MF#26 Roland SH-101 repair and Trigger it with AIRA TR-8

Roland SH-101 repair and Trigger it using the Aira TR-8. the 101 had dead keys with worn rubber carbon contacts. but after fix I had to try using the TR-8 as a trigger as there is no midi on the 101.
I have to buy most items myself to make these video's so any help would be greatly appreciated "become a Patreon" / markusfuller

[@tubical71]

The SH-101 is a "new" re-issue of the SH-09 with added arpeggio and a sequencer... I really hate this rubber (=rubbish) contacts, as they do always wear out over time causing faulty keys... Nice look inside, thanx Markus for showing it to us!

[@ianpullman203]

Such a fantastic piece of gear. It's incredible the limitless forms of music it can accompany and lead. Thanks for getting it all down to the bare bones too. I've got that key issue I might get up the courage to tackle some day!

[@InstituteofSound]

Another great video.... As a musician, but terrible electronics hobbyist (my circuit bending work is atrocious!)... Your repairs give me great insight into how to tackle problems. (I have a small charity where I donate secondhand instruments to kids and have been dabbling more with fixing older electronic instruments). I look forward to every show, keep making awesome videos!

[@l1fef0rm]

trigger out on the tr-8s totally works for this too. Also, I must say, that is a very good looking SH-101.

[@gan9e]

I used to have one of those... sold it for 50 quid back in 1990, many a long hour with a tape-echo machine and a recreational cigarette or three was enjoyed...

[@danielbrown1724]

50 bob? You're a nutter mate!! Thing is worth hundreds of dollars. Just bought the System-1 and waiting for it to be delivered 😐😐😐😐😐. Once it arrives, I'm buying the SH101 Plug-in. Boom shakalaka

[@paul6925]

Yea that's why detroit techno took off. Everyone was using "cheap" synths no one wanted like the SH-101, MC-202 and of course.. the TB 303!

[@harrymartin684]

@@danielbrown1724 You used to be able to find them in skips if you were lucky. Along with MS10s, SH5s, even a Juno if you were lucky. Hard to believe that these incredibly valuable synths were regarded as junk back in the early 90s.

[@danielbrown1724]

@@harrymartin684 really? That’s quite amazing when you think about it innit!?? “Crap” synths no one wanted when they came out are now beyond legendary. Now we have the soft-synth emulators based on those same engines and original architecture. That also tells me that maybe they weren’t as popular back when they first came out because most of the famous keyboardists were playing other synths. But at the end of the day, there will always be posers and followers that buy a product because their “idols” endorse it 🙄🙄 They have no idea that what they’re using and what was considered crap back then have completely switched places. Wankers, am I right?!! The lot of ‘em 😬

[@harrymartin684]

​@@danielbrown1724 It even happens today believe or not - Markus recently uploaded a video where he restores a beautful old Roland polysynth someone had left in a skip. Some people just don't know what they have I suppose. I guess if you're not into synths and are clearing a house out or whatever, an SH-101 just looks like a kid's toy keyboard.

[@tB3o3tR9o9]

i like the TR 707 Faders, the little 303 silver buttons and the 909 rotary knobs.....the good sound is secondary!

[@walterrothe5841]

I just love to look at your repairs!

[@markusfuller]

Thankyou Walter

[@KozmykJ]

The old Roland TR-606 Drumatix had a dedicated clock output that ran off one of the Toms. We often sync'ed them. I copped an SH-101 back in the 80s after repairing one for a friend. Beer damage had killed a transistor and a cap. I'd put a cheap charge on the reapir, mate's rates 'n that. It was still to steep for him so he sold it to me. Had it ever since. I ran it with a Kenton Pro-2 . Did the Filter i/p mod. I used it just a month or so ago but now it's buried somewhere. I'd make Steptoe's yard look tidy....

[@MrAliensix]

Saw this in action at GAK. Was good to meet you and chat, Markus. I forgot to get your autograph!! Very useful info as always. Keep 'em coming ;)

[@MidnightVisions]

Scraping carbon contacts, and using a pencil to repair the contact is not a long term reliable repair method. Using a conductive pen to recoat the carbon on the contacts is the best long term method for repair. After years of use, the carbon contacts will get compressed from repeated pressing, and will dry out, crack or break, leaving unreliable connections. Reapplying new carbon material available in conductive pens is the easiest and best method.

