Roland19726-voiceAnalog$$$Premium($800–3,000)
Roland TR-55
Collectors and historians wanting Roland's actual first-ever rhythm machine, a genuine foundational piece.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
No MIDI on the Roland TR-55? Here's how to bridge it
Free tool — see exactly what kind of converter connects it to a modern MIDI setup.
Strengths
- Roland's very first rhythm machine, a genuine piece of the company's foundational history predating the entire TR lineage
- Extremely simple preset-pattern operation makes it instantly usable with zero learning curve
- Its historical significance as Roland's first-ever rhythm composer gives it real collector interest beyond its sound
Trade-offs
- No user programming at all — fixed preset rhythms only, extremely limited by any later standard
- No individual outputs or sync capability whatsoever
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | TR-55 |
| Era | 1972 |
| Typical Price Tier | Premium ($800–3,000) |
| Sound Source | Analog circuits (preset patterns only) |
| Voice Count | 6 |
| Voice Type | Analog |
| Steps Per Pattern | Preset patterns only |
| Pattern Memory | 8 |
| Individual Outputs | No |
| Sync / MIDI | None |
| Swing / Shuffle | No |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
Match Score Explorer
Weight what matters to your workflow. Every deck is re-scored live against your priorities, benchmarked against the Roland TR-55.
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This deckRoland TR-55
Match46
Flexibility8
Portability62
Ease of Use90
Tonal Neutrality25
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Maintenance & Supplies
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