TB-303 Functionality with SH101 Sound, $395.00

The Roland MC202 is an analog synthesizer/sequencer. It sounds very much like the TB-303 and SH-101 bass synths and is sometimes considered the "poor man's 303". It has a very evolved form of TB-303 like programming (more like the MC-4) and SH-101 like controls of the VCO, VCF, VCA, LFO, Envelope and Mixer sections. The LCD display is a great feature

The programming section is very similar to the SH101. The interface capabilites are excellent. This device talks to other older Roland synths. It doesn't have MIDI, so if you want to use it as a tone generator (ala SH101) you need a MIDI to CV converter box.

Click here to read more about the MC202 on VintageSynth.com.

I am the second owner. I bought this from a music store in the mid to late eighties. The top of the unit is great cosmeticaly, but there are a few scratches (not deep ones) on the bottom. I've pictured them below. The portamento doesn't work, that's the only mechanical issue I know of. On the SH101 you have to "activate" the portamento with a switch, and there doesn't seem to be anything like that on this machine. So maybe there's just something I haven't figured out, but I think it doesn't work. Other than that the entire synth section checks out perfectly. There are many sync functions I have never used and was unable to test but I would assume they work just fine. I'm sure it's time to change the internal battery. I did not open up the unit.

It comes with a copy of the owner's manual (I never had the original) and a Roland power supply. I have never used the battery power so the battery compartment is clean.

I'm offering this unit at a price $100 less than similar units in such good condition usually sell for on eBay because I think $100 should be enough to get the portamento fixed and the internal battery changed.