[@ExStaticBass]

Just for reference, I've always found notebook paper to be abrasive enough to rough up carbon pads like that. Equally they make carbon paint for the contacts on the board. I don't know of that model has any kind of velocity sense but if it does, anything done to it will change the effect when the key is pressed. I have some experience fixing things like this too and that's been my experience so far.

[@patternsinthewaves]

Thanks Markus for all the entertaining work. I have two Sh-101's and one of them retains the sequence after power off (without the three stated batteries), searched without luck for years on the t'internet for info of an internal component for backup. there is obviously one on the other 101 i have. Cheers

[@organaut]

Really nice to see and see one of these synths after so long. I last meddled with one about 30 years ago which a friend was trying to sell me but it was my first introduction to a synthesizer and I found it far to complicated to set up at that time compared to my electric organ. The bit at the end of the video is interesting that you can sync. it with the new TR-8

[@ViRtUaLmOnKeY023]

Classic Synth.........nice to hear it'll be added as an a plugin pack for the system1.

[@markusfuller]

Yes I heard the roland system 1 will come with a voucher in the box to upload the sh-101 as an included instrument.

[@liamoconnell2831]

love it. thanks heaps for your approach and delivery. well useful.

[@mikemeengs4124]

I remember lusting over a blue 101 at the music store. Okay...actually the JP8 in the corner REALLY got me drooling. But both were out of my price range at the time (although the TB-303 WAS in my price range...they were trying to get rid of them for $300.00 apiece...brand new! Nobody wanted them, including myself).

[@dvamateur]

This SH-101 looks nice. It always did, as far as I remember. It looked quite high-tech and mysterious and expensive and unattainable back in the '80s, because it was Roland after all, not a Casio. I am not much of an analog synthesizer fan, but I must say I quite like the SH-101 and Juno-106. They have those nice charming aesthetics, that '60s vacuum tube radio inspired aesthetics on Moog and Sequential just don't posses. I don't like the large toggle switches, but I like the plastic knobs, and sliders. I'd prefer Juno-106 or even better JD-800 to this, but this is nice, too.

[@DavidBoura]

Same tastes here, winner combo.

[@Frank-vf8xf]

Hi Markus great vídeo congratulations !!👏👏👏

[@wackenthaljef]

Thanks again Marcus!! Intersting!!

[@robertsyrett1992]

I love that old Toshiba logo!

[@georgefiddler1742]

Nice bit of Old meets new there mark!

[@markusfuller]

Hi George. yes it was a pleasure to have a play on one of these again. I last owned one 25years ago and sold it really cheap.

[@envirosponsible]

You're fun to hang out with.

[@djtransitions1]

THIS IS GREAT... THANK YOU.

[@stuartwilliams7371]

Man, I wish I had a friend like you who could fix my Roland sh101, it’s been in the loft for many years sadly and I know it’s gonna be ridiculously expensive to fix. Will keep watching the videos to learn and maybe I will be able to have courage to take it apart.

[@markusfuller]

Stuart Williams Hi Stuart. I wish I could fix them all but theres never enough time. I hope you get yours fixed one day or at least have a look into it. theres lots of websites with good information about fixing electronics and its not as complicated as people think when you get into it. good luck.

[@freqseq]

@stuartwilliams7371 do you still have the SH-101? I'd love to bring it back to life!

[@stuartwilliams7371]

@@freqseq Already done but thanks anyways 😀👍

[@freqseq]

@@stuartwilliams7371 that's great! I hated to think of it collecting dust in a dusty attic!

[@stuartwilliams7371]

@@freqseq Yeah was done a while ago and been modded with Kenton midi and also reprinted in white with blue print.

[@roetsj]

Great fix,I wonder that maybe the whole keybed has been taken apart in the past and the rubber contactstrips were not placed back as they should have been. I never came across a contactstrip with only 2 contacts an an Roland.

[@sensemusicofficial]

yes we used to clock the 101 arp with just about any output from the 707 :) .. or 909 back in the sync and trigger days of yore

[@nummermusico]

Thanks for the tip

[@monkeytheo]

Great! Subscribed.

