The ARP 2500 was an analog modular synthesizer created by ARP Instruments, manufactured from 1970 through 1981. The units were costly and technically advanced challenging for the novice, only 100 or so units were created. They are truly unique and have a sound of their own.
You might be familiar with the dynamic intro to Elton John’s “Funeral For a Friend”. The epic piece was created by producer David Hentschel on an ARP 2500. You also hear it all over The Who’s album, “Who’s Next”. In addition to using it as a keyboard synth, Pete Townshend processed his guitars and keyboards through sets of modules on a number of songs.
French electronic music composer, Eliane Radigue used her ARP 2500 almost exclusively throughout her career. Synthesist Jean Michel Jarre considers the 2500 to be one of his favorite instruments. We share this in common.
The 2500 was the first product released by the Massachusetts company, who took its name from founder Alan R. Pearlman. It was truly an innovative machine designed by Pearlman, David Friend and Lewis G. Pollock.
Rather than routing audio and voltages through unruly patch cables, signal chains were created utilizing a matrix, one for audio and one for voltage. While this patching concept was great on paper, it opened up the door to audible cross-talk that could be heard in the audio output and could cause mayhem with the control voltages. But frankly, that is a part of the 2500's charm and uniqueness.
We have included some close up images of the module faceplates to give you an idea of the machine's uniqueness and design.
Enjoy this visual tour of EMEAPP's ARP 2500 system that has grown substantially over the years, into this gleaming example of what a modular synthesizer can be. For more information, please visit us at www.emeapp.org.
