Roland Juno-6 and Roland Juno-60

Let’s play a little game of spot-the-difference. These two Roland synthesizers both came out in 1982, although the timing was a little bit staggered. The differences between the two of them are only marginal to some extent, but they were ultimately crucial for the tremendous success of the Juno-60.

Now, before you get out your felt-tip pen to circle the differences between the two photos, we’d like to let you know about some rules. The slightly different perspectives in the photos are ruled out, as well as the type designations of 6 and 60.

3, 2, 1, go!

And did you also come across the missing VCA potentiometer slider on the Juno-6? Good job! One chorus in blue, the other in red? Perfect! A small patch of rust on the Juno-6 to the left of the keyboard? You’re really reopening our old wounds …

And now the decider: the row of buttons on the Juno-60 at the top-right with the caption “Memory.” This indeed refers to savable sounds!

This sometimes-missing feature was already a real knock-out trait of 1982 synthesizers.

So, resounding success remained out of reach of the Juno-6, while the Juno-60 is still a true hidden gem in terms of being a superb, warm-sounding synthesizer. Actually, it’s so popular and sought-after that you can’t call it hidden anymore.
What are the advantages of the Juno-6? Due to a lack of memory slots, the user needs to take an active role in sound design at all times.

Well, use it or lose it. We have the proof, and you’ve seen it. :-)