Indeed, my studio partner never liked the samples played back anywhere except his S750…
1 Like
I want to be a massive dork.
5 Likes
And with a TR8s, you can control the Roland Cloud 909 (or any of the drum machines).
Black RE-909 & 303 please (the RE-808 is already in a pleasing colour).
1 Like
It’s a fair question from OP.
I think for me it’s more about it being a different machine, it look’s different, sounds different and is often used differently as well.
All the other versions are also good, but so much of it is how you feel and are you inspired or excited and for some people using the originals brings that out more.
I’m reminded of kit cars from the 80’s. There would be this “Ferrari” driving around only to realise when you got up close it was a Ferrari kit shell stuck on a Ford Escort chassis. It’s not a Ferrari, but it is something unique in its own way.
I guess clones can sometimes get a bad rep which is a shame as there is nothing wrong with them at all, in-fact lots of good things about them, but they aren’t the original and that is significant for some people, for a variety of reasons.
I don’t think it’s only about functionality or features, or even sound comparison. It’s also about the fact it is just a different machine, an original, as used on x record, looks the part etc
I occasionally watch those Youtube videos showing those Knight Rider car replicas. It’s interesting as sometimes authentic original cars are found and as used on a tv set, aren’t always practical, the camera helps piece it together. Someone tweaked the infamous red light to be “better” and use modified LED’s from a local store and you can also do different patterns, not just left to right…it just felt off.
Still, there is loads of pride and passion in clones and replicas and i wish is was more celebrated than held as a thing that is lesser or shameful. It’s just different.
I don’t personally own any clones, but do have some reissues. I guess if it has the official name on it, it’s different? The Karp Odyssey or the other Korg reissues come to mind. The Roland DSP based stuff (forget the official tech name for it) the Prophet 5.
I have used a Behringer 303 clone, for the price it was impressive, although it sounded surprisingly different to my TB303, and it didn’t keep time, and was very poor build quality, not that the originals are built like tanks or anything.
I’m sure if i had the originals of some of the reissues, it would be different, but different is ok. The JU06a is a great bit of kit, but for sure, it ain’t no Juno 60 that’s for sure, however after selling mine for £200 i ain’t spending what is probably £3k for that synth, well, maybe if i was loaded 
Some OG 909 after all my coffee waffle.
3 Likes