Arp 2600 V4.0 + 3620

We are Brokering this vintage Arp 2600 + 3620 duo-phonic keyboard for and on behalf of our UK client.

Came into stock: Available from RL Music from November 2024

Servicing Status: A full service was carried out by Kent Spong at KSR in August 2024.

Remarks:

We present the excellent condition vintage Arp 2600 semi-modular which contains the sought after (and so-called) post-lawsuit Moog 4072 style filter. This instrument is at least 50 years old (built between 1972 and 1974) looks beautifully vintage and sounds amazing.

This Arp 2600 is a version 2600P v4.0, with the post-lawsuit 4072 Filter + 3620 Duo-Phonic Keyboard controller. It features Semi-normalised – 3 VCOs (type 4027-1), 4 pole Lowpass VCF, VCA, Ring Modulator, 2 EGs, sample & hold Noise, Mic Preamp, 17-inch Spring Reverb, Voltage Processor and Four Octave Keyboard….the list goes on.

This Arp system has been in the ownership of our client for only around 5 years having got it from the original owner who purchased it new. This 2600 has never been gigged and is 100% original, so has all its original tolex and original circuitry. When our Client purchased this Arp, it had been stored for several years so KSR was commissioned to carry out a complete overhaul to get it up to spec and ready for sale through us.

Buying a vintage ARP 2600 synthesizer is a fantastic choice for several reasons, especially if you’re passionate about analogue synthesizers and classic sound design. Here’s why:

1. Classic Analog Sound

The ARP 2600 has a rich, warm analogue tone that is nearly impossible to replicate digitally. Its oscillators, filters, and modulators create a sound that is both iconic and versatile.
Many famous musicians and sound designers have used the ARP 2600, making it a staple in the history of synthesizers.

2. Historical and Collectible Value

Released in the early 1970s, it is a piece of synthesizer history. Owning one is like having a relic of the golden era of analogue synthesis.
As vintage gear, its value often increases over time, making it not just a tool but also an investment.

3. Hands-On Creativity

The semi-modular design lets you patch your signal paths while still being usable without patch cables. This strikes a perfect balance between modular flexibility and ease of use.
The tactile interface encourages experimentation and sound design.

4. Build Quality

Vintage ARP 2600s were built to last, with solid construction and high-quality components. Properly maintained, they can continue to produce amazing sounds for decades.

5. Unique Features

Features like the built-in spring reverb and iconic ARP filter (which varies depending on the production year) make it distinct from modern synthesizers.
The integration of pre-patched configurations and modular flexibility offers unmatched creative opportunities.

6. Cultural Significance

It has been used in countless classic tracks across genres and is famous for being the voice of R2-D2 in Star Wars. Owning one connects you to this legacy.

Cosmetic Condition:

The control surfaces/panels on the synth & keyboard have been deep cleaned and are in outstanding condition and retain all original slider-caps and controls. All the cabinets/lids for both the synth and keyboard are covered with the original factory-fitted tolex, which is all in excellent condition. These 50-year-old portable semi-modular synthesisers are hard to find in original condition like this so it’s a fantastic opportunity to buy a genuine vintage 2600 that’s in factory spec.

The bright work (nickel-plated components like catches and hinges) are all original and all show a perfectly aged patina.

Notes on the Servicing:

Kent at KSR has gone through the entire synth and keyboard. Many original parts were retained to ensure continuity and authenticity but some ageing components like power conditioning caps have been replaced, but only were necessary. all the sliders and potentiometers had been deep cleaned and a full function test of every PCB.

The keyboard was stripped and completely overhauled, and new neoprene bushes were fitted etc.

The original 3620 keyboard is certainly useful and is the historically correct partner for this model of 2600. The 3620 offers duo-phonic control and pretty decent access to the extensive inputs into the main synth, so to get the most out of the 2600 we would recommend using a multi-channel Midi to CV device like the Kenton Pro-2000 which can give you 3-note polyphonic control if needed, although any 1V/Oct analogue controller/sequencer etc., will work fine.

This is a fantastic opportunity to buy one of the most iconic vintage synths ever made with its, completely original control surface cosmetics, original factory-fitted tolex and the unmodified and paired synth and keyboard. The sales price has been agreed with our client to keep it very competitive and by far the best value comparable example in the UK and Europe at the time of posting this page.

These outstanding vintage semi-modular synthesizers are hard to find in decent condition, so here is a rare opportunity to own an original example that will only appreciate and add something special to your studio/home.

Supplied with all lids, OE keyboard CV/Gate interconnect cable and UK type- to-3-pin proprietary power cable. The Arp runs on EU 220~240V. We also supply the original colour-printed Arp 2600 owner’s manual (pictured below).

All our vintage instruments are sold with a 3-month warranty, please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.

Packing & Shipping:

We can ship this 2600 worldwide, although the packing, shipping & insurance costs are not included in the sale price below, so they are subject to quotation. The synth is located with us in Reading, so you are welcome to collect it from us if you prefer.

There may be short delays in getting the packaging materials produced for shipping as they are custom ordered for the specific dimensions of each instrument. We are happy to discuss your requirements, so please email us if you have any questions about the logistics and/or need a quote.

Price: £9,990 GBP

Availability: This Arp 2600 & 3620 Keyboard Controller is available for sale now.

Click on the thumbnails for higher-resolution photos of the actual synth for sale.