Woody Piano Shack Takes the SH-01A for a Spin: Digital Nostalgia or Just a Cheap Thrill?

Roland’s SH-01A is what happens when you take the legendary SH-101, feed it a diet of ones and zeroes, and let it loose on the Boutique crowd. Woody Piano Shack wastes no time pointing out that, while the original was a chunky slab of 1980s analog, this new box is all digital—thanks to Roland’s ACB tech. Don’t let the lack of voltage fool you, though: Woody reckons the sound is spot-on, and he’s not losing sleep over the absence of real analog guts.

The SH-01A isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It’s packed with digital perks the old 101 could only dream of—presets, polyphony, and a build that feels surprisingly premium for something this size. Woody’s quick to remind us that the original was a budget synth back in the day, and now its digital offspring is aiming to be just as accessible, but with a modern twist. If you’re after that classic sound without the vintage headaches, this Boutique box might just scratch the itch.

Woody gives the SH-01A’s design a once-over and, for once, he’s impressed. The chassis is mostly metal—cool to the touch and built like it means business. Faders and knobs feel great, with enough resistance to actually dial in a sound instead of just nudging plastic around. The only gripe? Those pitch strips and mod wheel relics hogging panel space, but at least they’re a dying breed on newer Boutiques. Overall, it’s a joy to tweak and play—no menu-diving nightmares here.

Here’s where the SH-01A throws a curveball: four-note polyphony. The original SH-101 was strictly mono, but this Boutique box lets you play chords and get a bit more ambitious with your arrangements. Woody highlights how this opens up new sonic territory—suddenly, you’re not just stuck with basslines and leads, but can layer pads and stabs that the old 101 could only dream of.

It’s not just about more notes, though. The digital engine means you can store up to 64 presets, so your favourite patches are always on tap. Woody’s honest about the learning curve—some features, like the sequencer, are a bit fiddly—but the payoff is a synth that’s both flexible and fun. If you want classic 101 vibes with a modern twist, this is it.

Even with a few usability headaches—like a sequencer that’s more puzzle than plug-and-play—the SH-01A delivers where it counts: sound. Woody’s clear that the presets are inspiring, and tweaking them is a breeze thanks to the hands-on interface. The four-voice polyphony puts it in the same league as the Juno Boutique, minus the lush chorus, and the core sound engine is shared across other Roland boxes like the S-1 Tweak Synth.

Bottom line: if you want that classic Roland sound in a portable, tweakable box, the SH-01A is a solid bet. Woody’s not sure it’s a forever-synth, but for anyone who loves the 101 vibe—or just wants a digital street weapon for their setup—it’s well worth a look. As always, the real magic’s in the video, where you can hear this thing kick like a drunken horse.