The history of the Roland Alpha Juno, rave hoover sound and techno stabs.

The Roland Alpha Juno is the last analog Juno that Roland released. After its launch in 1985 it didn't really make a big impact but it ended up to be a true techno and rave classic.
Especially patch M-86: "What the" made the Alpha Juno really famous in the early 90s.

In the video I'll take a look at the history and sound of this classic programmable polyphonic synthesizer by Roland.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:02 The Juno family history
2:59 The Alpha Juno basics
5:19 Programming the 'Hoover'
6:46 One finger techno chords
8:44 The rise of the Alpha Juno
9:23 What the ?
10:50 Is the Alpha Juno still worth it in 2021 ?

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[thedutchgoonie]

oh yes the alpha juno 😃 (big smile here)
imagine this.. Netherlands, 1995 in a large sport arena with room for 10. 000 people. the event still has to begin so the lights are still on. the first people are getting in and on stage paul elstak, Patrick van Kerckhoven and other dutch gabber producers are preparing their set. then paul elstak, just for fun, presses one key on the alpha juno... an extremely loud and and thunderes sound fills the hal. 1000 people go completely bezerk! people are cheering, clapping and yelling. what an atmosphere and a energy! amazing how just one sound can stirr up the crowd like this 🎉 amazing times, amazing synth 💖

[BarryEuphorik]

The synth that was responsible for many of the rave anthems over the years.

[fortyeth]

Back in the 90's I used to be a volunteer Youth Worker for my local council and one of the services provided was a "Music Workshop" where teenagers could come and learn music. We had an AJ-1 and two TR drum machines (along with a Kawai K1, Yamaha SY22 and the wonderful Roland W-30) I have great memories of using all this kit and especially the "Hoover Machine". Sadly due to financial cuts the council sold off all the instruments and I missed out getting any of it. Great vid and one last thing, I did download a VST named "Phutura" which kind of reminds me of the AJ-1 and the Hoover sounds it made.

[RoryCorrigan]

As much as people hate on the Roland Boutiques, I would grab a Alpha Boutique in a heartbeat.

[Superhawk]

About 4 years ago (2017), I found a FB marketplace ad and walked away with a mint condition Alpha with the original Roland hard case for under $200. It was a very lucky day indeed.

[blakec.s.franchetto]

Great video. I am a jazz bassist getting into techno/house and you have helped me understand the basic DNA of hardcore techno which I was never able to understand fully. The classic parallel minor triads of techno music come from this machine. and all the rest. Insightful. Thank you very much. Also, your depiction of all the early 90's records that immediately started using this sound in the aftermath of Beltram is also of great help. Good job. Chapeaux.
Blake

[ogasi]

there is nothing like an alpha, still love my 1986 aj1

[peterarmstrong]

Wish I'd bought the one my friend was selling in the 90's. Now I need to know how to get one without my wife finding out. It's been something that's been burning inside of me for years. Great video as always, many thanks.

[FilipMilerX]

I'm looking forward to "Let's make a gabba" video.

[omniphoriusvcf]

Nice video. I love Roland DCO synths. When I got an Alpha 1 it totally cured the GAS I had for a 106. I highly recommend the D-tronics programmer, it makes it a real joy to mix the waveforms and program that complex envelope.

[srosted]

Really really awesome videos you produce. Not only do you make a sufficiently thorough and up-to-date review of the unit, but you tell how it fits into electronic music history and provide a few programming examples. That's the perfect recipe for my taste ✌️🙏

[morganwebster]

Heck ya. Great video and the best I've seen about Alpha Junos. This is what I live for and the nostalgia is the best feeling ever. Kind of a somber sweet feeling for sure. I finally got an Alpha Juno 1 in mint condition about a month ago. Dude actually dropped it off to me to my door! Ive been on the hunt for one forever. The stars apparently lined up and wallah, Juno 1 time. Sweet vid. Appreciate you.

[Reg-Edit]

I’m old enough to remember these synths first hand LOL
Really nice to see the embrace
Loving the vibes man great stuff ❤️

[FLHofficial]

I still have in my studio my alpha Juno 1, my 1st synth bought new in 85.
A great sounding machine, it was my strings & pads provider for decades.
And yes, its main drawback is the lack of self resonance in the filter.

[KennethFlodqvist]

Ahh, the Alphas. I always get nostalgic whenever I see or hear them. Sold my second one 2 years ago, since it was only collecting dust, but now you've made me wanna buy another again :) great video as always, thank you!

[mysterydata]

I bought one a month ago for $200 and it's my 1st hardware synth. I'm a total synth noob so I still need to spend more time with it. Seems to be fully functional too.

[_P_M_]

In '86, I could finally afford my first synth. I wanted the Alpha Juno but it was over $1000. I ended up with a DX27. That sound still brings back memories of playing it in the music store.

[J._Campbell]

Great small analog! Warm, fat and juicy sound.

[r.sprong]

Highly underrated. The Synthbrass patches are amazing as well, as are the leads you can create. 🔥

[cammellsound]

Another elegant Roland design. I love the Alpha Juno.