“This tr808 kicks a*s. It has blue leds, midi and its was modified to fit a rack. Most of the people dont have space to put this kind of table top gear. Some purists hate the fact this is has been modified. It worked well for me and I got the point of buying 3 of them, now i am only keeping what i need so i can get myself a nice ssl or neve board… I dont know how to program the machine, i used it only via midi.. The conditions is great except for the rack modification that as you can see in the picture is nice but its not the best.. Come on! I personally thinks that its has a mojo but its up to you to decide…” Link
“For sale I have a vintage Roland TR-808 drum machine. Classic analog sounds!
The machine is a euro voltage version, but a converter for US voltages is included!
The machine has new ALPS buttons, so there isn’t any sticky or double triggering problems, they were installed on the original 808 PCB, not a clone. The button caps are also new, so they look spectacular.
Everything works perfectly, no static when turning the knobs. All of the knobs have the original colored caps as well.
The case is in good condition, with a few scratches, etc (see photos). The battery door is a plastic replacement (not original).
The machine is sold as-is in working condition.
I pack things extremely well with multiple layers of bubble wrap, plenty of packing peanuts and a good strong box.” Link
“Roland TR-808 Vintage Drum Machine
Sounds amazing.
Has a midi upgrade ($300 value) which allows you to trigger its sounds by midi – so you can combine the best of both worlds by triggering its sounds from the computer.
The plastic side rails are damaged, each at one corner (see picture) and one or two of the screws are missing. I imagine you could order replacements for them without too much hassle.
The Start/Stop button on the sequencer sticks a bit and one of the sequencer buttons doesn’t go down as well as the rest, but the difference is subtle. You quickly get the hang of it so that you can press it in a certain place and it functions fine. Other than that, it works and sounds great. These buttons are replaceable and they sell them on ebay.” Link
“Up for auction is a Roland TR 808 drum machine with Kenton Pro Kadi midi in fantastic condition.The item is in absolutely perfect working condition.It works 100% absolutely flawlessly without any sorts of problems.The item is in fantastic condition cosmetically as well.One of the best conditioned 808s I have ever seen for sure.This TR 808 is in excellent condition overall.It comes with Kenton Pro Kadi midi set up ready for you.The unit is 117V.No manual included for the item.Thank you.” Link
“ROLAND TR-808 fully functional great condition 100% Fully functional Will package professionally” Link
“Up for bidding is the Roland TR-808. Items still in good condition other than missing two little screw one on the center top in 1st photos and the 2nd screws on the 4th photos where the input and out-put is. Than on the photos #9 it show that one of the electrical prong is missing. It showing 2 instead of three which is a ground anyway. This will not effects any function of the instruments. Now other than that. This is one great machine of it’s age, works as it should and it’s not missing any buttons or knobs.” Link
“This has had only 1 owner, it still has the original plastic inlay AND the original manuals! I challenge you to find an 808 in better condition. Looks beautiful, plays beautiful.” Link
“Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer!
Classic Analog Drum Machine!
Comes with Original Manual & Original Documentation!
Up for auction is a one and only Roland TR-808 – vintage classic analog drum machine. Nothing quite sounds like a 808! It is simply AMAZING!
This 808 is in FANTASTIC cosmetic and PERFECT working condition – as close to being MINT as it can get (see pics). No issues whatsoever.” Link
“The Buldozer of Hip-Hop beats, the mighty Roland TR-808, enhanced with Kenton’s MIDI implementation. Yes, you hook it up to any DAW like Ableton/Logic/Reason and feed it with your midi files. The BD is a dream, the snare is so crisp and of course, that wicked cowbell throw in every second track during the eighties. This item is in great working condition and will keep serving you for many years. I’m selling more stuff from my home studio some make sure to check them out. Item will be well packed and wrapped in bubble wrapping material, as well as insured for the sum of the selling price.” Link
“this TR-808 was listed on ebay a couple months ago, no one bought it because it was sick. this was surprising, because i hear that this is one sick as hell drum machine.
it’s no longer sick. i took it to Midwest Music Menders of Chicago IL and paid him a sack of cash to make it well and i can say that it is now the un-sickest, un-illest 808 around.
the PSU has been recapped and fixed, the MIDI and transport are AOK, the noise source has been un-whacked, the maracas section has been rebuilt, and the entire machine has been calibrated.
as the previous auction stated all the output jacks are new, and the switch bank looks either new or very very very well taken care of.
the MIDI retrofit is the Kenton variety, and has been verified as AOK by Kenton UK themselves.
i will also include all service paperwork from Midwest Music Menders.
you may be able to find a prettier 808, but this thing is a monster workhorse which should be in it to win it for you.” Link
“Genuine 1980’s model, bought in 1980.
