What synthesizer did Koji Kondo use for Super Mario Bros theme?

While some sources suggest Kondo may have used a Roland Juno-106 during composition, the actual sound in the game was generated by the NES's internal sound chip. The final version was limited to the console's basic square and triangle wave capabilities.

How to recreate Super Mario Bros synth sound?

Start with a square wave oscillator, set a bright filter with some resonance, and use a quick attack with moderate sustain. The original NES sound was very limited, so keep it simple and focus on the characteristic square wave brightness.

What waveform is the Super Mario Bros theme?

The lead melody primarily uses square waves generated by the NES sound chip. The system could only produce basic waveforms including square, triangle, and noise, with the main melody line using the square wave channel.

Can you play Super Mario Bros theme on Roland Juno-106?

Yes, a Juno-106 can recreate a close approximation using its square wave oscillator with the filter opened up for brightness. While not identical to the NES chip sound, it captures the same melodic character with richer harmonic content.

synth from "super mario bros. theme" by koji kondo

super mario bros. theme

koji kondo

synth

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

This iconic synth lead sound is bright, square-wave-ish, and playfully chirpy, characterized by its simple yet catchy melody. It has a classic 8-bit video game vibe with a touch of sawtooth.

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Roland Juno-106(instrument)

The Story

The Super Mario Bros. theme was originally created by Koji Kondo for the Nintendo Entertainment System's limited sound chip, which could only produce basic waveforms like square and sawtooth waves. While some sources suggest Kondo may have used a Roland Juno-106 during composition, the final sound heard in the game was generated entirely by the NES's onboard audio hardware with its severe technical limitations.

Production Credits

Producer: Koji Kondo

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland Juno-106Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a square wave on a Roland Juno-106.
Adjust the filter cutoff and resonance to get a bright, slightly resonant tone.
Use a sawtooth wave to add some brightness, then adjust the amp envelope for a quick attack and moderate sustain to create the characteristic 'blip' sound.
If using a modern synthesizer, experiment with different waveforms to get close to the original sound.
Add a touch of chorus to widen the sound, if needed.

Original Gear

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Roland Juno-106Shop on Reverb(synth)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Roland JU-06AShop on Reverb$300-400

Alternative to: NES sound chip square wave

Authentic Juno sound engine in compact form, perfect for recreating the square wave character with built-in chorus

Arturia MicroFreakShop on Reverb$300-350

Alternative to: NES sound chip

Digital oscillator modes can nail the lo-fi square wave texture with precise waveform control

TAL-U-NO-LX PluginPlugin Boutique$60-80

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106 (composition stage)

Accurate Juno-106 emulation with the exact square wave oscillator and filter characteristics

FabFilter Twin 3Plugin Boutique$150-200

Alternative to: NES sound limitations

Excellent square wave generation with precise filter control to recreate the bright, resonant 8-bit character

Korg Volca KeysShop on Reverb$150-200

Alternative to: NES audio chip

Analog square waves with simple controls perfect for achieving that classic video game lead sound

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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synth from “super mario bros. theme” by koji kondo | ToneDB