Korg is reviving the ARP 2600 synthesizer. Never heard of it? Maybe not by name, but perhaps musically. It was used by Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, John Lennon, Brian Eno, Cat Stevens, Pete Townshend, Frank Zappa, Edgar Winter, The Jackson Five, Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, and a host of other artists and musical groups in the 1970s.
It was even used by sound designer Ben Burtt, in combination with his own voice, to create the distinctive voice of R2-D2 for the Star Wars films. Burtt also used the 2600 to create the sound effects of the Ark of the Covenant in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
After laying dormant for 39 years, Korg has announced a limited run of the Korg ARP 2600 FS semi-modular synthesizer.
According to Korg, the ARP 2600 FS reproduces the sounds of the original components at the circuit level. “Under the supervision of David Friend, the co-founder of ARP Instruments, parts were carefully selected and every detail was adjusted to replicate the original unit’s distinctive synthesis.”
This limited-edition release is being manufactured in Japan and includes USB and DIN-style MIDI connections, as well as XLR audio outputs. It also has an improved ARP 3620 Duophonic Keyboard with an added arpeggiator/sequencer.
Your new 2600 will arrive in a custom-branded hard-shell case, complete with casters. Why the casters? The ARP 2600 FS weighs in at a hefty 42.55 lbs.
Korg’s ARP 2600 FS should be available in stores sometime in February. It’s expected to retail for approximately $3,900 (US).