(possibly one of the first in the UK!)
One careful owner since new!
In full perfect working order.
No damage to external casing.
Two ‘orange tops’ missing from buttons (see photos)
This model has had no MIDI modifications,
but does have the original DIN SYNC control.
Has original plug cord attached, with UK standard 3 pin plug.
This is an totally original model.” Link
“ch glaube dieses Gerät bedarf keiner Beschreibung.
Leider ist der Tempo-knob abhanden gekommen und das Gerät ist nicht midifiziert!
d.h. die Tr 808 wurde damals über eine sync-box betrieben, die aber nicht in dieser Auktion bei ist (kann man aber bei musicstore kaufen).” Link
Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer inkl. Kenton MIDI-Interface (intern)
International bids welcome! Please drop me a mail in case you’ve got any questions.
Auktionsgegenstand:
Zum Verkauf steht eine Roland TR-808, der legendäre Drum-Machine Klassiker, der auch heute noch viel Verwendung findet. Ob Samples oder Hardware-Clones, das Original ist weiterhin unerreicht und auch unter Sammlern heiß begehrt. Das hier angebotene Exemplar verfügt über ein eingebautes Kenton MIDI-Interface (s. Fotos). Dadurch lässt sich das Einsatzspektrum enorm erweitern, und die Nutzung im Studioalltag deutlich vereinfachen. Alleine das MIDI-Interface kostet derzeit über 250 EUR (ohne Einbau, mit über 400 EUR).
Features der TR-808:
* Druckvoller Analog-Sound
* Kult-Instrumente: Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Lo/Mid/Hi Tom, Lo/Mid/Hi Conga, Rim Shot, Claves, Maracas, Hand Clap, Cowbell, Open/Closed Hi Hat, Cymbal
* Flexible Klangparametrisierung
* Integrierter Stepsequenzer
* Stereo-Summe sowie 11 Einzelausgänge
* Synchronisation externer Geräte
Features des MIDI-Interface:
* Anschlüsse: MIDI IN/OUT/THRU
* Synchronisation des internen TR-808 Stepsequencers mit einem externem Sequencer bzw. DAW: Start, Stop, Tempo
* Ansteuern (spielen) der TR-808 mithilfe einer externen MIDI-Quelle (Sequencer/DAW, Keyboard)
* Übernahme (Aufnahme) der TR-808 Patterns in einen externen Sequencer
* MIDI-Kanal frei wählbar (derzeit Kanal 10)
* Instrumente-Mapping frei wählbar (derzeit C1-A#1)
* Steuerung von Lautstärke und ACCENT über MIDI-Velocity
* MIDI-Clock Übertragung über SYNC OUT: z.B. zur Steuerung einer angeschlossenen TB-303
Wichtig: diese Auktion umfasst die TR-808, Unterlagen zum Kenton MIDI-Interface sowie die TR-808 Service Notes (First Edition, Second Printing, 1983).” Link
“Dont miss this chance to own the best drum machine ever(our opinion).” Link
“This listing is for a Roland TR-808 analog drum machine. The unit is 100% functional and is in nice cosmetic shape as well. Well maintained and lightly used in a smoke free studio. Will come with original plastic cover as well. THIS IS A 220V EUROPEAN VERSION AND IF PURCHASED IN THE US WILL NEED A VOLTAGE CONVERTER.” Link
“Roland TR-808 analog drum machine. The unit is 100% functional and is in excellent cosmetic shape. This unit is museum quality, no scratches, dings, discoloration, damage or imperfections otherwise. It has been lightly used and stored in a smoke free environment. Includes original plastic cover, manual and preset manual. ” Link
“What you see is what you get. The legendary Roland TR-808 Analog Drum Machine.
