1984 (the past)
2007 (the present)
Just a brief history on the machine that I am so obsessed with. The Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer was originally built and manufactured by Roland; more importantly, the mastermind behind the creation of this stunning drum machine is a man by the name of Tadao Kikumoto, the same man that created the Roland TB-303, the same machine used to create the signature acid baselines and squelches in acid dance music.
In 1984, Roland decided to build a machine that would be used for aspiring guitar players to practice the guitar with. It flopped. Badly. To put everything into context, the mid 80's played a pinnacle point in the revolution of modern day electronic music. Depeche Mode, Tangerine Dreams, New World, and scores of other "soon to be famous" groups were the brink of discovering something truly amazing.....the TR-909.
When artists finally began realizing that this cheap and affordable machine could produce bone rattling drumkicks, hissy sounding hihats and warm snares, the 909 blew up in popularity. Little does anyone know that this machine was actually meant to play the guitar with, and NOT to be used as the backbone of modern day dance tracks. Nowadays, rarely will you ever listen to a song that doesnt have the signature sounds of the 909 drums. From drum and bass, trance, chicago house, detroit techno, down tempo, dub, triphop, to even rock music.....the sounds of the 909 can be heard.
Interestingly, while only 10,000 units were produced worldwide and were sold for only $50, this prized machine is now so in demand from producers, that it can be fetched off eBay for at least $1000.
Anyways, enough of the music lesson. I'm off to play with my new toy!
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