The D-50 was then caught between the reputable DX7IIFD and futuristic M1 workstation. Unfortunately, it’s time in the spotlight was relatively short with KORG releasing its legendary M1 just a year later in 1988. The D-50 with its effects processor and ROM samples could produce sounds beyond Yamahas FM synthesis. Roland’s D-50 was the first real threat to Yamaha’s dominance, and considered by many as the DX7 killer. While Roland produced some amazing synths in the early 80s, Yamaha remained dominant in sales due largely to the DX range and the DX7 in particular which had evolved into the DX7IIFD (1986). Very clean ones can easily get as much as $800 and expect to pay even more if they are MINT with box, case, manuals and sound cards. Average ones sell between $600 and $700 Aust. A mint example however is very rare because these synths saw a lot of use in both home studios and on stage. Many musicians today still regard the D-50 as being very useable which explains why they generally go for slightly more than Yamaha’s DX7. With so many units produced there is always a D-50 for sale.

Responsible for so many classic sounds of the late 80s, it remains almost as legendary and iconic as the Jupiter 8, but significantly more affordable being produced in much larger numbers. There was also an external PG-1000 programmer that could be purchased separately and attached to the unit for more complex sound editing. It was the first affordable synthesizer to include an on-board effects processor and combine sampled sounds with digital ones. Released in April 1987, the D-50 had a new look and sound based on Roland’s Linear Arithmetic Synthesis. The functioning systems and sound quality are not necessarily considered. As with most reviews the focus is on the design and its evolution with the synthesizer.

Korg wavestation vs roland d50