Rare synth studio opens to the public to celebrate 909 Day

A studio packed with rare analogue synths has opened to the public to mark 909 Day today, 9th September.

The XOX collection is held at Reading-based music and arts charity Readipop and includes a number of vintage synths and drum machines: a Roland TR-808 (1980) and Roland TR-909 (1983), a Roland TB-303 (1982), an E-mu SP-12 (1985) and Akai S612 (1985) alongside an SH-101, Juno-6, Juno-106, TR-77 (Roland's first-ever drum machine, 1972) among many more gems.

There's also a pair of turntables signed by Grandmaster Flash, who previously took part in a keynote at Readipop.

Readipop, who use music and arts to "enrich lives, communities and the cultural landscape of Reading and the Thames Valley", are working on a series of events and content with DJ Mag contributor Marcus Barnes to mark their 30th anniversary in 2028.

Those interested in trying out the gear can book in sessions through Readipop here (or email [email protected].

Roland has released several new pieces of gear in recent years, including its first analogue drum machine in over four decades, the TR-1000 Rhythm Creator, and a pair of “high-fidelity” studio headphones, the VMH-S100.