Model search
Used Roland TR-808 listings.
Use Brrtz to scan regional used gear sources for Roland TR-808 drum machine listings.
What it is
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer is a programmable analog drum machine built in Japan between 1980 and 1983. Its sounds are entirely synthesized rather than sampled — the booming, tunable kick, the metallic cowbell, the snappy clap, the sizzling hats — and that synthetic character, once dismissed as unrealistic, became the backbone of hip-hop, electro, techno, and modern pop. Roland made only around twelve thousand units before discontinuing it, which is a large part of why clean originals now command the prices they do.
Buying one used — what to check
First, confirm you're looking at an original and not a descendant. Roland's own TR-08 (Boutique) and TR-8S model the 808 digitally, and Behringer's RD-8 is an analog clone — all capable machines, none of them an original 808, and listing titles routinely blur the line. On a genuine unit, the usual age-related issues are aging electrolytic capacitors, drifting or dead voice cards, scratchy pots and switches, and tired trigger contacts; a recent recap or service is a meaningful plus. Remember the 808 predates MIDI — it speaks DIN sync only, so budget for a sync converter or an installed MIDI retrofit if you need to lock it to a DAW.
Regional sourcing notes
Because the 808 was manufactured in Japan, the domestic used market is unusually deep. Yahoo Auctions (ヤフオク) and Mercari regularly surface units that never left the country, often in cleaner cosmetic condition and below Western dealer pricing. The catch is voltage: domestic Japanese units are 100V and need a step-up transformer to run safely on 117V or 230V mains. In Japanese listings the gear appears under ローランド (Roland), リズムコンポーザー (Rhythm Composer), and simply 808 — and the condition vocabulary is where the real risk and value sit. 動作確認済み (tested working) and 整備済み (serviced) are reassuring; 美品 means excellent cosmetic condition; while ジャンク (junk) and 未確認 (untested) mean sold as-is and should be priced accordingly. This cross-border gap is exactly what Brrtz is built to close.
Model terms
Common search terms include Roland TR-808, TR-808, 808 drum machine, Roland Rhythm Composer, and vintage 808.
Category
Primary Brrtz category: drum machines.
What Brrtz searches
Brrtz searches supported regional source groups for used Roland TR-808 listings and related drum machine matches, then links users back to original listing sources.
Listing boundary
Brrtz does not sell TR-808s, does not act as the merchant of record, and does not claim source inventory as Brrtz-owned content.