Roland's Juno series of synthesizers are renowned for their warm, lush sound, user-friendly interface, and unmistakable chorus effect. Debuting in 1982, the Juno line has been a staple in electronic and pop music for decades.
Early Junos (1982-1986): Juno-6, Juno-60, Juno-106
The first Juno, the Juno-6, was a powerful and affordable polyphonic synth, but lacked patch memory. The Juno-60 addressed this with 56 patches and a DCV connector for sequencer integration. The Juno-106, with its MIDI control, 128 patches, and built-in speakers, became one of Roland's best-selling synths.
Alpha Junos (1985-1987): Alpha Juno-1, Alpha Juno-2
The Alpha Junos replaced sliders with membrane buttons and introduced the "alpha dial" for editing. While not as warm-sounding as the earlier models, they were popular in jungle, rave, and hardcore music.
Later Junos (2002-present): Juno-D, Juno-G, Juno-Stage, Juno-Di, Juno-DS, Juno-X, JU-06A
With the digital age, Roland revived the Juno name for various synths, including the entry-level Juno-D, the workstation Juno-G, and the professional stage piano Juno-Stage. The Juno-Di was a portable battery-operated model, while the Juno-DS line reintroduced sequencing and recording capabilities.
Boutique Junos: JU-06A
This compact synth aimed to recapture the classic Juno sound with an analog-emulating engine, onboard effects, and a step sequencer.
The New Juno-X
The latest Juno, the Juno-X, is a fully digital synth powered by Roland's Zen Core synthesis system. It can emulate not only classic Junos but also other iconic synths like the Jupiter-8 and SH-101 through downloadable model expansions.
Conclusion
Roland's Juno synths have left an undeniable mark on music history. With their unique combination of sound, usability, and affordability, they continue to be beloved by musicians and producers today. Whether you're a vintage synth enthusiast or a modern musician seeking classic sounds, there's a Juno out there for you.
Additional facts:
- The Juno was named after Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage.
- The Juno-106 was used on countless hit songs, including A-ha's "Take On Me" and Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence".
- The Juno-X is available in a limited-edition "Jupiter-8" color scheme.