[@jhtzlx]

I have done this with a Juno 60 as soon as the TR-8, this became a huge part of my live set. However, with using the rimshot to trigger the JU-60 arpeggiator, I could only get one note played at a time to sound right- as soon as I tried an arped chord it was jumping all over the place. I always thought it would be awesome if they released an update containing the perfect trigger voltage as a sound.. And then the SBX-1 came out to do that... for $500 :-/

[@muzikman2008]

Just buy a korg volca bass or keys, and use midi out from TR8 to midi in on the volca. And then connect 5v trigger out from volca to sh101 sync input. This works perfect for me and you get a funky new analogue synth and a 5v pulse sync generator :-) result!

[@csselement]

Good tip for tempo sync, but you'll only be able to trigger 8th notes on an SH101 that way.

[@danielbrown1724]

Just bought the System-1 and waiting for it to be delivered 😐😐😐😐😐. Once it arrives, I'm buying the SH101 Plug-in. Boom shakalaka

[@richardstevens8839]

only once Osc and a sub Osc an you get that nice squelchy tubular sound

[@sylvainblanco]

great trick :)

[@sunilsolanki]

Is the bass kick the only audio out from the tr8 to trigger the sh101? Or can it be one of the other sounds? The problem being you lose the sound of the bass drum from the mix out.

[@MinimalWave1982]

I just tried to trigger my sh 101 with an instrument through the invidual out but the sh 101 doesnt play the sequence correctly. Which instrument did u use to trigger the sh 101 ??

[@paul6925]

I wonder if you can repair the screw holes can be fixed using the superglue + baking soda technique. Probably a bit dangerous to try

[@jasonmcgary]

I bought one for 50$ with a dead cockroach in it 20yrs ago.replaced a couple bad parts and fixed the dead keys with a pencil eraser.sold it for 250$ cause it was so limited now can't believe what people charge for them today

[@csselement]

What were your settings on the TR-8 to get a solid 5v trigger?

[@markusfuller]

csselement Hi I just used the hi-hat direct out to one of the assignable outputs and there was enough signal to clock the 101

[@jaybird3745]

Tuned one for free for a friend. Turned out his Jack Russell had vomited on it and it provided shelter for many generations of roaches

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Hello mark, quick question on the Sh101 , i didnt quite pick up this from the vid , are the cem ics for the oscillators ?.

[@markusfuller]

+Adamski Ajull Hi Adamski. to be honest I did not really notice . this unit was not mine and i was just repairing it for a friend. I really could not say if they were Cems or not ?.

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

+markusfuller Ok kool. Thanks for your reply i will look into it a bit further on net. 👍👍 Thou i know quite a few roland synths were using cem ic's around the time

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

+Adamski Ajull .Just found out apparently the Sh101 has Cem 3340 . Intresting to know but makes me think why roland didnt use their own vcos . Hmmmmmm 👾

[@justinheat1]

Great channel! Can you open a OP-1?

[@geoffsmith8172]

if the same chips make the oscillator and the filter in the 101 as the ones in other Roland Polys, could one replicate the 101 pretty accurately? i just wonder because a Juno is generally the same price if not cheaper than a 101, so I'm trying to understand the distinguishing factor.

[@markusfuller]

+Geoff Smith You have a good point but I am not sure if you could replicate the 101 easily, there would be some differences in the way the circuit works even if it uses the same type of chips. But I am no expert on this as I have never thought about it until now. Hmm I wonder if someone with an answer could add to this comment and let Geoff know please.

[@storybookmurals1]

That's a great demonstration, thanks. I have a well used sh101 and it's been through a lot, I have a problem with the Hold button, it clicks ok but it is permanently on all the time, do you have any advice please? Cheers :)

[@markusfuller]

Simon Cox Hi Simon it sounds like there is certainly a problem with the switch. if it did not contact i would say clean it with alcohol but as it is contacting all the time then the switch must be faulty. you have to get into it and check it out it may be dirt contacting if you are lucky.

