Roland RS-09 Organ/Strings
Roland's compact string machine and organ combo from 1978 — affordable ensemble sounds in a gig-ready package.
Overview
The Roland RS-09 Organ/Strings is a dual-voice keyboard instrument released by Roland in 1978. It combines a divide-down organ section with a string ensemble section, both accessible simultaneously via a single 44-key keyboard (F to C). The RS-09 sits at the budget end of Roland's string machine lineup, below the earlier RS-202 and the flagship RS-505 Paraphonic. Where those models offered more voice options and paraphonic capabilities, the RS-09 strips things down to two basic sections with minimal controls — organ and strings — making it one of the most straightforward string machines Roland ever produced.
The string section uses a chorus ensemble effect to thicken the divide-down oscillators into the lush, shimmering pad sound that defines the string machine genre. The organ section offers a simpler tonewheel-style voice. Both sections have independent volume controls and can be layered together. A single tone control shapes the overall brightness.
Despite its simplicity, the RS-09 found a niche in new wave, post-punk, and early electronic music. Its compact size and low price made it accessible to bands who couldn't afford a Solina or RS-505. The chorus effect gives it a distinctive character — thinner and more nasal than the lush Solina String Ensemble, but with its own appeal in a mix.
Specifications
| Keyboard | 44 keys (F to C), non-velocity-sensitive |
| Voices | Organ, Strings (layerable) |
| Sound Generation | Divide-down top-octave synthesis |
| Polyphony | Full (all keys simultaneous) |
| Effects | Built-in chorus ensemble (strings section) |
| Controls | Organ volume, Strings volume, Tone knob |
| Outputs | Main out (1/4" mono) |
| Dimensions | Approximately 860 × 100 × 280 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 5.5 kg |
| Year | 1978 |
| Country | Japan |
Known Quirks
The RS-09's divide-down architecture means it doesn't go out of tune — a practical advantage over analog polysynths of the era. The trade-off is that all notes share the same tonal character with no voice-to-voice variation. The chorus circuit is the sole source of movement in the sound, and units with aging chorus components can develop an uneven warble that some players actually prefer.
The keyboard is shorter than a standard 49-key layout at 44 keys, which can catch players off guard. The organ and string sounds are fixed — there are no waveform selectors or filter controls beyond the single tone knob. What you hear is what you get.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ ROLAND RS-09 Apr 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $603 Latest $550 │ │ Median $570 Trend ▼ Down │ │ Low $550 Volume ~2/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $700 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ $614 ┤ │ │ │ . │ │ │. │ │ │ .│ │ $500 ┤ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │█ █ █│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-02 2026-03 2026-03│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
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