Possibly owned by Ric Ocasek of The Cars. This machine is in pristine condition, yet on the metal plate you can see a very light engraving that says, “The Cars – Rico”. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or what but the way I see it, no one in their right mind would engrave an 808 nowadays so it must have been done by an original owner back in the day. Maybe you can solve the mystery?
Included is a re-printed copy of the manual since the original has been lost. Also included is a re-printed copy of the service repair manual, should you ever need it.
I am not a synth expert or dealer – so, I am making no guarantees or warranties. The white spot on the bottom looks like residue from a sticker that was pulled off and can be removed with a little bit of solution and water. The potential buyer will be buying this TR-808 in “AS IS CONDITION” with no returns – the sale is final – please bid responsibly and accordingly.” Link
Please check and download the manual on ROLAND Support Site.
Power Supply: 100V
Use with Transformer: In USA, please google “converter 120/117v to 100v”” Link
“The TR-808 is a “classic drum machine” that used analog synthesis to create its sounds. The 808 has become the signature beatbox used in most R&B and hip-hop as well as a lot of dance and techno music. Booming bass kicks, crispy snares and that annoying cowbell sound made famous during the 80’s are all part of the 808 and its famous sound. My son used this after he graduated from the Full Sail Institute in 2003. I am looking to sell to cover cost of funeral and student loan.” Link
“Has a little tiny scratch on the bottom less than an inch long which you may be able to see in the last photo otherwise it’s ready to rock~” Link
“Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer: As in the pics, this 808 is in excellent physical and electronic condition. All features and functions work as they should. This auction includes the TR-808 and copy of the manual.” Link
“Its in good condition for its age and has had a recent service. The only problems are 1 coloured key is mssing however the button still operates ok, the tap tempo key does not work (i have never needed to use this anyway) and there are 2 holes where a midi retro kit has been fitted and removed. These holes have been covered by a piece of tape which can be seen in the pictures. The unit is fully functional and sounds great!” Link
“Amazing specimen of a truly legendary musical instrument. You know the sound. This is the unit that revolutionized so many forms of music and defined hip hop. It comes in the original box with the paperwork. I am selling this unit for a friend. He is the original owner. It has been used very sparingly over the years and works perfectly. If you have any questions or would like more pictures please let me know and will be happy to assist you. ” Link
“This is a Roland TR-808 in very good condition.
TR-808 is a legendary drum machine which was introduced in 1980 and became a milestone in the history of musical device.
It is a one of the earliest drum machine in it’s history and was used by many notable artists like Marvin Gaye, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, and not to mention 808 state who took their name from it.” Link
“The one and only classic Roland TR 808 drum machine in excellent working order complete with Kenton pro kadi for syncing it up with any midi gear or triggering its hits from your keyboard or drum pads. This has only been used in so many classic tunes and will always hold its value due to itsounding so phat and cool! Will definately be sorry to see this go but i need money to fund my band so needs must!” Link
Meine 808 ist in einem einwandfreien optischen und technischen Zustand, mit ganz leichten
optischen Gebrauchsspuren (Siehe Fotos).
Jede/r Knopf/Taste funktioniert ohne knacken/rauschen, lediglich der Volume-Knopf knackt etwas was aber durch mehrmaliges Drehen weggeht.
Reines Studiogerät (Nur im Nichtraucherstudio benutzt und nie live damit aufgetreten).
Bedienungsanleitung gibt´s im Netz oder ich schicke sie als Pdf-datei mit.
Daten zur 808 gibt es genügend im Netz, einfach mal googeln und auch youtube nicht vergessen. Wer sich für das Gerät interessiert wird sowieso wissen, worauf sie/er bietet.” Link
“Hier bieten Sie auf die Original-Auktion:
Verkaufe begehrte und seltene
Roland TR-808
mit Einzelausgängen
Zustand A- minimale Gebrauchsspuren – technisch einwandfrei!
Jede/r Knopf/Taste funktioniert ohne knacken/rauschen, lediglich der Volume-Knopf knackt etwas was aber durch mehrmaliges Drehen weggeht. Das hat wohl jede 808!
Reines Studiogerät (Nur im Nichtraucherstudio benutzt und nie live damit aufgetreten).
