In 1980, Roland introduced the TR-808 to the world. Initially a commercial failure, it would eventually be used on more records than any other drum machine in history. One of the most iconic instruments in history, the Roland TR-808 seemed destined for disaster when it was released in 1980. Compared to the Linn LM-1 drum machine which used sampled drum sounds, the 808 used analog synthesis to produce sounds. Ikutaro Kakehashi used inexpensive “faulty” transistors which gav