In this video I have a String Ensemble in for repair. The first step is to rebuild the power supply, which is actually spread over 5 different PCBs in the synthesizer! In this video I show you around inside the String Ensemble, explain how the power supply works, what you need to do to rebuild it, and why doing so is important. I show the failed components I pull out of the Solina and get it working again!
These kits are available in the store (pay attention to the revision of your Solina):
We are pleased to offer LED slider retrofit kits for ARP Synthesizers. We currently offer kits for the Omni 1, Omni 2, Pro Soloist, and Pro/DGX.
These kits are user installable by anyone with reasonable soldering skills. Even when they were new, the original CTS sliders just weren’t very good. Compound that with 40+ years of use, dirt, and oxidation, even the most masterfully rebuilt CTS slider will feel terrible in comparison with these new, modern slide potentiometers. The way these feel literally breathe new life into old instruments.
For people who just don’t like illuminated sliders, you can simply not connect them to power, and get the benefit of the improved performance without the lights. For “purists” who like to retain the original look, it may be possible to install your original slider caps on the new potentiometer shafts (though we have not tried).
We have kits for other synthesizers like the ARP Odyssey coming soon, if you have a vintage synth that you would like to add LED sliders to and we do not have a kit listed in our store, drop us a line, we may be able to produce one for you.