[@storybookmurals1]

@@markusfuller great thanks for the info 😎

[@tB3o3tR9o9]

0:23 not true. Roland also made a Black version, for the japanese market i think

[@horder2344]

Great video - I want to connect my TR-8 to my SH101 to clock it - is it a standard TRS 1/4 jack to midi cable? cheers

[@horder2344]

actually just realised you're doing jack to jack - could I use jack to midi (from the midi out on the TRS?)

[@_Thorsten]

Sold mine about 20 years ago. Now i want it back :(

[@markusfuller]

+Thorsten Harms Same here. I wish I had kept so much of the gear I owned over the years but I had to sell something to buy something.

[@arnev2017]

Hello, I have an SH-101 and was wondering if I got the TR-8 and used the sound to trigger the sequencer, if I could still use the other sounds on the TR-8 regularly. Thank you in advance ^^

[@markusfuller]

Hi Arne. you can send the Hi Hat or hand clap or whatever instruments gives the best voltage out and assign it to the Assignable Out A or B and send that to trigger the SH-101. then have all the other instruments out of the standard Mix Out sockets so you still have all the other instruments to use.

[@arnev2017]

Ah very good to know. Thank you for the kind, informative and swift response. Really like the show :)

[@todmick]

Hi...can you tell me how to get at the volume pot from inside an Sh101. Got a bad crackle on it and can't get at it from the outside as some div has superglued it and don't want to force it off, also can I give all the sliders a spray with esc plastic safe spray to clean them up?

[@wburchell]

My suggestion would be to carefully remove the pot with a Dremmel, and work from there. Like I said, I would be careful of spraying any solvents into the pots and sliders as this may just wash residual gunk into the contacts. Might be interesting to know if you can get replacement pots and sliders from CPC?

[@rp1891]

very interesting! I tried this same thing before with my friend's Jupiter 4 and we couldn't get it to work... any idea why?

[@markusfuller]

Ross P maybe the Jupiter 4's gate input requires a little more current to trigger it.

[@Digiphex]

My SH-101 bottom cover is unpainted on the inside. I think the owner painted it.

[@maschinenschlosser]

at around 18:22 you call it the "destruction" manual.. :-) freudian slip?

[@michaelknead]

Did you really say "destruction manual" at 17'24"? Brilliant! :-)

[@markusfuller]

+Michael Knead Yes I always call them destruction manuals :-) thats why I try not to read them... best wishes from Markus

[@michaelknead]

that makes you even more likeable as a person! ;) Cheers from Germany.

[@markusfuller]

ThankYou Michael and Hello to Germany :-)

[@tristanlilyquist1772]

markus ur pretty funny man

[@funkyfredfrog]

Marcus can u let me know how I can discuss prices for synth repairs pls?

[@markusfuller]

Hi Funkyfredfrog. Sorry but I do not do any repairs. I just repair a few rare repairs for friends and mostly only work on items I have bought myself. Sorry I just do not have time as I have other work that must do. my sincere apologies from Markus.

[@pablorosenfeldt2339]

PO-12, 60 bucks, sync-click, super duper drums :)

[@oele]

nice, wil this work for juno alpha 1 keys?

[@markusfuller]

hi oele. im not too sure without trying it out.

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

most probably yes as i did a fix on 8 dead keys on my juno-2 , worth giving a go .

[@oele]

Adamski Ajull thnx!!

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Markus i meant lol.

[@davielove11]

How much would it cost to have one restored? I currently own a red one, which I have not touch in years. USA

[@markusfuller]

davielove11 Hello I do not do repairs as I have retired from that work and only make youtube videos to share a bit of know-how. I really dont have a clue as to the cost that people charge for servicing or a full restoration but im sure there will be several people on the internet who services vintage synthesizers. have a look at matrixsynth.com as there is a forum there plus several facebook sites about synth repairs, there may be someone advertising among them who are closer to where you live. good luck.

[@davielove11]

Thank you for responding and the info...I really appreciate it.

[@zackwrightmusic]

Is it possible to trigger the 101 using any of the sounds from the TR-8?

[@markusfuller]

Hi I just chose the one instrument that gave the highest voltage output but Im sure with a bit of experimentation you could use any of the instruments as long as you can get a high enough signal out.

