Synthfind

“1 x Roland TR-606 drum machine in original case.

Item is used and in the original case. Not in perfect physical condition, but it sounds very clean for its age.

Faults:
Stitching in one corner has come apart and the rivet on one shoulder strap has come off. Both items are very fixable, if you wish to alter the original case. A small section of paint has worn off the top of the unit as well.

Perks:
This bad boy has been used very little and is in great condition. I just put new batteries in and had a listen and it is a very clean unit for its age. I have a Juno that is in better physical condition than this unit, but has much more background noise. Other perks are that it is the original case. Case sells from $75-150 buy it self. All of the essential buttons, straps and rivets are in great working order.

What you need to get:
The power adapter and manual is not included. Manuals are free all over the internet in pdf format. As for the power, you can use batteries or you can buy an adapter. If you choose to buy an adapter be careful. Do not get a 1000mA 9V adapter that is “meant” for this unit. Most techy sites recommend the 100mA 9V adapter. Less draw the better, because it is a battery unit.” Link

“For sale I have a vintage Roland TR-606 drum machine. Classic analog beatbox!

The machine is in good condition, all of the buttons and knobs turn work and turn smoothly.

Everything works perfectly, no static when turning the knobs.

All of the buttons have been replaced with new ALPS switches on the original TR-606 PCB, so they will last for many years!

The case is in good condition, with only a couple of minor scratches or scuffs (see photos). The metal panel surrounding the buttons has some lifting and a slight crease near step 15, nothing too bad, just making a note of it.

The machine is sold as-is in working condition.” Link

“Roland Drumatix TR-606 Computer Controlled Drum Machine with original carrying case.
Drum machine appears to work it lights up and makes noise but needs some TLC. The carrying case has stains and the Plastic case has some paint loss I have included many photos.
Please ask if you have any questions I am selling it no reserve and as is.” Link

” Roland TR-606 Drumatix old skool drum machine!!!
$15.00 shipping to US only!!!
Comes with power supply. I do not have the case or manual.
It is in complete working condition.
Has some nics and scratches but nothing severe. Afterall it is a Vintage piece.
Very cool old skool machine!!!!” Link

“Up for bid is this Roland TR-606 that is a programmable analog synthesis drum machine. I am the original owner of this device. Its been packed away since the 80’s, but I recently ran through it (brought back great memories) and it functions perfectly. All the pots are quiet and the buttons all work flawlessly. From the pictures, you will notice a small piece of plastic missing on all four corners from a long ago drop.” Link

“Up for auction are a Roland TB-303 bassline generator and a Roland TR-606 drumatix drum machine. Adpaters and manuals are included. (the TR-606 manual is a printout- not orginal.) The TB-303 manual is orginal. The TR-606 is missing the cover to the battery compartment. Both units are working – The TR-606 has a scratchy on/off switch, the TB-303 is sometimes scratchy on the “G” key. ” Link

“This Drum Machine works well and was great when the wife was learning to play the drums, and perfect when I needed a beat for the Guitar. Has more functions than I ever used, however, it comes with no operation manual “` BUT “` you can download 1 here: http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/606.php ~ No bones about it, this is a used machine that comes with scratches & you will need your own 9V DC power supply < OR > it runs on C cell Batteries if you prefer [ Battery compartment is very clean ] . Just know that it will not show-up dead { it will amaze you } with all the functions ~ Tooo many to list ~ but check out the web site. I figured out how to use it for our needs, but I’m no expert on what all it can do. I sell ALL ELECTRONICS As-Is with no returns, Why would I need it back ???” Link

“Up for bid is this Roland TR-606 that is a programmable analog synthesis drum machine. It works Great and is in clean Condition. Purchased and owned by a Musician. This machine comes with Original carrying case.” Link

“ROLAND

TR-606

DRUMATIX

ANALOG DRUM MACHINE

WITH ORIGINAL CASE

Sorry, no power supply or manual

In great condition and all functions work

BUT…….

