ARP 2600 & 3620 Keyboard

Stunning original condition and superb working order. Recent deep overhaul by an Arp specialist in the USA with 30 years experience.

Complete with 3620 keyboard, portamento pedal, patch cables and a full complement of original accessories and manuals. See below for full details.

It's a model 2600P which the tech has dated (as best he can) to '75 or '76. This model ARP has the most desired MOOG ladder style Copper clad 4012 filter. See below for more information on modules, which "version" it is, whether it is one of the "good" ones.

Complete professional service completed in February 2018 by US Arp specialist. Checked over by our resident synth expert - it is in superb working order. Ready for the next 45 years of spectacular sound and music creation

CONDITION: The front panel, controls and keyboard are all superb and undoubtedly in exceptional original condition for a 2600 of this age. The keys of the 3620 keyboard are showing some age in terms of fine scratches and scuffs but overall this is also is excellent condition. The tolex has some wear and scuffs - mostly on the edges - but nothing serious. Overall this is an outstanding example of an exceptional instrument - the best we've seen and heard.

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Exactly what "version" 2600 is it? Is it one of the "good" ones? 

This one has the serviceable (non-'potted') modules. Oscillators are 4027-1. These machines are normally found in the 73-76 time span. According to the engineer (with 30 years' experience of Arps), people who worked for Arp have told him directly production was fairly chaotic. While some sources online will say that this or that version sounds "better" or "best", the reality is that variations are common between modules even if they were made the same year due to manufacturing inconsistencies (or as he put it, 'they just got soul!'). 

It would seem that there is not a simple chronological timeline of production of the various model types. Like most smaller gear manufacturers of the '70s, Arp didn't operate on a rigid structure: suggesting that 1970s handbuilt synths have similarly linear/traceable timelines to those made on a modern factory production line is divorced from reality.

Our tech's best guess is that this is a late 1975 / early 1976. It has the older front panel but still has the 4027-1 OSC and 4012 filter modules that are all possible (although far from easy) to service.

He is of the opinion that this is a superb-sounding Arp and an excellent example, and we wholeheartedly agree!

Service work included:

• All new high-end capacitor power supply upgrade
• New powerful mains transformer to ensure pitch stability
• Multi turn high end trimmers on power supply upgrade
• All circuit board tantalums replaced with high end capacitors
• All pitch CV trimmers replaced in the complete pitch CV chain including the 3620 duophonic keyboard (to ensure extreme tuning stability)
• Factory specification calibration
• New Cinch Jones receptacle (for keyboard connector)
• New Pratt Reed bushings in the 3620 duophonic keyboard

Includes:

• ARP 3620 Duphonic keyboard with original lid (Matching number with the 2600)
• ARP 2600 Original user manual 
• ARP 3620 Original user manual 
• ARP 2600 Portamento pedal - New unused (tested once) - comes in original box 
• ARP 2600 "blind plug" (rare)
• 4x 16" patch cables
• 4x 38" patch cables
• ARP Original paper envelope

Extensively tested by our resident synth expert - all features and functions are working as they should (as with much vintage gear some crackle is possible from sliders especially if the unit has not been used for while, but this should clear with use).

• 117v model.
• A step-down transformer is required in the UK/EU.
• We do not recommend using cheap generic Chinese mains transformers and can supply a high quality UK-made unit if required.

For sales in UK/EU the price will include VAT. VAT-free sales are possible to businesses and individuals in the EU (outside the UK) with a valid VAT Number - please get in touch if you wish to buy this way.

Tags: ARP 2600, ARP 3620 keyboard, vintage synthesizer, modular synth, analog synthesizer, analogue synthesizer

Some of our gear will have VAT at 20% added in the UK/EU, but a lot of it won't. This should hopefully clarify the situation but if you have any questions then please get in touch.

ITEMS WITH VAT:

• These items will have two prices visible: with and without the tax.
• If you are buying in the UK/EU you will receive an invoice showing the tax component.
• If you are buying these items outside the EU when you get to the check out and enter your shipping location you will be charged the ex-VAT price.
• VAT-free sales are also possible to businesses within the EU with a valid VAT number. You will need to contact us in order to buy via this means.

ITEMS WITHOUT VAT:

• Much of what we sell is classified as "Second Hand Goods" and so while we still pay some tax, there is no recoverable/deductible component for sales to any part of the world.
• So, the price you see is the price you pay wherever you are.

ALSO NOTE:

• Shipping charges are also subject to VAT at 20% within the UK/EU - this is included within the prices you see for shipping to those areas - it is not shown separately in the cart but will be shown on the VAT invoice you receive with your goods.

We are very experienced at packing and shipping valuable and sensitive gear worldwide. Binson Echorecs, large valve amps, vintage synths, rare racks, and even a CS-80 or two - you name it, we've sent it and it has arrived in one piece and ready to play.

SHIPPING DISCOUNT ON MULTIPLE ITEMS:

We keep it simple: if you buy more than one item you only pay the shipping on the item that has the highest shipping cost. This is the same no matter how many items you buy together (so the more you buy together, the bigger your shipping discount). If you check all the items out all together this will be calculated automatically at checkout. However, if you make an order and then wish to add to it before it ships please get in touch and we will refund the shipping on the item(s) that are cheaper to ship.

Note that this also allows you to purchase add on items such as transformers and other accessories, and also t-shirts and other merch, without paying any extra shipping on them.

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CAN I COLLECT MY GEAR (and save on shipping?)

Yes! If you want to use this option either get in touch before you purchase, or contact us afterwards and we will just refund you the shipping. Note that collection is by appointment only and only during weekday office hours.

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MORE SHIPPING INFO:

The shipping prices for our gear vary considerably depending on the type of gear, value and destination. To see shipping costs put the item you are interested in the cart and then either use the shipping estimator or go into the check out process. Or just contact us and we'll tell you what you need to know.

It is a fact that, with vintage items, there are going to be times when gear arrives in need of some adjustment or calibration, and some times a piece of gear that was working 100% just chooses the day after arriving for a new fault to develop. However, having been working with sensitive vintage gear for many years, we are very experienced at dealing with these occurrences and will always work with you and get the problem solved as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Note that we have have not entered automatic shipping for every country. The countries we ship to most often will have shipping rates and we are in the process of adding more shipping fees to the check out process. But if you are looking at an item that doesn't have the fee information you need then please use the contact page or call on +44 1773 856475.

Which carriers do we use?

We usually use Royal Mail, UPS and DPD/Interlink - it depends on the item and destination as to which is the most economical. If you have a preference then we should be able to accommodate it (but we may need to pass on any additional costs) - just let us know what you need.