I think it is time that I speak about my unconditional love for the 909. I do not have one, only 10,000 were made, but I use them pretty consistently in my trax. I have also modeled a 909 kick using my Nord G2 engine.

The 909 was designed in 1984 by Tadao Kikumoto who also designed the legendary 303. The 909 sounds more artificial than its predecessor Roland TR-808. The evolution of these drum machines from the 808 to the 909 are really distinct when comparing the kick drums. Prior to the 909, drum machines were designed to sound and replace “real” drums. The 909 was designed to sound artificial. To me the 909 is the first drum machine that was designed as its own instrument with its own characteristics. It was not meant to replace or mimic, but to make something new.

My favorite thing about the 909 is that it connected Detroit Techno to Chicago House in the 1980′s. Juan Atkins (Godfather of Detroit techno), who traditionally used 808′s, quickly moved to the 909 and began another revolution in techno known as acid.

The 909 was first used in Detroit by Juan Atkins and Derrick May of the Belleville Three and Deep Space. When Derrick May could not pay for his rent he sold the 909 to Frankie Knuckles in Chicago and that began the influence of the 909 onto Chicago house.