Month: September 2023

We continue the repair of Don Lewis’ original Model 2700 ARP Soloist. Among other challenges, we run into a big problem–the 4030 Violin voice submodule is dead. It’s encased in epoxy and no schematic is available, but will that stop Synthchaser? I think not…

• The Ballad Of Don Lewis DVD: https://amzn.to/3t2Nbw9
• My multimeter: https://amzn.to/3Ltgqi3
• My oscilloscope: https://amzn.to/3rm6b8d

My friend Don Lewis was a brilliant musician and engineer. Before he built his LEO (Live Electronic Orchestra) system, he used the original, Model 2700 ARP Soloist for leads. His ARP Soloist has been sitting unused since the 1970’s and in this video I begin to repair it so it can be donated to a cause Don was a part of. If there is enough interest, I will continue this video series.

The Ballad Of Don Lewis DVD: https://amzn.to/3t2Nbw9

My multimeter: https://amzn.to/3Ltgqi3

My oscilloscope: https://amzn.to/3rm6b8d

A brief, off-the-cuff run through that shows the features and sounds of the ARP Explorer I. No planning or editing because I think the ARP Explorer I is so obscure that this will be one of my least viewed videos. Prove me right or wrong.

The ARP Explorer I (Model 2900) was ARP’s first non-preset single oscillator synthesizer, pre-dating the Axxe and the Solus. It includes the same 4027-1 Voltage Controlled Oscillator module found in the ARP 2600, and the same 4034 Moog Ladder Filter Voltage Controlled Filter module found in the ARP Pro Soloist.

I’ve got 3 broken ARP Explorer I synthesizers, and I show you my approach to repairing and restoring them. The ARP Explorer I (Model 2900) was ARP’s first non-preset single oscillator synthesizer, pre-dating the Axxe and the Solus. It includes the same 4027-1 Voltage Controlled Oscillator module found in the ARP 2600, and the same 4034 Moog Ladder Filter Voltage Controlled Filter module found in the ARP Pro Soloist.

• Strain Relief Bushing Pulling Tool: https://amzn.to/3EE74fy
• My desoldering tool: https://amzn.to/3PikaEf
• Deoxit needle applicator: https://amzn.to/3PgiAT5
• Deoxit pot cleaner: https://amzn.to/3sUGX1r
• My oscilloscope: https://amzn.to/3rm6b8d

00:00 Intro to the Explorer I

05:10 Look Inside / Disassembly

12:13 Keybeds

13:35 Circuit Boards Depopulating & Cleaning

16:38 Cleaning Switches & Rotary Pots

21:24 Capacitors, ICs & Sliders

27:37 Bench Testing, Repair & Calibration