POTS ARE SCRATCHY AND OUTPUT SEEMS A BIT LOW

It’s been sitting idle for many years so it will need a little work.

Also has some slight cosmetic issues – see pics.

Batteries where left in it and they leaked.” Link

“This is a Used Roland TR-606 drum machine ONLY . NO MANUAL (CAN BE EASILY DOWNLOADED ONLINE)
AND NO AC POWER ADAPTER EITHER !!!
THIS MACHINE DOES HOWEVER USE BATTERIES (FOUR “C” SIZE ) AND THEY ARE FAIRLY NEW AND INSIDE, SO YOU CAN BEGIN PLAYING AS SOON AS YOU RECIEVE ITEM !!!!!
, if you are bidding you are
probably familiar with this machine . If not , its pretty neat , just “google” roland tr-606 for specs
has simple options and layout, i did not use this machine much though
as i use other equipment and it was in some things i traded for so i am selling it .
it is used but is in perfect working order. it has very minor signs of use
and small scratches among the case as all used equipment usually does. See Pictures !
I do Want to state that there is discoloration of plastic around battery hull, this has not affected play or use. but is visible underneth.” Link

“Roland

TR-606 Drumatix drum machine

We know very little about things like this

we put batteries in and it did nothing (The batteries were new and yes we tried different batteries)

It appears to be in good shape for its age

we were told this unit sold for over $200

hope you can get it to work or use it for parts

For this we are auctioning this unit as AS-IS” Link

Link

“VINTAGE 1983 Roland TR-606 Drumatix DRUM MACHINE in Original Box – Own the Classic. This is a VINTAGE 1983 Roland TR-606 DRUM MACHINE in Its Original Box, in excellent working order! It even comes with the original vinyl gig bag with the TR-606 Logo. Does include the manual. Uses batteries. This particular drum machine comes from a world famous recording studio in New York City. The producer who is selling this unit has recorded and performed with a veritable who’s who in the world of pop / soul/ r&b / hip hop, and is downsizing his studio’s outboard gear. This is a very rare, incredible vintage piece of gear, and you can buy it confidently, knowing that this exact unit has not only been used on countless major professional studio productions, but that it also is 100 % operational! Original Vintage receipt Paid on May 20 1983 Inside.” Link

“hier kommt eine Vintage Roland Groovebox TR 606 aus dem Instrumentarium meines verstorbenen Mannes zur Versteigerung. Das Gerät ist sehr ansprechend erhalten. Haben das Teil seit Jahren im Wohnzimmer stehen gehabt und heute nochmal angeworfen. Scheint soweit alles ganz gut so funktionieren. Es ist übrigens die Originalverpackung, das Netzteil und die Anleitung dabei.” Link

“I’m selling my 606, it works great and is in great condition, I’m not playing much these days so I’m just going to go computer based and dump most of my hardware, this is for sale locally as well so I may end the auction at any time. I’m just using a normal guitar pedal 9 volt power supply which I’m not including since I always have a use for those but it works fine off batteries as well. Like I said everything works perfect on it.” Link

“ROLAND TR-606

Drumatix – Analog Drum Machine

606 – fully working – original, no mods

Comes with manual

I’ve owned this 606 since the mid 80’s. It’s much loved – and has never been modded.

As you can see from the pics, the battery compartment has never been leaked into.

I’ve held onto this classic for years, but I’ve recently got a couple of new guitars – and something has to go!” Link

“This is a ROLAND TR 606 Drumatix drum machine made between 1981-1984. It is a very sought after tool and is in very good condition.” Link

