ARP 2600 Grey Meanie Synthesizer with Matching 3604 Keyboard – One of 34 made!

Description

Here’s your chance to own one of the first ARP 2600’s ever made–the coveted “Grey Meanie”.  Before the “Tonus Logo” ARP 2600’s housed in a tolex case, ARP made 34 of these Grey Meanie synthesizers in 1971, housed in a unique trapezoidal case.  This includes the matching 3604 keyboard controller and power cord.   And, unlike a unit that just sold for more, this one includes the original ARP filter module, not a modern reproduction.

Both the synthesizer and keyboard controller were serviced by Synthchaser (completed in January 2025).  Work done included:

• All tantalum capacitors replaced (except some in submodules)
• Sliders cleaned and new shafts and knobs installed (one slider replaced)
• Full calibration under oscilloscope
• Power supply recapped
• 3604 Keyboard refurbished
  •   New key bushings
  •   Keycaps ultrasonically cleaned
  •   Bellcrank caps cleaned and relubricated
  •   New keyboard cables

This synthesizer contains the following modules (all genuine ARP modules unlike in some more expensive Grey Meanie you may have seen which has modern reproduction modules)

• 3x 4027-1 VCO
• 4012 VCF
• 4010 VCA
• 4014 Ring Modulator
• 4015 Sample And Hold
• 4020 ADSR
• 4022 Noise

The synthesizer is in decent condition, with some dents and scratches to the case, and three holes on the main unit and five on the keyboard controller that have been plugged from old mods that have been removed.  There’s also a Moog style ribbon controller mounted on the keyboard controller that has been disconnected and is not functional.  Please see photos.  Includes an original style oval power cord.  The cables that connect the keyboard controller to the synthesizer are not original.  One slider was replaced with a reproduction slider, the rest are originals.

Friendly reminder that the ARP 2600 uses Tini-D jacks, which are a slightly larger diameter than standard 3.5mm patch cords.  The synthesizer was tested with Tini-D patch cords (not included).  While 3.5mm patch cords will often work, their connection will be less reliable than Tini-D patch cords.  These cables can be purchased from Buchla.

Shipping on this is expensive due to the cost of insurance.  Local pickup is highly recommended.

Local pickup is highly preferred, and a discount will be provided to buyers picking up in person and paying cash or wire transfer–contact me if interested.  If being shipped, the instrument will be packed well and insured for the full purchase price, but this is a vintage electronic item, so all sales will be as-is and final.  But check out the Synthchaser Youtube channel and rest assured that this keyboard was given a quality service job by an experienced and detail-oriented ARP expert!  International shipping may be available on this synthesizer, please contact me for details.