Advice: Whether to buy a damaged ARP 2600

basssfx · Post by **basssfx** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:41 pm

I know this is a Moog forum, but I thought I'd ask here first, rather than some upitty site. BTW I do already own an AE and MF101,2 and 3.

I have been in contact with a guy (in New Zealand, where I live) who has a wealth of old analog gear e.g TB-303, TR-606, ARP Oddessey/2600, Juno 6/60 and even a 70's (?) Minimoog D!!!

Anyway, he's getting rid of all his gear which includes an Orange 2600 which is not working, so he says. He would let it go for $2000NZD = $1360US and includes a keyboard and sequencer.

Now that seems a very reasonable price except for the fact that I don't think there is anyone here that would repair it, the nearest would be Australia or even further. I am also afraid that it would be a bottomless pit of money; I know of people who have spent upwards of $20k on their 2600 mods.

So I ask your opinions, would it be a good idea to buy the 2600 and take it on as a project, or save up and start going into new Modular equipment?

Thanks

OysterRock · Post by **OysterRock** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:06 pm

I smell a money pit. I have a rule that I never buy damaged gear (especially synths) unless I know the problem and I know I can fix it.

Unless you have a couple more thousand dollars burning a hole in your pocket, I say no way. Those thing are so big and complex, who knows what could be wrong with it. A tech would charge a lot just to go troubleshoot the problem, then even more to fix it.

Of course, its possible it could be something very simple wrong with it, but personally I wouldn't risk it unless you have the money to dump into it.

If you really want a 2600, save up more and buy one that you know works. You could be buying a big, pretty, $1300+ orange foot rest.

MC · Post by MC » Wed Dec 28, 2005 11:04 pm

What he said.

2600s have potted modules where the critical circuits are. Common failures are in the potted modules, and they are a PITA to break into.

You'll also have sticky slidepots, which seems to be a problem I've seen on every ARP.

Great machines when they're running, but $$$ to repair and not many techs can/will fix them.

basssfx · Post by **basssfx** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 11:23 pm

Cheers guys. Just checking though: can a new modular setup produce the same kind of sounds as a 2600? I really want a totally tripped out noise making machine. Or are there any other vintage synths that would do the same trick?

theglyph · Post by **theglyph** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 11:49 pm

basssfx wrote:can a new modular setup produce the same kind of sounds as a 2600? I really want a totally tripped out noise making machine. Or are there any other vintage synths that would do the same trick?

How much $$ are you willing to spend? Modern modulars can do just about anything if you are willing to spend the mulla. There are many options.

Check this out: http://buchla.com/200e/index.html hehe.. We all wish!

Arturia has a nice 2600 software emulator (albeit it's digital) that can produce some pretty tricked out sounds.

MC · Post by MC » Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:01 am

basssfx wrote:Cheers guys. Just checking though: can a new modular setup produce the same kind of sounds as a 2600? I really want a totally tripped out noise making machine.

I'd seriously consider the Macbeth M5, which is a modern 2600 clone.

http://www.macbethstudiosystems.com/

theglyph · Post by **theglyph** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 1:37 am

MC, whoooooooo

I've got about $2500 to spend on somthin! The Macbeth M5 shows 1995 GBP with no US price at Analogehaven (mabye not in stock). I can flex that $ but i was considering a laptop w/ software( I'm currently workin w/ a tower apple dual G4 and need Windows (ahhh)). Like i told bassfx, arturia is nice, But Analog is better! Damn!!!

MC, would you spend the $ if you could? In no way can I (or anyone I know) get a 200e, but I have considered a Analog Solutions Vostok.

Also, basssfx there are cheaper otpions. I'm building a Paia 9700 modular which is < $500 (as a kit) and it has nice features:

Visit http://www.paia.com/p9700s.htm

John Simonton left us this Year, as did Dr. Moog, and his modulars still kick ass and are very nice to build (If you desire)!

pelican1 · Post by **pelican1** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:49 pm

I'd sell you my arp (orange +black) 100% with mods send me a pm if you're interested. Want to buy a voyager +a used hammond xk3

echen007 · Post by **echen007** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 1:30 pm

Hi Just pm'd you regarding your Arp.

monads · Post by **monads** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:45 am

MC wrote:I'd seriously consider the Macbeth M5, which is a modern 2600 clone.