“This auction is for a original TR-606 drum machine. It works great and sounds awesome. I do not have the power cord for it but have tested it and it is in very good condition. It has some scuffs around the edges but it is in good condition. Here is some info. about these incredible units: The TR-606 is a drum machine which Roland manufactured from 1981 to 1983. It was designed to be used in tandem with the TB-303 Bassline so as to be able to reproduce a drummer and bass player for guitarists without backing bands. It sold a fair few units (around 30000 apparently), but wasn’t very popular amongst guitarists because the drum sounds weren’t too realistic. All the sounds in the 606 are generated with analog technology – noise sources and voltage controlled filters. The kind of sounds created by this technology aren’t realistic, but kind of electro/retro sounding. When house and techno arrived in the mid-80s, musicians were looking for cheap gear which could make decent sounds, and the 606 was a perfect choice. Because guitarists didn’t like the non-realistic sounds, they were only too happy to get rid of their 606s for a couple of dollars to kids who could really use them. Now the 606 has become a basic tool for many electronic musicians, including Autechre, Aphex Twin, Plastikman, and Nine Inch Nails. Its excellent programming interface, bouncy sounds and small size make it an ideal machine for “just banging out patterns”. What many artists don’t realize though is the power this machine can have when modified! Individual outputs for each drumsound increase the usability infinitely, and once you start modifying the sounds themselves, you can get a very capable drummachine indeed. I hope this page will be of use to people looking for a fun new toy in their studio, and also to people who love their 606 dearly and want to expand its capabilities. Enjoy!” Link

“Selling a Roland TR 606 Drummachine with power supply no manual. A Kenton electronics KADI port was added so the unit can be used with a kenton midi controller ( not included ) hooked up to the kadi port. The unit can off course be used on it’s own. This unit was used in a smoke free studio” Link

“Hello! You will be bidding on:

Roland TR-606 Drumatix

100% working condition. It has a few light scratches and a very tiny dent (View photos) Battery cover is intact and perfect and AC power sockets both work. Sorry it doesn’t Includes AC power adapter.

6 Drum types, 1 Accent, Tempo Knob, Volume controls for each drum, Write and Play feature knobs, DINSync for synchronizing, and two trig-outs.

Sounds fantastic when sync’d with another analog synth. A true legend Roland box just like the TR-808, TR-909, SH-101 and the legendary TB-303. Collectors wont be disappointed with this unit.” Link

“Roland TR 606 Drumatix
Legendärer Drumcomputer

Zustand: Sehr gut erhalten.

Gebrauchsspuren am Boden sichtbar aber ansonsten optisch sehr gut erhalten wie man auf den Fotos erkennen kann.

Technisch einwandfrei, konnte keine Fehler entdecken.

Kommt mit Netzteil und der Batteriedeckel ist auch vorhanden.

Es ist keine Batterie ausgelaufen im Fach und die Sync + Klinke Buchsen sind ok.” Link

“Roland TR-606 Analog Drum Machine in good condition. Works 100%, has the battery cover, and is in good condition with the original carrying case (in good condition). Used, but not abused. The TR-606 does have velcro on the bottom of the unit which can most likely be easily removed. Per VSE.com: A cool little box! So primitive and cute! The 606 was the percussion side-kick to the TB-303. It even looks like the 303. It stores up to 32 patterns and 8 songs. The 606 allows switching between Pattern Play and Write mode while running – making the 606 the only drumcomputer in the X0X series that can be edited while performing and switching patterns. It is also possible to link up to 4 consecutive patterns in Pattern Play mode. There is only a mono audio output.” Link

“Here is a vintage ROLAND DRUMATIX TR-606 rhythm machine. The machine comes with the original vinyl case and the power supply 9 volt adapror. I remember using one of these way back in the 1980’s at college. I can’t remember how to program it? The unit powers up and it works. Sorry no instruction book. No other items except for the vinyl case, the machine and the power supply. .