Bedienungsanleitung gibt´s im Netz oder ich schicke sie als Pdf-datei mit.” Link

” I am the original purchaser of this Roland TR 808 Drum Machine.. This Rhythm Composer is in excellent condition with the original plastic protector and Owners manual. ” Link 
“You are looking an original Roland TR 808 TR-808 “Rhythm Composer” Drum Machine (American Version).
If you’re looking at this listing, you probably know how legendary and rare these have become. Artist such as: Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, the Beastie Boys, the Prodigy, Dr. Dre, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, and Puff Daddy have all used the 808 in the studio. Kanye West even named his fourth studio album 808s & Heartbreak.
The 16 drum sounds: boomy low kick, snappy snares, low/mid/hi toms, low/mid/hi congas, rimshot, claves, hand clap, maracas, cowbell, cymbal, open hihat, closed hihat and accent can all be edited and tuned and have individual outputs. This unit is known for creating intense bass sounds.
The 808 is in good condition and all features work correctly. The unit is missing the plastic piece that fits over the start/stop switch, but this does not affect the functionality. ” Link
“Das Gerät ist ein echter Klassiker und hat maßgeblich den Sound der 90er Jahre geprägt.
Die Sounds sind in etlichen aktuellen Produktionen zu hören.
Ich trenne mich nur sehr ungern von der 808, da ich diese aber nicht mehr benutze.
Die 808 ist in einem einwandfreien optischen und technischen Zustand, mit ganz leichte
Gebrauchspuren (Siehe Fotos), fast wie NEU. Wurde nur im Nichtraucherstudio benutzt und immer
liebevoll gepflegt. Lediglich die originale Bedienungsanleitung hat ein wenig gelitten, ist aber vollständig.
Das Gerät wurde von mir vor dem Erstellen der Auktion nocheinmal technisch überprüft.
Für Liebhaber ist die eine seltene Gelegenheit eine so gute Rarität zu bekommen.” Link


“Near Mint Roland TR808. You know it. You love it. USA SALE ONLY. Even still has the guide plastic over the controls. Some have asked about the condition. It is in PERFECT working condition. Sounds fantastic. You will not find one anywhere in better shape than this. I am the original owner.” Link

“Here is an Rare amazing condition Roland TR-808 drum machine.
- Incredible cosmetic condition
(see photos below)
- Fully Functional
(watch videos below)
- Replacement of brand new Starp / Stop button
(this is typically the 1st thing to not work on an 808)
- Service cleaning: outputs, switches, knobs
(see photos below)” Link
“Verkaufe meine Roland TR-808 im gutem Zustand.
Das optische könnt Ihr ja den Bildern entnehmen.
( “…Die TR-808 wurde 1981 von der Firma Roland auf den Markt gebracht und ist einer
der beliebtesten analogen Drumsynthesizer aller Zeiten.
Ihr Klang, der echte Percussion-Instrumente imitieren sollte, ist künstlich-metallisch
und eher weich. Er war u.a. prägend für House, den frühen Hip-Hop und Elektro-,
wurde aber auch in der Pop-Musik vielfach eingesetzt. So kann man sie u.a. auf
vielen “Phil Collins” oder “Genesis” Aufnahmen hören. Die sounds sind z.B. auf
Afrika Bambaataa “Planet Rock” oder Hashim “Al Naafiysh (The Soul) zu hören….”)
Alle Taster, Regler oder weitere Kontrollen sind vorhanden. (Siehe Bilder)
Alle Regler und Tasten lassen sich leicht drehen oder schalten.
Aber wer sich solch ein Gerät zulegen möchte, kennt sich bestimmt eh bestens damit aus.
Eine wohl eher seltene Gelegenheit eines dieser raren Geräte zu erwerben.
16 Instrumente, alle analog – fett und gut, 3 trigger outs, einzelausgänge und 64 steps
maximal möglich, lauflichtprinzip. 4 fill ins, DIN sync.
Und jetzt der Umb.-Kasten.
Hat Extradrehknöpfe für:1 x BD Tune,1 x SD Decay,3 x HT-MT-LT noise decay,1 x Tom noise mix,
1 x RimShot Filter,3 x Clap Tune-Snap und Reverb,CB Tune 1 und 2 + Decay.
2 Drehknöpfe werden nicht angeschlossen.Sollte für das Hihat sein.
Alles funktioniert enwandfrei.
Aber der Low Output geht nicht.Keine Idee, was das Problem ist,ich bin keine Techniker.
