Arp Solus

[lofipower]

after a couple of hours of research on synthmuseum.com and vintagesynth.org, i decided that i wanted to buy an ARP Solus, yet there is only one on ebay and i was wondering if anyone here has one. the sites say they usually go for around $350 which is within my price range. also, i am not completely sure about this model however. so if anyone has any comments on this synth or possibly recommendations for other models.

 

[hubcapbrian]

Depends on what you want it for. The Solus is not as highly regarded as the Odyssey which was THE hot ARP performance synth.

There are a lot of old analog monosynths out there, most are WAY overpriced due to the high demand. 15 years ago I had someone GIVE me an Odyssey, I also bought a number of Roland SH-101 synths for $25-100...those days are long gone

Every one of those synths has it's own sonic personality. Only a MiniMoog sounds like a MiniMoog, only an Odyssey sounds like an Odyssey, etc. Most are difficult to adapt to MIDI control and repairing one is a nightmare (no parts, the manufacturers long out of business).

With all the "analog emulator" synths out there today (not to mention the various synth plugins if you're computer recording), buying a real vintage analog synth doesn't make much sense these days unless you can find one REALLY cheap. I personally would never pay $350 for a Solus. $100, sure...that's just my $0.02.

 

[pianokey88]

I have an Odyssey that is similar to the Solus. The Solus is kind of a stripped down Odyssey.

Regarding the computer analog synth emulators, how do the programmers make it possible to fiddle with the knobs and sliders during a performance? Because I think that is what gives the old analog synths much more character and and makes them more expressive than the modern synths.

Its a ton of fun to play the knobs and sliders while playing the keyboard.

dTb

 

[tedluk]

Well, you could use THIS.

Or get the new Keystation Pro 88 .

One of the worst decisions I ever made was in selling a lot of my vintage gear, which, at the time I sold it, was decidedly NOT vintage. My first synth was an EML101 which cost, I believe $1299.00 new in 1974 ( I remember it was $100.00 less than a Minimoog). I checked with a guy who sells the vintage stuff on E-bay and he wants $1600.00 for them now.

No matter what anyone tells you, there is something inherently more pleasing about working with the "real" thing rather than a computer. Of course, in 20 years, we'll be looking back nostagically at our P4s and wishing we had hung on to them for the beauty of their simplicity and quirky interfaces.

Ted

 

[lumbago]

I have an Arp Odyssey (and the matching 16-step Arp sequencer), and despite the best care, it is showing the signs of its age (pots begin to stick etc). Same with any 20+ year old device. They start to deteriorate. pots get scratchy. Capacitors and some solid-state components fail. Keyboards get gluggy.

You might try the software synth equivalent "Oddity". Or an Arp Axxe (like a single oscillator Odyssey).

Take my advice and go buy a small Korg synth (microkorg or MS2000 or the new hardware/software MS-20) and pocket the change. Similar noises, more various noises, midi, a bit of polyphony, digital memories, and really, a better device in so many respects.

The Solus wasn't very widespread as far as production runs go. It wouldn't be near the top of many people's lists. It's an antique. And rare. And collectible, but you wouldn't really get any sounds on it that would be considered inspiring when heard in a mix.

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

With all the "analog emulator" synths out there today (not to mention the various synth plugins if you're computer recording), buying a real vintage analog synth doesn't make much sense these days unless you can find one REALLY cheap.

Depends on the type of music you are making and your budget... not to mention your affinity for vintage pieces and ability to maintain and use them. Obviously the typical player can benefit more from something like a Nord Lead or Ion than an Oberheim or Prophet 5 because the VA's are a bit more versatile, more reliable and ultimately cheaper.

However, there are a lot of sounds that softsynths and virtual analogs completely fall down on. Plus, to trained ears virtual synths tend to sound a bit 'fake' still (but they are getting better and better).

I have a mint condition Prophet 5 and for the types of music I do it is worth its weight in gold. I can effortlessly achieve the types of sounds I want whereas with a virtual synth it could take hours of programming to get what I need.

But a synth like an Arp Solus is pretty limited unless you specifically need a monophonic analog synth. IMHO it would be better to get an Arp Axxe (or two) or an Odyssey for a bit more money. Unless you can get the Solus for about 200 bucks or less.

 

[bsr2002]

I used to own one back in the 80's. I believe that was ARP's last synth they made. I saw one at a local music store a couple of months ago they were trying to sell it for $100 and it was broken. Anyways it was a great synth and I miss it. Kick myself in the butt for selling it when I joined the service...Ah well, now I have a YAMAHA Motif and now I have my ARP sounds back!