The rhythm machine is in good shape. Some light surface wear from the original owner. The volume pot knob is the on switch as well as the volume knob. This knob needs a little contact cleaner. It turns on a little scratchy. All other functions seem to work. Since I don’t have the book and I can’t remember how to make it work completely. My guess is that all is in good shape. The volume knob is the only pot that needs cleaning as stated above regarding the scratchy sound when 1st turned on. It measures 11 1/2 length x 6″ width x 1 3/4″ height. Two rubber feet are missing from the bottom. Two of the rubber feet remain attached to the bottom.” Link

“THIS ROLAND TR606 IS in good condition considering it’s age except I think the scale function switch is missing, see pics. Looks like you could use a skinny screwdriver to change it. All functions work great and it definitely sounds amazing! There is one weird thing. While testing this unit I noticed that as the pattern runs through whatever red leds are lit up for the intstrument you have selected will emit a quiet audible buzz when the sequence passes by the light. I would just avoid this by not using one of the instruments in the pattern say the high tom for example…also, missing battery cover” Link

“ROLAND TR-606 vintage analog rhythm machine
this is very rare “High Grade”model special modded by ISHIBASHI/BIAS(famous japanese musical instruments company)
you can change the tune of LOW TOM and HIGH TOM separately! using mini-screwdriver
it’s very useful for create sounds,you can use pitch down TOM as bass drum like TR-808
TR-606 “High Grade” was quite few made only by request those days(’80s!)
so i’ts very hard to find even in Japan nowadays

Item is used, good working condition,some scratches on surface,
very litle broken off on left corner of the body(see photo)
comes with copy of the english manual” Link

“IT IS NOT IN TOP CON, OUT SIDE BUT IT WORKS ,HAS ALL THE BUTTONS” Link

“Modified tr-606 analog drum machine, this thing is totally awesome!!!!!! It has the Analogue Solutions Mod kit box and individual outputs for further processing the sounds. The mod kit and installation alone cost me $275 and I had to order from europe, the 606 with modded outputs wasn’t cheap either I’m selling this unit for my actual cost and only because I recently acquired an 808. Though just add some external drum modules and you’ll have an even more versatile drum synth – I used it with a jomox kick drum (not included) and it’s just the bomb!!! So everything works and the 606 is pretty darn clean, there are some light scuffs on the bottom of the unit. It isn’t mint but great shape overall and the A.S mod kit is brand new. The 606 is one under estimated drum machine which has even better hats and cymbals than the 808 or 909! It’s ultra smooth sounding and the toms with this mod are super versatile. Does great electro sounds and awesome hip hop too, I’ll miss this baby. I’m going to pack the heck out of it because I can’t help but worry about the delicate ribbon connector, I’m selling this as-is and though I will pack it with the utmost care I will be offering this sold AS-IS no returns as a vintage electronic device.” Link

“I bought this drum machine in 2006 from a guy in the UK called Matt Wells who had performed some serious circuit bending on it. The circuit bent mods are enclosed in a dual-box housing to the right hand side of the machine and include 19 rotary pots, 3 two-way switches and 1 three-way.
These are as follows:

1. Klik Drum. This allows the bass drum envelope to be pitched so it can be heard as anything from a punchy boom to a pronounced click that really cuts thru your speakers. The extreme click only occurs though only in the last ¼ of the pots travel and so is easily avoided if not required. This is the most simple of all the mods and least versatile. I tend to set it for a suitably deep bass drum and leave it there. This is not where the fun is at, though you could use it to make the most extreme form of glitch-tronica, just watch your speakers.

The snare drum on the other hand is another thing entirely…

2. Snare Tone. Pitches the snare across a wide range.
3. Snare Snap. For those who wished the 606 snare could sound more like an 808, wish no more.
4. Snare Decay. 10 turn pot, side mounted, for further sound shaping possibilities.
5. Snare Filter. Can be adjusted from fully open down to near silence.

6. Tomz Tone.
7. Tomz Tone.

These two above are interactive two-way switches affecting both Toms.

8. Tomz Distortion. Three-way switch. Off at centre, left for minimal distortion or right for maximum.
9. Tomz Distortion Level. So you can dial in control of the above, also dependant on the Tomz Tones.

