ARP String Ensemble
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| String Ensemble by ARP Instruments, Inc. | |||
| Synthesis type: | Analog Subtractive | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyphony: | Full (octave divider technology) | ||
| Timbrality: | Four tones: Viola, Violin, Trumpet, Horn | ||
| Filter: | None | ||
| Attenuator: | AR | ||
| LFO: | none | ||
| Keyboard: | 49-key | ||
| Left hand control: | none | ||
| Velocity sensitive: | {{{velocity}}} | ||
| Aftertouch: | {{{aftertouch}}} | ||
| External control: | Gate Out | ||
| Memory: | none | ||
| Onboard effects: | Chorus on/off | ||
| Produced: | 1974 - 1981 | ||
The ARP String Ensemble, produced by Solina (a.k.a. Eminent NV) from 1974 to 1981, is a fully polyphonic multi-orchestral synthesizer with a 49-key keyboard. The sounds it incorporates are violin, viola, trumpet, horn, cello and contrabass. The keyboard uses 'organ style' divide-down technology to make it polyphonic. The built-in chorus effect gives the instrument its famous sound.
[edit] Famous users
The ARP string ensemble has been extensively used by Jazz-funk artists in the 1970's such as Herbie Hancock or Eumir Deodato.
Elton John played an ARP String Ensemble on his hit song Someone Saved My Life Tonight
The Buggles played a Solina String Ensemble in Video Killed the Radio Star and has been used by bands such as The Cure, Joy Division and Styx.
Rick James used an Arp Solina in his song Mary Jane.
The Solina string sound also used by Kim/Ricky Wilde, Pink Floyd and Air. Jean-Michel Jarre's early trademark sound is this string sound (taken from Eminent) put through a Small Stone phaser working at 8V (for a softer effect).