Und der Hi Output geht sehr sehr sehr Ruhe.Keine Idee, was das Problem ist,ich bin
keine Techniker.
Aber die einzelne Ausgänge sind funktionell.Sowie Trigger und Sync.
Versand nach Deutschland: +-35 euro.
Shipping to EU-members: +-35 euro to 60 euro.
Shipping to non EU-members:to be calculated on destination.
Es handelt sich um einen Privatverkauf ! Daher gebe ich keine Garantien auf das Gerät,
verkaufe es wie beschrieben, bzw. bebildert und schließe eine Rücknahme aus.” Link
“ROLAND TR-808 – LEGENDARY ANALOG DRUM MACHINE.
WITH MIDI !
IT HAS MAGIC ” FEEL & GROOVE”
FULLY WORKING ,BUT THIS IS 25 YEARS OR SO OLD MACHINE AND COSMETICALY IS NOT IN MINT CONDITION.ALSO ,AT THE BOTTOM CORNER ,AT THE BACK,SMALL PLASTIC PART IS BROKEN AS YOU CAN SEE IT AT THE PHOTO NO.2
I can honestly say that this 808 is the best I had because it sounds beautiful, , also Decay time seams to be longer comparing to my other 808’s .( I had six of them )
SOUNDS GREAT, SO MANY CLASSIC HIT SONGS DONE ON THIS MACHINE ! ” Link
Courtesy of retrosound72 on YouTube
“BEING SOLD IS A ROLAND TR-808 COMPUTER CONTROLLED RHYTHM COMPOSER IN GOOD CONDITION. THIS ITEM IS USED BUT HAS BEEN TESTED TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITYAND APPEARS TO FUNCTION PERFECTLY STILL. THE SERIAL NUMBER FOR THIS ITEM IS 52061. COSMETICALLY IT IS IN GOOD SHAPE WITH SIGNS OF USE AND STORAGE. AS WELL THE I/F VARIATION SWITCH IS MISSING, THE MANUAL AUTO FILL IN SWITCH IS MISSING, THE BATTERY COVER IS MISSING, AND THERE IS SOME NOTABLE FRAYING ON THE CORD AS I HAVE PICTURED.” Link
“Here it is, the legendary and real Roland TR-808. This is no plug-in, this is the real deal. It makes the real analog sounds through voltage controlled circuitry and there is nothing like it and I mean nothing. You just can’t replicate this fruity little tooty. I reckon my adverts get more eccentric as time goes by but I really am passionate about how superb this little beauty is and they don’t come up every day.
Its condition to be fair is good, I wouldn’t say mint, that wouldn’t be right but it is quite reasonable and as stated, functionally it is 100% there.
I believe I am the third owner of this example and I have recently had it serviced and I have looked after it well during the time I have owned it.” Link
“excelllent condition Roland tr-808 rhythm composer is 220volts,” Link
Courtesy of lesingemonotone on YouTube
Courtesy of lesingemonotone on YouTube
Courtesy of nvanzoeren on YouTube
“This is a used Roland TR-808 . It is in good / working condition + still has the clear detachable inlay . I’ve owned it a year and haven’t experienced any problems with it . Will ship item worldwide, but please message me with your zip code if you live outside of the U.S. so I can give you a proper quote on shipping . If you have any questions or would like to see more pictures, please get in touch.” Link
“This is an authentic Roland TR-808 Drum Machine. It is in good condition and everything works. The only issue is that the #3 button on the bottom popped off but can easily be glued or replaced. It still works but it popped off once when using it. The master volume knob is missing too, but can easily be replaced at minimal cost. ” Link
“No need to do the talking for this classic vintage piece!
All analog!
Had a Kenton MIDI kit installed. Works great! Full MIDI!
Had the unit tuned up recently as well.” Link
Courtesy of cretin4321 on YouTube
“This classic TR-808 drum machine is in very good condition. All the knobs and controls work as they did when I got it new more than twenty years ago. All printed text and colors on the machine look good.” Link
“This unit has lived in my smoke-free studio for about 10-11 years now. It is in great shape as you can see from the pictures. The knobs and buttons are all there. One or two buttons are a bit bouncy but they are easily replaced with parts from chipsforbrains.com.” Link 



