8 is embedded in the DNA of 1980s and early-1990s music:

Duran Duran • Howard Jones • Michael Jackson (Thriller) • Tangerine Dream • Jean-Michel Jarre • Simple Minds

It instantly evokes that polished, cinematic analogue tone modern synths rarely capture.

3. A benchmark for collectors

Much like a 1959 Les Paul, the Jupiter-8 is culturally important, musically influential, and sonically irreplaceable.
Well-maintained 14-bit units with known provenance are considered blue-chip vintage assets.

4. The 14-bit version is the pinnacle

Smoother control behaviour, slightly more precise response, and the most stable production hardware Roland offered.

5. It’s inspiring in a way modern synths seldom are

The interface and scale of the sound change how you play.
It feels alive — and invites musicality.

6. Mix-friendly by design

  • Pads that don’t mask vocals
  • Leads that sit without harshness
  • Bass that has weight but not mud

Producers still prize it for its mix-readiness.

7. Nothing else sounds exactly like it

Modern synths and emulations are excellent — but none replicate:

  • Jupiter architecture
  • VCO behaviour
  • Vintage analogue deviation
  • Roland’s 1980s design philosophy
  • 40+ years of natural component ageing

Together, these create the Jupiter-8 sound.

8. The right examples are becoming rarer

  • Many units are heavily worn
  • Many are modified or poorly serviced
  • Many lack any provenance
  • KSR-restored examples are highly desirable
  • Market prices have corrected to more accessible levels (Autumn 2025)

A trustworthy example with known history is increasingly hard to find.

Packing & Shipping

We can ship this Jupiter-8 worldwide. Packing, shipping, and insurance costs are not included in the sale price and are quoted individually.

Please note: crating materials are custom-made per instrument, so minor delays may occasionally occur while packaging is produced.

We are happy to discuss your requirements — email us with any questions or for a personalised logistics quotation.

Sales Price

  • £17,990 GBP (direct RL Music price)

As this is a brokered sale, VAT is not applicable to UK buyers on the sale of the instrument.
Packing, shipping, and insurance services — if required — are subject to VAT @ 20%.

Availability

This Jupiter-8 is available now.

More Pictures coming shortly!

More photographs will be added shortly. A client-supplied image is shown below.
If you require specific shots (panel details, internals, serial plates, etc.), we will be happy to arrange them.

BUY THIS JUPITER-8