When I got the System 8 I kinda liked its minimalist plastic look. But I had some bonus bucks and figured I'd try these, and nothing says '70's Synthesizer' like some nice wood trim. I'd read that people were disappointed because of their very dark color that looked like black plastic, but the ones I got look like, well, wood. I've grown to really like my System 8's new retro look. They really are finished nicely and go on quickly. They serve, of course, no real purpose, but they do look nice

They go on in seconds, come with the longer screws you need, and the pair I received have a dark red hue. I think they add a touch of class to the all-plastic System-8.

I was kind of disappointed with these side panels considering what they cost. The ones I received are black. There is no visible wood grain in the finish. They do not look like the ones I've seen pictured. One of the panels had a small imperfection in the finish but I was able to just put that on the inside so not really an issue. However, I'd probably still buy them even if they were plastic. The keyboard just doesn't look right without them. They also add to the sides giving you more to grab when you need to move the keyboard around.

I was really excited to get these and put them on my system 8. However they are stained almost as black as the system 8. From a distance it doesn't look like wood side panels just more black plastic. A little disappointing but what can you do. I may sand them down one day.

They fit perfect and make the system 8 look that much better and more "vintage". Definitely worth the small investment!

Well made. Real wood. Great dark finish. Easy to install. Makes all the difference aesthetically. Highly recommended.

The long-delayed RSP-8W side panels are finally available (5/2017), but they were not worth the wait, I'm afraid. Three issues: One, they have been stained in such a way that they are much darker than Roland's own promo pics. They are a very dark reddish ebony, and look nearly black unless the sun is shining on them. Kudos to Sweetwater for posting their own, much more accurate pics here. That's a matter of taste, though. If you like these pics, you may like the side panels. I was just expecting something more like the finish shown in Roland's images, a lighter cherry. Two, users are supposed to remove the existing screws (3 on each side) from the side of the System 8, and re-use them to mount the side panels. Unfortunately the countersink drilled into the panels is not deep enough. Therefore the screws you have are not long enough, and only seem to go in about 1/10th of an inch, if at all. On mine, one screw on each side is just sitting in place, loose, and cannot engage with the bolt thread. If the System 8 were to receive any significant shock on its side, I think the other two screws would just tear loose. Seems that that screws probably need to be about 1/4 inch longer, or the countersink made deeper. Finally, the dark stain amplifies scratches, imperfections and dust.

It's possible that the screw issue is isolated to the set I received, I haven't seen or heard any other reports yet. All in all, however, I can't really recommend these. They don't enhance the System-8. Although I prefer wood panels for that "vintage" look, I'm probably going to use the aluminum RSP-8A side panels. They look better, include their own screws, and enhance and protect the System-8 far better than the RSP-8W set I received. If you like the finish you see here, though, and can locate more suitable screws, the wood panels may be for you.

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