10. Cymbal Tone.
11. Cymbal Decay.
12. Cymbal Resonance.

13.14.15.16. Row of 4 Hi-Hat Oscillators.

These can make the hi-hats sound very metallic, more sci-fi SFX than traditional hi-hats.

17. Hi-Hat Decay.
18. Hi-Hat Decay.

These two mods are side mounted and interact with each other, though I find the top one has a distinct effect on decay whereas the 2nd one only adds noise dependant on the 1st one.

19. TRX-666 Rotary. This is a 7 position rotary pot which incrementally adds global feedback and distortion from minimum/off to maximum. Some settings produce sustained drone tones and add harmonics and feedback to some drum sounds that makes the machine sound more like a malfunctioning synth than a drum machine, especially the toms.

Can be used for some great sound FX though.

NB. Be aware that at extremes all these mods will add noise to the outputs, at maximum extremes these can produce peaks considerably higher than the regular output level and so I recommend leaving plenty of headroom when playing or recording, probably 12-20dB for a digital system.

Note also that as this is circuit bent some pots can seem to have little effect for half their travel and then produce sudden changes in tone, feedback, output, etc and this is often dependent on other pots and switches. I spent a few days familiarising myself with it and being cautious, so that I knew where the hot spots were. The noise in the circuitry can be kept to a minimum but generally that’s where the fun is at so it pays to learn how to use the pots carefully around these hot spots, ok.

If you want a clean sounding 606 then buy another one please.

The Individual Ouput mods (all now labelled) had already been installed also when I bought it and these are great as they allow for additonal processing of the sounds over 5 outputs on 3.5mm mini-jacks as follows:

1. Bass Drum

2. Snare Drum.

3. Toms.

4. Cymbal.

5. Hi-Hats.

This mod costs £50 fitted. I will include the 5 mini-jack to ¼” jack adaptors I bought for them also.

In addition I bought and installed the following two mods from respected Roland mod company, Analogue Solutions:

MIDI trigger kit.

This allows triggering by MIDI of all the 7 drum sounds of the TRX-666.

MIDI channel is programmable by sending note on message- currently set for Channel 1.

MIDI note assignment is fixed from manufacturer and is as follows:

Bass Drum C3

Snare Drum D3

Lo Tom F3

Hi Tom F#3

Cymbal A#3

Open Hi-Hat C4

Closed Hi-Hat. C#4

Note that this is to trigger the sounds and is not velocity sensitive- I don’t know of any TR-606 that is…

Though accent IS programmed for a pattern step when velocity is greater than 80. Simple enough.

The optional MIDI thru is installed also for those that need it, as is the MIDI to DIN-sync trigger which allows you to use the MIDI start message sent to the TRX-666 to trigger other Roland X0X gear and run it in sync. Very useful.

To use the MIDI trigger it’s a simple flick of a switch to the down position to disable the internal CPU and set the SYNC to INPUT. To use the internal sequencer set SYNC to OUTPUT and MIDI switch to central.

Note that whilst all the pattern LED’s work, they have to be pressed towards the top for them to be activated/deactivated. This is common due to age of these machines and whilst you can buy a replacement set cheap through Ebay, I never bothered because I have far more flexibility triggering by MIDI from either my P3 sequencer or Ableton Live. The 606 onboard sequencer maybe simple enough but you can soon be very limited by it…

NB. In checking the machine recently I have noticed that when I power up with MIDI trigger disabled- i.e. if required to use to internal sequencer, sometimes the machine will not function as it should.

Then if you power down, disconnect the psu and then re-power, it will work as it should. As a result the internal sequencer is temperamental now it seems and I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND buying this machine if you prefer to use the on-board sequencer. Buy a standard TR-606 instead, ok!

The MIDI trigger always functions 100% and I would suggest you only bid to buy this machine if that’s how you are happy to work, as I did.

This mod is a £79 kit or £119 fitted. Paperwork is included.

The Trigger LED mod kit is also installed and shows when each of the seven drum sounds is triggered.

