The legendary drum machine and rhythm composer. This instrument changed the overall sound of Pop music forever since its initial release to the music industry in the late 1970s. Many of its unique drum and percussion instrument sound samples can be heard in a wide variety of musical genres, including but not limited to, Contemporary hits, modern Jazz, Hip-Hop and even Country & western. Since the 808's limited run of production and manufacture there have been many attempts by others to duplicate and/or emulate the unique sound of the 808 but in the end none of those emulations of the original 808 even come close. A little secret, the 808's unique and famous, 'boomy' kick drum with variable sustain was a 'happy accident' in the design and manufacture of the 808, involving a particular transistor that behaved peculiarly, Roland was delivered an rather large quantity of these transistors, but once that supply of transistors ran out that was it. Subsequent rhythm composer models by Roland couldn't emulate the same effect on the kick despite numerous attempts by Roland's Research & Development team to do so, thereby making the original TR-808 a true and valuable collectors item among musicians and music history enthusiasts. One of these in good working order, even with a bit of minor cosmetic wear due to its age, can demand two or three grand, easy.