ARP Pro Soloist

The ARP Pro Soloist was ARP Instruments' first programmable preset synthesizer. It came out in 1972 as a simpler, more portable and cheaper alternative to the ARP 2600. It was monophonic, with 44 keys (E to C). Each key had aftertouch that could control volume, filter cutoff and other parameters - unusual for a preset synth of its era.

The Pro Soloist held 30 factory presets, stored via resistor matrices and digital control logic. The signal ran through a voltage-controlled oscillator and a 12 dB/octave lowpass filter descended from the 2600's design. It also had a ring modulator, sample and hold, and glide (portamento). A split keyboard mode divided the board into a two-octave bass section on the lower half and a lead section above, each playing different sounds. The case was solid wood with metal end panels. Original price: $1,500.

ARP marketed the Pro Soloist directly against the Minimoog. It turned up on stages and recordings by Kraftwerk, Herbie Hancock, Jean-Michel Jarre, Rick Wakeman, Peter Gabriel, and Vangelis, among others. Modern Recording (April 1976, p.43) carried an ARP ad quoting Mike Mandell of the Larry Coryell band calling it "the finest lead line synthesizer ever made" and touting its over-30 presets and touch-sensitive keyboard. Players generally praised its immediate playability, punchy raw sound and expressive aftertouch. They also griped about the usual vintage problems: 60 Hz hum, finicky aftertouch mechanisms, and preset memory loss from dirty contacts.

The original Pro Soloist had a short production run. Sources disagree on the exact end year, with estimates ranging from 1973 (when the Pro Soloist II replaced it as a standalone unit) to as late as 1979. The Pro Soloist II (1973) added a 49-key keyboard and a built-in sequencer. The Pro Deluxe followed in 1975.

Known specifications:

• Keyboard: 44 keys (E to C), with aftertouch
• Presets: 30 factory
• Synthesis: Monophonic, VCO, 12 dB/octave lowpass filter
• Extras: Ring modulator, sample and hold, glide, split keyboard mode
• Outputs: 1/4" headphone, 1/4" line out
• Power: 9V DC input
• Construction: Solid wood case with metal end panels
• Original price: $1,500

Collectors and players of vintage analog gear still hunt for the Pro Soloist. Working units commonly sell in the $500-$900 range. Common issues are aftertouch problems, VCO drift, leaking filter capacitors, and the scarcity of custom ARP ICs. The wood case can warp or crack with age, and the aftertouch mechanism often needs cleaning to stay responsive.

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