Bjooks has announced that the physical version of its BEAT GEMS book is to begin shipping this month, September 2026, as well as a new TR-909 feature for Patch & Tweak members.
In celebration of 909 Day, there’ll be 30% off the price of Inspire the Music – 50 Years of Roland History for anyone purchasing BEAT GEMS.
BEAT GEMS was written by electronic instrument historian Ali Freke, and is a 336-page journey through six decades of drum machines, rhythm boxes and groove boxes, including home organ accompaniments to machines which shaped hip-hop, house, techno and modern electronic music.
Over one hundred rhythm machines are explored, with information on the artists, engineers and ideas that transformed them and defined so many musical genres.
In addition, Bjooks has completed another deep dive into electronic music culture, with all three parts of Capturing the Invisible: A Conversation with Robin Rimbaud/Scanner now available for Patch & Tweak members.
Finally, a digital edition of the Roland history book is now available on Google Play at a more affordable price, around €35 which is about half the price of a physical copy.
BEAT GEMS retails for around $89/€75/£66.
