Why is the Roland TB-303 so expensive

Little Acid machine from the 80s continues to climb in price

The TB-303 was released by Roland in 1981. The 303 was designed to simulate a bass guitarist in the studio. It failed and was discontinued after three years of production. The 303 got a second lease on life as a fundamental part of the electric music scene of the late 80s and early 90s.

The rubbery squelching sound from the single oscillator machine became instantly recognizable. Over the years numerous clones entered the market. But none of them managed to capture the original analog sound of the original.

Roland TB-03

Behringer TD-3

RE-303

Xoxbox

Roland AIRA TB-3

Technosaurus Microcon

Because only 10,000 units were manufactured ($395 original msrp) and it was an initial commercial failure many units were discarded and lost over time. Currently it’s getting hard to find a 303 under $2000. Even some clones are selling at prices well over the original 303 price. (RE-303s currently sell on eBay for over $1000).

TB-303 currently for sale online Reverb

Listed for sale: 4 (USA 1)

Highest Asking: $3,822.19

Lowest Asking: $2,220.00

Last Sold: $3,878.40

View Roland TB-303 for sale on Reverb Listed for sale: 4 (USA 1)Highest Asking: $3,822.19Lowest Asking: $2,220.00Last Sold: $3,878.40 Ebay

Listed for sale: 5 (USA 1)

Highest Asking: $6,650.00

Lowest Asking: $3,280.00

Last Sold: $4,500.00

View Roland TB-303 for sale on Ebay Listed for sale: 5 (USA 1)Highest Asking: $6,650.00Lowest Asking: $3,280.00Last Sold: $4,500.00 Craigslist

Listed for sale: 0

Highest Asking: N/A

Lowest Asking: N/A



Number of TB-303s sold each year

Would you buy a 303 now

I believe that the prices of the 303 will continue to rise. There are few for sale in the US. The clones that have been released are not causing the market to flood with original 303s. If anything people are realizing it’s going to keep rising in value and holding onto their 303 and getting a clone for touring.