ARP INSTRUMENTS AND THE 2600

ARP Instruments, named after Alan R Pearlman, first gained attention in the early 1970s with the ARP 2500 – a large modular synth system. Like most modulars of the time, sales were limited. However, some of the modules were combined in a smaller pre-configured package to form the basis of the ARP 2600. With its clear front-panel graphics and ability to re-patch its standard signal routings, this synth was intended as much for education as making music. Functions and patching were streamlined further in the shape of the successful ARP Odyssey. Nailing the sound of a ‘real’ 2600 has always been tricky, mainly as there were many versions employing a range of boards and with changes in components (not always for the best). One significant change was to the filter, which was redesigned in 1976 after ARP spent many years battling copyright issues with Moog, and which had a slightly reduced bandwidth. In the end, the most revered versions are the ‘Blue and Gray Meanie’, and these were only manufactured in quite small numbers. Needless to say they’re also the oldest and most problematic for maintenance (and price!).