You cannot forget the Cwejman S1 MkII

Check the SoundonSound articles for and in depth review and the company site below (which is being updated so not much info on the S1 currently).

http://www.cwejman.org/

The Unknown · Post by **The Unknown** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 6:02 am

theglyph wrote: Arturia has a nice 2600 software emulator (albeit it's digital) that can produce some pretty tricked out sounds.

I have one running on my PowerBook G4, and it sounds fantastic! Also, a lot less expensive than the hardware version, working or not.

basssfx · Post by **basssfx** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:53 pm

Yep, they're all looking pretty cool!!! I think I'll have to save a little more $$ first. All in good time...

As far as possible, especially live, we are going to use real, analog instruments. They just bring a special feeling and energy into the music, as I'm sure you've all experienced.

Thanks for your help,
Andy

Scott Bryan · Post by **Scott Bryan** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 9:04 pm

Phil Cirocco is 'The Go To Source' for any repair/mod for all vintage ARP instruments. I have a 1973 vintage ARP 2600 ('Grey Meanie') that was inoperative for quite a number of years until I sent it to Phil for the repairs and modifications. The most common fault that causes the entire synth to malfunction is the power supply. It is a relatively inexpensive fix and the CMS upgrade power supply makes the entire platform much more stable. As mentioned in a previous post the newer 2600's had most of the oscillator components (as well as the filters and voltage controlled amp) encapsulated in solid epoxy. That prevented any 'reverse engineering' and also prevented convenient repair or replacement of individual electronic components without replacing the entire module. This fact can run up the cost of repairing one of these however CMS has replacement modules that are very reasonably priced. (when compared to similar components available for other analogues in the market) I would not hesitate to attempt "negotiate" with the seller for a better price for the synth you are considering after factoring the shipping cost to CMS and the costs anticipated for repairs (which may be difficult without knowing exactly what is inoperative) The CMS website can give you a good idea of the cost of replacement modules and an e-mail to Phil will give you a better idea of what may be required.
http://www.discretesynthesizers.com/
Good luck,
Scott Bryan
PS on the CMS site is a cool photo of the late great Dr. Moog with Phil perusing a large Moog modular that was restored by CMS. Also another nice photo of the 2600 owned by Allan R Pearlman (also repaired/restored by Phil)

Chromatic · Post by **Chromatic** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:24 am

"I really want a totally tripped out noise making machine"

Not a behemoth modular but great for creating v complex sounds is the Dave Smith Instruments eVolver. It is a hybrid analogue / digital synth and has some unusual features such as being able to introduce feedback at varios places in the synth. The software editor has a genetics function that scrambles the settings into some really twisted sounds. Pick a Mummy sound and a Daddy sound and hit the button to hear the "offspring".

Just had a go at looping the audio out from the eVolver into the Voyager and then back into the eVolver via an aux. Chicken Oriental!

bbbodie · Post by **bbbodie** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:18 pm

Scott Bryan wrote:Phil Cirocco is 'The Go To Source' for any repair/mod for all vintage ARP instruments. I have a 1973 vintage ARP 2600 ('Grey Meanie') that was inoperative for quite a number of years until I sent it to Phil for the repairs and modifications. ...
PS on the CMS site is a cool photo of the late great Dr. Moog with Phil perusing a large Moog modular that was restored by CMS. Also another nice photo of the 2600 owned by Allan R Pearlman (also repaired/restored by Phil)

I wish I could get hold of Phil. I sent him a full system and a parts of another for repair back in June and have had little contact or response wit him. I only just now found he moved to Georgia. I'd love to get my Arp back as he said it'd take about 2 months and we're now past 3...obviously with the move and such, he's been busy...but I would love a response to email...let alone a new phone number as the old one is gone.

Bodie