In 1983, Roland debuted the JX-3P, a dual DCO, six-voice poly with a unique pedigree. Neither a JUPITER nor a JUNO, it did its own thing and, thanks to an easily accessible selection of presets, found favor with performers and programmers alike. Although it tends not to get as many accolades as its Ju-named companions, the JX-3P has become something of a synth fanatic’s favorite synth. It also gets used in songs when the vibe calls for something “extremely synthy.” From synth pop hits to modern dance and indie, here are some JX-3P-featuring songs to power up your life.
Playlist
Fletch Theme by Harold Faltermeyer (1985)
One of the biggest names associated with synthesizers in the 1980s was Harold Faltermeyer, thanks to his soundtrack work. He was a massive fan of the JX-3P, using it on many of his famous movie themes. While “Axel F” from Beverly Hills Cop is the one most people know, the JX-3P was relegated to chordal duties. To hear the JX in all its oscillator sync glory, turn instead to the central theme from Fletch. “It’s actually a preset sound, like a sync sound,” he told Red Bull Music Academy in 2015. “It’s slightly modified, but it’s unmistakable.”
Chamber of Reflection by Mac DeMarco (2014)
Indie darling Mac DeMarco may be best known for his unique guitar sound, but when he needed a synthesizer to take the lead on “Chamber of Reflection,” he turned to his JX-3P. A standout track on Salad Days, the song highlights what the JX-3P does so well: very synthy sounds. A tinkly lead with plenty of pitch wobble, it has that seasick feel that many people now associate with ’80s music (although it is a thoroughly modern reinterpretation). Plenty of effects and saturation heighten the vintage vibe.
Porno by Arcade Fire (2013)
Another indie outfit not usually known for synthesizers, Arcade Fire, reportedly used a JX-3P on “Porno” from Reflektor. The very electronic song rides a steady drum machine beat propelled by an insistent two-chord JX-3P progression. It has all the hallmarks of the JX-3P: bright and glistening, with a sheen that cuts through the mix. The JX-3P actually started its life as a guitar synthesizer (what eventually became the GR-700), so it makes sense that guitar bands would be drawn to it.
Frisky by Tinie Tempah ft Labrinth (2010)
The biggest single in the UK in 2010 was “Frisky,” a hip-hop/drum and bass crossover track that featured the JX-3P handling not only the melody but—crucially and unusually— the bass. The JX-3P generally gets pressed into lead and chord duties, and you can hear it riding high on “Frisky” in its usual capacity. But producer Labrinth also went with his 3P for bass, and it’s this that makes the song so unrelentingly fun. Labrinth, a big fan of the synth, also used it on “Let The Sun Shine.”
Papua New Guinea by The Future Sound Of London (1991)
One of the all-time rave classics is “Papua New Guinea” by The Future Sound Of London. While the song may be most famous for its epic Dead Can Dance sample, the JX-3P plays an important role, too, as a provider of a top-line synth part. Played live by member Garry Cobain, it adds to the sonic beauty of the song, which is peerless when it comes to epic dance songs.
Valvable by Luke Vibert (2020)
When it came time for acid fiend Luke Vibert to make his album Valvable, he only wanted to use three machines: a TR-808, TB-303, and JX-3P. As you can guess, the album is acid-heavy, but the JX-3P plays an indispensable role, providing harmonic content in the form of slinky chords. It’s the part the JX-3P was born to play.
JX-3P into the Future
There are many ways to bring the fun and flavor of the JX-3P to your own productions now. Of course, there’s the vintage original. Still, there are plenty of modern versions now available, too, including a plug-in option on Roland Cloud and—most recently—an ACB Expansion for the FANTOM EX series. For more inspiration dig into this playlist with tracks by Kraftwerk, The Cure, Tears for Fears, and many others.