(All are now labeled). Note that whilst there is no LED for accent if accent is programmed the LED will light brighter on that step- very useful also to have this visual aid, as well as looking cool. I used green LED’s instead of the kit ones…

The only problem with this mod is that whilst they all work as they should when using the internal sequencer, when using the MIDI trigger mod above (as I did) the Lo and Hi Tom LED’s do not light up.

I have tried to remedy this but have had no luck and can only think it must be something to do with the extensive circuit bend wiring done to the toms, that for some reason only defeats these two LED’s when using the MIDI trigger. Something I’ve been happy to live with/out…

This mod is a £20 kit or £38 fitted. Paperwork is included.

The original User Manual is included with this machine, which is rather rare and though it does have a number of pages towards the back stained (30-40), these are generally on the pattern diagrams for the advanced course section and ALL print & diagrams are still easily readable under the stain.

In good condition for it’s age and is available free online also.

Included too is the even rarer 4 page preliminary release guide, dated Sept ’81, which opens up as a gatefold titled: TR-606. The new rhythm machine that you program yourself.

This is in excellent condition.

A wall wart style external PSU will be required as mine is now to be used for something else. This can be easily obtained from an electrical store but MUST be 9 Volts. Mine was a Uniross 9V@300mA, as the maximum current draw by the machine is stated as 150mA.

The machine can be run off batteries (4 x C type @ 1.5V) though I have never done so as on the spring side there is a small amount of green residue indicating a small previous leak. However, there is no sign of this anywhere else but on the spring end itself. Absolutely nothing in the battery compartment or the machine itself, ok.

I have been thorough and honest in my description of this machine.

The fitted mods alone would cost you £210 in addition to a standard TR-606.

The circuit bent mods are not exactly priceless but are certainly unique.

It is sold as-is.

See picture gallery.

Video link will follow in next 24 hours.

Thanks for your interest.” Link

“Vintage Drumatix, in full working order, comes with carry case and manual. Some very minor scuff marks on surface, otherwise great condition. ” Link

Courtesy of Fahz0r on YouTube

“Classic sounds from the Drumatix TR-606 from Roland. Works great, but no AC Adapter (runs on batteries if you don’t want to get the easily available power adapter separately)” Link

“This is a Roland Drumatix TR-606 computer controlled drum machine. It is in good condition with all of the original knobs and buttons, but it will not power on so it is being sold AS IS. I tried powering it up with batteries and with an adapter and neither worked. It comes with the machine only. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask!” Link

“100% working condition & 99% cosmetic condition considering its age (2 small nicks on the plastic rear casing). Battery (battery cover is intact and perfect) and AC power sockets both work so u can rock out either way. Sounds fantastic when sync’d with another analog synth. A true legend Roland box just like the TR-808, TR-909, SH-101 and the legendary TB-303. Collectors wont be disappointed with this unit. Does not include AC power adaptor, A 9V DC from Jaycar works a treat.” Link

Courtesy of lesingemonotone on YouTube

“This is a Roland TR-606 Drumatix Drum Machine in excellent condition. The item is in perfect working condition. Cosmetically, it is like new, with very few duffs to the surface and nothing but a couple small scratches on the back of the machine. This item is being sold with the recommended Boss AC Adapter 120V. Batteries will not be included, unless you specify, because the extra weight will add to the shipping cost.” Link

darenager on YouTube:

“I am selling a used Roland TR-606 “Drumatix” drum machine (sort of a baby TR-808). This comes with its owners manual, carrying bag, and an aftermarket “wall wart” power supply (I am quite sure it will also work with a Boss PSA-120 power supply or equivalent: 9v DC output, tip negative polarity). Please note: this drum machine does not accept MIDI (it is a pre-MIDI era device). It does accept Roland 24 ppqn “DIN sync” (there exist various boxes that can convert MIDI sync to DIN sync). The machine is in excellent operational and physical condition. I was the original purchaser of this unit. I’ve had it sitting around unused for years; it is time to pass it along.” Link