Is the MC-505 Roland Groovebox worth buying

[KRE8A]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of buying an MC-505 to add to the rest of my gear in the studio. I have been checking the synth module on ebay for quality and prices. What i have picked up on is that the MC-505 has a pixel problem on the LCD display. Lets say that i buy the groovebox in good working order, is this problem likely to occur down the track. If so, is this something that can be easily fixed. I do know of the other Roland grooveboxes, but the MC-505 has taken to my interest. Thanks to anyone, who gives me advice on this post.

KRE8A

[KRE8A]

Can someone please reply to this post. I am determined to buy the MC-505 groovebox. But not as yet, until i know it's worth it, because of the LCD display, as i have written above, Thank you.

[Artemiy]

What Roland gear do you also own? If you have one of the Fantoms, or Junos or the SonicCell, they are basically the ancestors of the 505 in terms of the sound engine, so you have pretty much the same sonic possibilities in these newer synths, plus the 505 can't load samples or process external audio. On the other hand, it's got quite a charismatic sound vs. more of a clear one in the latest Rolands. Do you play live? If so, the 505 will make sense due to it's dedicated knobs and the megamix function. Also, what is the price?

[KRE8A]

The price range is around $500.00 to $600.00 on ebay. No, i don't play live yet, but it's something that i am considering for the near future.
As for my set up,
I own -
* JVC-KB700 KEYBOARD, my very first, as a kid
* JUNO-G SYNTH KEYBOARD
* JP 8000 SYNTH KEYBOARD
* DJXII YAMAHA KEYBOARD
* YAMAHA PSR 160 KEYBOARD
* MC-909 GROOVEBOX - Even though i own the MC-909, you would think that there is no need for the MC-505. I know of this, it's just that i would like to have this unit as a collection to my studio set up. Still my query exists on the LCD display of the MC-505. Thanks

PS-I will be posting my pictures of my studio, once i have it set up properly.

Best Regards Steve

[Artemiy]

Sell everything, leave the DJXII!!!

$500 for the MC-505 is not exactly cheap, I think the JP-8000 or at least JP-8080 should go for this amount. Anyway, if you really think you need it - buy it. Otherwise...

I think you don't need it That's because you already have the Juno, you should better dedicate more time to this little beast. It can make some fantastic sounds, and you can remix and time-stretch/freeze loops with it. I am the one who thinks that less is more, you'll just learn how to get the most out of what you have.

If you'll need to go live, again, the Juno will not let you down.

[Septimo]

Sell everything, leave the DJXII!!!

Toma... lol..

[KRE8A]

Thinking upon your post, i guess you are right. I know quite alot with the juno-g and that of course, it is a voodoo beast. So far, what i have brought out into the life from its generater, would better out stake the mc-505, never the less with the mc-909. This monster also has alot of tricks, which i have produced with. Now that i think of it, i would be wasting money. Very cool from your tip, Thanks. I appreciate your help from this 10 fold.

[KRE8A]

Selling everything else and keeping the DJX11 keyboard would make my life alot easier. All i have to do is play with the presets and just tweak. Much easier... but guess what, it's not going to happen, respectively.

[KRE8A]

The DJX11 keyboard is also a great asset for ideas.

[krd]

I paid $350 for my MC-505

It was well worth it.

Everyone of these boxes are different -- just the physical layout of the knobs and sliders leads you to places you otherwise would have never ended up.

There are plenty of Annoying things about it.

But I keep discovering knew things you can do with it. -- and several features I've never mastered.

But it's got lots of knobs to twist

The display is a bit flaky -- but it's not really that bad.

I still love it.

i'd keep searching I've seen them for a lot less

[Right Key Repair]

Hi.

visit www.rightkeyrepair.com/MC505.html for replacement modules in 10 different colors! No soldering required!

[5ch0k0]

Yeah the Liquid Crystal Display starts to dry out cause of the heat inside after the years. I did´nt want to open my 505 so I sent it to Roland...cost me 125€ but now all is well again ...I luv that "little" box alot. Bought mine for 300€ 2 years ago.

[KRE8A]

Hi 5ch0K0

That's a mad one = man, what you outlay-ed, *LIQUID CRYSTAL STARTS TO DRY OUT CAUSE OF THE HEAT INSIDE AFTER THE YEARS *. I'm serious man, that is very interesting, because that's probably why the Juno - G display is playing up, or it may certainly be one of the causes. My keyboard display doesn't have this problem, but a lot of the other guys who have it, have recently had problems with it. It's a real shame, because it is so frustrating when something like this happens to an instrument you really like. I can imagine how those guys must feel. Really disappointed, i guess.

Total credit on that one, BUD

PS: I never ended getting the 505. I guess the 909 is enough.

Sincere regards

KRE8A

[trl888]

Hello!

Does anyone know where to download or get the MC-505 quick start guide which was included with the machine? All i can find is the 1 page turbo start.

Lauri

[vanderson]

I dont know, but maybe this link help you
http://www.synthman.com/roland/support/supplementalnote...

http://cms.rolandus.com/assets/media/pdf/MC505adv.pdf