Replacement switch assemblies for Roland TR-808 Start/Stop and Tap functions. This replaces my previous Cherry MX switch assemblies with new Futaba (Japan) Key switches. This is a big improvement as the original switch caps fit very nicely. Consists of new Futaba switch and adapter pcb to fit original Alps footprint. Cost effective way to replace the worn out switches on your 808.

The original Alps key switches used in the 808 have been out of production for many years and have become very difficult to find. They are also not easy to repair satisfactorily and failing Start/Stop and Tap switches are now very common. I have obtained a good quantity of these Futaba key switches - they are unused new old stock and have a very similar feel to the original switch. The adapter pcb allows them to fit the original Alps footprint. Fitting these switches is fairly straightforward... take care with alignment and verify that the switch cap doesn’t foul the casing when reassembled. If necessary, the height of the switch can be lowered by removing the spacers on the pcb pins. I recommend fitting the 808 pcb to the front panel temporarily and verify the positioning of the replacement switch (with cap fitted) to make sure you’re happy before soldering it in to place.

Price is for 2 switches.

Alternatively, if you are concerned about originality, I have a limited number of original Alps switches available Here

*IMPORTANT* If you are ordering from outside the U.K please select “International Shipping” during the PayPal checkout.

EU customers are reporting shipping delays - this is unfortunately due to Brexit introducing prolonged Customs clearance times and is outside of my control. I can only apologise to friends in the EU, you are very welcome customers and I thank you for your patience.

Note: Requires soldering. Please only attempt switch replacement if you are confident you have the skills to do so. If in doubt ask a synth tech to do the work for you.

Tech Tip: If you would like to repair your own switches take a look at Robin Whittle's excellent TR-808 info page where he details the various types of switch used in the 808. The original white stem Alps switches are fairly tricky to repair - they are sealed and have to be dealt with carefully. These switches lose their conductivity through use, time, build up of oxidization etc and will stop responding, usually when their resistance exceeds 10k ohms. Carefully cleaning the contacts is usually enough to reduce the resistance significantly - often down to tens of ohms - obviously the lower the better but anything less than 1k ohms is fine and should be achievable by cleaning. For longevity it's obviously better to replace the switches, either with the later Alps switches or with new replacements such as the Futaba key switches.

(My thanks to Daniel Beardsmore for providing key switch information)

Replacement switch assemblies for Boss DR-55 start stop write functions. Consists of new Futaba (Japan) Key switch plus adapter pcb to fit the original Alps switch footprint. Original Boss key caps fit very nicely. A cost effective way to restore your DR-55. Also suitable for the Soundmaster SR-88, Stix and other “memory rhythm” machines that use this type of switch.

Note: When fitting replacement switches, care should be taken with alignment to ensure that the cap doesn’t foul the casing when the machine is reassembled. The height of the switch can be lowered if necessary by removing the spacers on the pcb pins. I recommend fitting the DR-55 pcb to the casing temporarily and place the switches (with caps fitted) in position to verify that everything is ok before soldering.

(Switch caps not included - for illustration only)

Price is for two switches.

*IMPORTANT* If you are ordering from outside the U.K please select “International Shipping” during the PayPal checkout.

Note: Requires soldering. Please only attempt switch replacement if you are confident you have the skills to do so. If in doubt ask a synth tech to do the work for you. If you have a DR-55 that needs servicing or repair feel free to contact me.

Set of two replacement switch caps for the Boss DR-55 drum machine. 2 part cap with shell and legends. Very similar to the original caps - slightly shallower profile but as close as I can get... original Alps switch caps are long out of production. Fits the new Futaba switch assemblies nicely. Will also fit original Alps switches but the switch stem may need very minor filing of the retainer pips for optimum fit. Also suitable for the SR-88 and others.

Note: When fitting replacement switches, care should be taken with alignment to ensure that the cap doesn’t foul the casing when the machine is reassembled.

Price is for two switch caps.

If you are ordering from outside the U.K please select “International Shipping” during the PayPal checkout.

Roland toggle switch, 2 position with a side to side action - used in the TR-808 for the I/F function. Generally the 2 way switches used by Roland for the majority of their gear were “up-down” action. The 808 I/F switch was different, side to side action, shorter lever (15mm) and a physically smaller switch body. Very tough to find those switches now of course. I’ve found a switch with the correct side action and also the correct lever length - these are slightly bigger than the original switch body and the pcb retaining lugs need to be trimmed in order to fit the switch to the 808 pcb... otherwise they are functionally and cosmetically correct. They are not new but are in good condition - a nice solution if you have a broken I/F switch on your 808. Very limited number available.

*SOLD OUT* - Available again soon.

Requires soldering. Please only attempt switch replacement if you are confident that you have the skills to do so.

*IMPORTANT* If you are ordering from outside the U.K please select “International Shipping” during the PayPal checkout.

Special thanks to Arata Isono for switch photo & additional information.

Vintage Roland patch cord set PCS-10. Original new old stock from the late 70s, early 80s. These were optional add-ons for the System 100m modular synths. Very nice quality moulded cables of varying lengths, embossed with the Roland logo on the plugs. Incredibly rare to find these in their original packaging and a really nice thing to have if you’re a vintage Roland enthusiast. Limited number of sets available - be quick.

*SOLD OUT*

μPC33C Dual op-amp, Dip-14 with heat sink tabs. Original NEC part, NOS. Very early dual operational amplifier, used in the Roland SH-3 & 3A in the LFO-2 and Chorus circuits. Obsolete for 40 years and now rare. If you want to keep your gear as original as possible these may be helpful. Limited stock.

If ordering from outside the United Kingdom please select International Shipping during the checkout procedure.

2SK30A-GR N-Channel J-FET. These are the recent 2SK30ATM version. Used in many modern synth DIY designs. Idss classification GR.

Price is for 4 pieces.

2SK30A-Y n-channel J-FET. These are the recent 2SK30ATM version. Idss classification Y.

Price is for 4 pieces.

2SK30-GR n-channel J-FET. These are original Toshiba components, new old stock from the mid 70s, first version with vintage style package..Used in many Japanese machines from the era and ideal if you like to keep your gear original. Also great for vintage effects pedals & clones. Idss classification GR. I also have other 30A Idss ranges available including O and R which are now extremely rare - contact me for further details if you need specific parts.

Price is for 1 piece. Limited stock.

2N4856 n-channel J-FET. These are genuine NOS Motorola devices, metal can TO-18, now long obsolete. Used in vintage VCO designs including CGS and ASM, Transcendent 2000 etc, and useful for diy circuits and effects if you like to use vintage era parts. Can sub for 2N4859, same spec but slightly higher max voltage rating.

Price is for 2 pieces. Please contact for availability.

If you are outside the U.K please select International Shipping during the checkout process.