[@zackwrightmusic]

markusfuller Cool, thanks - the classic trick is using the rimshot out on the 707 or 909, wondering if the 909 rimshot would work as well on the TR-8.

[@muzikman2008]

dkonmusic I trigger my SH101 using my TR8 Rim shot, and it works perfectly well, also the sequencer syncs too... even better outputs with the new TR8 firmware upgrade as it has dB boosts per instrument.

[@CaughtInTheRapture25]

So just to be clear here, so you're going MIDI OUT on the Aira to 'ext. clock in' on the 101?

[@markusfuller]

Hi NO I'm not using Midi Out to the 101. Im using the actual audio of an instrument. Midi Out will not produce enough signal and it is continuously running a Midi active signal wether you play a drum pattern or not.

[@CaughtInTheRapture25]

AH I see, so its the audio out on the AIRA not the midi out. Is that just the case with the AIRA, or with other drum machines too?

[@markusfuller]

I guess you could use other drum machines as you just need a quick voltage peak from zero to about 5 volts or just under so the 101 thinks it is getting a clock signal.

[@CaughtInTheRapture25]

Cool. Cheers!

[@muzikman2008]

try these methods on syncing your sh101 from tr8 Make sure you select a rimshot and assign it to direct outputs. turn up the gain on tr8 to increase the voltage going to the sync input. an oscilliscope would be ideal to see the square pulse required to trigger the SH. its around 3V p/p and square.. fast on fast off pulse. if no scope then just tweek until its right. and make sure you send 16 or 8 pulses from your rim shot like a clock.. or random if you want sequenceresque pulses.. check this out too 》》》 forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?t=2770

[@alltaken0]

hi there.. i have a osc, but how would I know from the Oscillloscope that there is actually 3V comming out... dont I need a multimeter for that ?`or is it only about seeing a pulse wave?

[@markusfuller]

alltaken0 Hi you can use your oscilloscope for seeing voltages, if you have your Volts/Div setting on one volt input then your oscilloscope would show the waveform on your oscilloscope screen and if the oscillator waveform between its lowest point and its highest point is 3 squares high then that is a difference of 3 volts, each square would be equal to one volt in height as long as your input setting on the oscilloscope is one volt per division. 1v/d

[@alltaken0]

WOW !!!! this cant be true,,,, I gotta try this... trying to sync the lfo on the SH101 from my AnalogRytm LT6 assignable output (and not sure if it outputs 5 Volts).... almost just like you did! ... you are pioneering the way for a lot of hobbyists , musicains, artists, tinkerers, electropaths ... and what not! ... reallly enjoy your vids and your channel! BIG THANKS for your reply !!!

[@reimanfredi]

and Ohrenstäbchen for the Germans :) (6:30)

[@elissitdesign]

I came across this product as well. tubbutec.de/sh-1oh1/ It's a midi interface that does require some hardware modification. I'm curious on your thoughts about this Mark. I just subscribed to your channel btw. Love your content. You are a cool dude.

[@markusfuller]

Hi Eric, I did not know this even existed. looks interesting though I do not own the SH101 as that belonged to a friend of mine but I will let him know about this. many thanks

[@elissitdesign]

No problem. If you have someone that gets this add-on installed a follow-up would be insanely awesome.

[@michakey]

Sh101 and tr707 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHLIYWiuaJeamqc

[@markusfuller]

+themichadj Interesting video. thanks for the link.

[@TomZentra]

The gray ones sound better than the blue or red ones.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Ludicrous statement!!! They are identical.

[@markusfuller]

+TomZentra Yep they are the same keyboard no matter what colour.

[@johndoe-rd3hq]

not

[@djtransitions1]

Hi Markus, i just got a Sh 101 and i'm pretty new on this and i found your video which is very interesting, i would like to ask you a few things: Can i sync the Sh 101 to an Elektron Analog Rytm ??: createdigitalmusic.com/app/uploads/2014/01/Analog-Keys-By-Elektron-Back-View.jpg If not directly i could use this right? : www.schneidersladen.de/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_31407.jpg And about sync the Sh 101 to a Moog minitaur ? : www.andertons.co.uk/@@STORETEMPLATE/images/articles/1249_3.jpg Thank you very much Markus... great viedo.