Paul van Dyk’s Roland TR-808 goes on display at the Synthesizer Museum Berlin

Electronic music pioneer Paul van Dyk has put his Roland TR-808 drum machine on display at the Synthesizer Museum Berlin, where it will remain for the next year.

One of his most prized pieces of gear, and one that is synonymous with electronic music culture, van Dyk used the 808 on multiple tracks, including his well-loved debut track, For An Angel, which was first released in 1994 and later remixed in 1998.

The exhibit not only celebrates van Dyk’s long-standing influence on electronic music, but also pays tribute to the instrument that helped shape the genre through its use in countless legendary records. The exhibit announcement lands just after Roland’s 808 day, celebrated every 8 August in honour of its mighty legacy.

Paul van Dyk comments: “This Roland 808 has been with me since the early days; it’s more than just a machine, it’s a part of my musical journey. From For An Angel to countless other tracks, its beat helped shape my sound. I’m proud to lend it to Synthesizer Museum Berlin, where it can inspire the next generation of producers just like it inspired me.”

In honour of the recent 808 day, Roland has launched some generous deals on its plugins – with the spotlight on its TR-808 software, available now till 31 August as a perpetual license for just $49, or a third of its usual price of $149. All Roland plugins remain on sale over at Plugin Boutique.

Paul van Dyk’s Roland TR-808 will remain on display for one whole year – find out more about the Synthesizer Museum Berlin. 

Rachel is a DIY musician who began learning guitar and keyboard from her bedroom at 14. She has written news and features for MusicTech since 2022, and also has bylines across Kerrang!, Guitar.com, and The Forty-Five. Though a lover of heavy music, her guilty pleasure is 2000s pop.