Roland Boutique Interviews With Paul Hartnoll, A Guy Called Gerald & DJ Pierre

Roland has shared a series of artist interview videos, featuring artists associated with the iconic TB-303 bassline synthesizer and TR-909 drum machine.

The first video, above, features Paul Hartnoll – one half of the legendary Orbital. He talks about where Orbital got their first 303 from, and why they think their original TR-909 and TB-303 could be rather special.

The next video features A Guy called Gerald, who shares his take on the original 909/303 combo and the new TR-09 and TB-03, who shares stories of tweaking his 303 on the bus and more.

In the last video, acid house producer DJ Pierre (Phuture) talks about working with the original TB-303 and the new TB-03 Roland Boutique.

11 thoughts on “Roland Boutique Interviews With Paul Hartnoll, A Guy Called Gerald & DJ Pierre

  1. Beginning to feel the TR-09. Not so sure about the TB-03 but 909 one sounds pretty spot on!! Just a shame the price is a bit silly considering its not an analogue drum machine you’re getting.

    1. Agreed. Going to find some of his stuff and have a listen. Would love the hear that c90 cassette he sent to the radio station!

  2. I’m a bit curious why Paul Hartnoll says almost nothing about the new ones, but only reminices about using the older ones in ealier tracks not his latest tracks. He doesn’t really speak to having a need for these new ones. Ive seen him talk about how he seems pretty happy with his modular, alesis andromeda, and bass-station 2 setup. I get the feeling having “your own” sound seems relevant and missing from the discussion…

  3. tr09 would have been pretty cool if they had included individual outs for all sounds….I don’t think anyone wants the crappy usb a/d conversion do they?….I’m not really digging the tb03…especially since you can get a TT-303 for a few bucks more and the tt-303 is spot on.

    Although, I’m pretty sure Roland could never do an exact replica of a 909, 303, or 808…..Imagine what that would do to the entire gear industry, half the gear out there is some form of one of these.

    They should do boutique versions that are analog and pay tribute to some of the originals though. I think people would line up for those, but I guess we will have to just line up for tr-909 painted turntables and mixers instead =)

    1. Since these are digital, using the USB audio output is actually the only way to avoid any “crappy” conversion that might be present.

    2. “I’m pretty sure Roland could never do an exact replica of a 909, 303, or 808”

      Oh ye of little imagination. They can certainly do it, it just isn’t in their plans.

      1. Sourcing some components may be now impossible. Moog had to discontinue products because parts are not available. Even if they decided to make the parts in house, they may not be able to acquire rights from the patent holders.

Leave a Reply to JustTheFacts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *