ARP 2600 Tonus + 3604P Keyboard

Video demos below!

Rare chance to acquire a celebrated c1972 Arp 2600 “Tonus” which was previously restored by a noted US synth specialist; further servicing and calibration carried out by our chief synth tech, James Walker. It comes with the correct 3604P keyboard, but the buyer can elect to swap this for the later duophonic 3620 keyboard, if required (the latter keyboard has not yet been serviced so this would delay delivery). It will ship fully-serviced and calibrated and with our usual guarantee. This synth is in excellent condition and very sweet indeed. Tonus 2600s are highly-prized by synth aficionados and are becoming harder to find in good order. The synth has had a CMS4012 filter module installed – Phil Cirocco of CMS makes the best upgrades and replacement parts for Arp 2500 & 2600s.

CHOICE OF KEYBOARD: It comes with the correct early keyboard, but the buyer can elect to swap this for a later duophonic 3620 keyboard we have available (the latter keyboard has not yet been serviced so this would delay delivery).

It will ship fully-serviced and calibrated and with our usual guarantee. This synth is in excellent condition and very sweet indeed. Tonus 2600s are highly-prized by synth aficionados and are becoming harder to find in good order.

This will be extensively tested and recalibrated by our resident synth wizard before it leaves our hands. All features and functions are working as they should, but this is a handbuilt vintage synth and it is possible that some recalibration may be necessary once it has shipped. It is also possible that the odd slider or switch might crackle if the unit has not been used for longer periods, but this should quickly clear with use. This is all standard stuff and doesn’t in any way absolve us of our responsibility to deliver to the buyer a superb Arp 2600. If you have any doubts or questions, please do get in touch.

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

Like many early synth manufacturers, Arp 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/component inconsistencies. The timeline of production for the various models is not perfectly chronological. Like most smaller gear manufacturers of the ’70s, Arp didn’t operate on a rigid structure and to suggest that 1970s hand-built synths have similarly linear/traceable timelines to those made on a modern factory production line is somewhat divorced from reality. And not all synth techs are equal: previous restoration/service work plays a part in the performance of a vintage instrument. As a result, there can be good or less good examples across all years of production or, as one Arp engineer put it, some units have just ‘got more soul’
If you want to delve deeper, Phil Cirocco’s excellent site is full of detailed info/history and is the foremost resource for ARP synths and modifications.

The front panel, controls and keyboard are all superb with only minor signs of wear or 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 a great example of an exceptional instrument. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition.

If you want more background the Vintage Synth Explorer’s ARP 2600 page isn’t bad (at least they give it 5 stars!).

If you want to delve deeper, Phil Cirocco’s excellent site is full of detailed info/history and is the foremost resource for ARP synths and modifications, history and model identification guide.