Published
Sun, Apr 2, 2017, 11:18
- The Japanese engineer oversaw the TB-303, TR-808 and TR-909.
Roland founder Ikutaro Kakehashi has died.
The esteemed engineer was behind iconic equipment such the TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines and the TB-303 bassline synthesiser. Born in 1930, Kakehashi founded Roland in Osaka in 1972. The company's products, such as its drum machines and synthesisers, were instrumental in the development of house, techno and hip-hop. He was officially recognised for his contributions to music technology with a Technical Grammy in 2013.
Many have responded to Kakehashi's death with online tributes.