buy an iffy arp 2600 for $1000?

code green · Post by **code green** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 4:40 pm

it could work fine, it could need major work. looks basically intact, seller seems honest about not knowing its full condition, not being in a position to test. not sure if keyboard is with it. i'd love to score a great bargain on a classic synth--possibly to have, possibly to resell, we'll see...but don't want a substantial risk of a $1000 albatross. as this has never been on my radar don't know much about service issues, parts availability, etc...and need to make a decision quickly. so i turn to you, fellow vse'ers, for advice. what should i do?

edit: pics

SWAN · Post by **SWAN** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 4:53 pm

Do it

code green · Post by **code green** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 4:55 pm

could you elaborate, swan? the GAS is welling up in me too, believe me...but want to know that there's something more reasoned behind your reply.

roland4387 · Post by **roland4387** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:04 pm

Hey Code,

I guess the question is how much would you be willing to pay for a fully working 2600? Average going rate on Ebay is anywhere from $4500-7500 these days. Assume that you're going to throw down $1500-2500 to bring it back to it's original, or close to, glory. Sounds worth it to me. Best of luck!

SWAN · Post by **SWAN** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:15 pm

$1000 is little for an ARP...do you have a good tech? If you do who is up for some work - then I think likely you have something with good investment potential. But you should be prepared to perhaps have to shell out to get it working...and view it as a long term project...
I have to admit - if you dont have major GAS for an Arp before - I wonder if you might be better off spending that $1000 on something else...MFB Kraftzwerg? I may get lynched for that be that as it may....but if you do have some patience, some extra cash - it could be a good investment...

Are you saying there is no way to see it in person? I think if you have the cash to take a 'punt' - do it. But if money is tight - it may be too much of a risk and a potential headache...

code green · Post by **code green** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:16 pm

thanks roland...if i could be assured of getting it to work for $1500 (more or less max), it certainly sounds like a good (if expensive) deal. but having next to zero knowledge of these beasts except by reputation, i find myself wondering about parts issues, etc.

just heard back from the owner--he's had it for three years (willed to him), never used, kept stored in a good place, no keyboard (except for that weird do-it-yourself circuit-board looking thing in the one pic), red light goes on when plugged in.

gonna give this thing a think and then probably pull the trigger. in the meantime, thoughts and info from those who know these things MOST welcome. i noticed the logo is the square logo...any chance this thing is an ultra-rare 2600c? i'm guessing no because of the case, but it's an exciting prospect for the moment!

code green · Post by **code green** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:18 pm

SWAN wrote:$1000 is little for an ARP...do you have a good tech? If you do who is up for some work - then I think likely you have something with good investment potential. But you should be prepared to perhaps have to shell out to get it working...and view it as a long term project...
I have to admit - if you dont have major GAS for an Arp before - I wonder if you might be better off spending that $1000 on something else...MFB Kraftzwerg? I may get lynched for that be that as it may....but if you do have some patience, some extra cash - it could be a good investment...

Are you saying there is no way to see it in person? I think if you have the cash to take a 'punt' - do it. But if money is tight - it may be too much of a risk and a potential headache...

i can see it in person...but as i don't have a cv/gate keyboard don't know how i'd test it. and even if i did, can't say with great confidence that i'd be able to dial up a patch right away (assuming patch cords are even with the synth).

aredj · Post by **aredj** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:22 pm

Have a look thru guitarsandsynths posts about his 2600...
He posted alot when he acquired his sick 2600... And did the alot of the work himself I believe...

SWAN · Post by **SWAN** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:25 pm

can you buy a MIDI CV interface and take a laptop? Or do you have a MOTU interface that you can use as a CV output box? (With Volta demo or Expert Sleepers Silent Way)...
You could download the wayoutware timewARP2600 to get familiar with the unit...

aredj · Post by **aredj** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:27 pm

Is there no way to make the osc's sound without a keyboard?

code green · Post by **code green** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:35 pm

aredj wrote:Is there no way to make the osc's sound without a keyboard?

i was wondering the same...

and thanks for the tip on the 2600 restoration thread, aredj..checking that out now.

have been thinking about the keyboard situation--owner seems like a nice older guy. despite the price involved not sure i'd be comfortable showing up at his house with a midi controller and bass station...but it may come to that. tho' if i'm that far, not sure i'd be deterred by silence.

code green · Post by **code green** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 6:36 pm

well, looks as if it's a rev. 1 tonus logo gray meanie. i guess i'm doing this...wish me luck guys, and thanks a million for the advice/help. hopefully the next post will contain more glee than glum--wish me luck!

SWAN · Post by **SWAN** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 7:24 pm

code green wrote:well, looks as if it's a rev. 1 tonus logo gray meanie. i guess i'm doing this...wish me luck guys, and thanks a million for the advice/help. hopefully the next post will contain more glee than glum--wish me luck!

Good luck mate! Whatever the outcome - it should be a fun quest...

otto · Post by **otto** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 7:41 pm

Let us know what the additional add on circuits are all about.

Phollop Willing PA · Post by **Phollop Willing PA** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:27 pm

code green wrote:
aredj wrote:Is there no way to make the osc's sound without a keyboard?
i was wondering the same...

and thanks for the tip on the 2600 restoration thread, aredj..checking that out now.

have been thinking about the keyboard situation--owner seems like a nice older guy. despite the price involved not sure i'd be comfortable showing up at his house with a midi controller and bass station...but it may come to that. tho' if i'm that far, not sure i'd be deterred by silence.

There should be a little red trigger button on the panel somewhere (at least there was on mine when I had one) that'll play a sound for you. It won't change the pitch like a keyboard though.

It's on the right of the last picture:

buy an iffy arp 2600 for $1000?

buy an iffy arp 2600 for $1000?

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