Before the 808

While the x0x range of synthesizers and drum machines that were first launched in 1980 are the primary focus of this book’s analysis, they were far from Roland’s first electronic musical instruments. Indeed, before Roland was formally created in 1972, company founder Ikutaro Kakehashi had designed and sold electronic organs, drum machines and amplifiers under the name Ace Tone. This chapter charts the history that leads to the founding of Roland with discussion of instruments such as the Rhythm Ace R-1 and FR-1. The chapter places these histories within the wider context of electronic musical instrument design and considers the influence of companies such as Wurlitzer, Hammond and Chamberlin, alongside broader technological shifts towards tape and transistorisation, shifting market forces and the changing nature of live and studio-based music-making. The chapter concludes by exploring some of Roland’s final products of the 1970s, including the CR-68 and CR-78 CompuRhythm instruments. Importantly, the chapter shines a light on the creative influence of Don Lewis who, working with Tadao Kikumoto’s teams at Roland, helped pave the way for the birth of the x0x instrument line with 1980’s TR-808.