Logan Soloman Brings Back Classic ARP 2600 As A Modular Synthesizer

At Knobcon 2018, Logan Soloman announced that they are bringing back the classic ARP 2600 as a full modular synthesizer system.

We talked with Jammie Logan, who gave us a quick intro to their ARP 2600 modular project.

The new modules are initially being made as synth DIY project. But the company also plans to release pre-built modules and systems.

Here’s the information that they’ve shared on their Facebook page about the ARP 2600 PCBs.

KNOBCON PRICING ANNOUNCEMENT:

There’s a lot in here so please read all the way to the end!

It looks like we will have our PCBs for Knobcon. The only potential snag would be a shipping delay which is out of our hands – but as of right now, it looks like all systems go!

(If the PCBs don’t make it, then obviously shipping and handling will be added for all to these prices)

KNOBCON SPECIALS
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****Alpha Set (12 PCBs): $330

includes: (1) VCO1 Panel PCB, (1) 4027-2, (1) 4012-2, (1) 4014-2, (1) 4015-2, (1) 4019-2, (1) 4020-2, (1) 4022-2, (1) 4023-2, (1) 4034-2, (1) 4035-2 (1) 4072.
———————————————————————
Single Submodules

4012-2: $27 4014-2: $27
4015-2: $27 4019-2: $27
4020-2: $28 4022-2: $27
4023-2: $27 4027-2: $27 (ONLY 40 available)
4034-2: $27 4035-2: $27
4072-2: $28
———————————————————————
Chips

CA3094 ROBOT chip: $6 2040 DISCRETE chip: $11
DISCRETE OTA/0 OFFSET: $6 JUP4 CELL: $11
700 CELL: $11 ua727: $9

Emma Logan (Jammie) will describe what these are in comments below.
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Ron’s Polyfusion T-shirts (only available at Knobcon): $20

– Ron will be there to sign them if you like
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Now for the fine print : )

****For the single versions of the semi-modular synth – we are opening up an alpha phase for a limited number of people similar to what DinSync did for the RE-303 in celebration of Knobcon. We want to test this out, and if it goes well we will probably experiment with it more as we bring out our backlog of projects.

This is not for noobs. There may be tweaking of components on the panel PCBs, etc. So we would like experienced DIYers in case the BOM happens to change a bit. BOMs and build docs will be available after Knobcon, along with where we bought our parts for our prototypes. We ask that you use our chosen components to achieve the best results.

We ask that the alpha phase folks see this all the way through – meaning, don’t buy this first set and then not follow through with the rest of the panel PCBs, Panels, Boat, and submodule PCBs as they become available – it will screw the other folks who signed up. All of the remaining modules will be ordered very shortly after Knobcon.

Alpha users will be getting a finished synth sooner than everyone else. It won’t be available for others until later this year. There will be some bonuses along the way for these limited number of folks who sign on for alpha. First bonus will be a chip of your choosing (CA3094, 2040, discrete OTA, Jup4 Cell, 700 Cell, ua727). The rest of the bonuses will come when we order the next round of Panel PCBs.

We are releasing a limited amount NOW (pre-knobcon) to our group (no other groups) for those that can’t make it to Knobcon. The rest of the sets at Knobcon will be first come, first served. If there are any left over after Knobcon, we will announce here in case you missed out on the limited supply offered now.

Outside of alpha we have 50 each of the submodules available except where noted. It’s the same as above, we will release a few for our group now for those that can’t make it to Knobcon and offer the rest at Knobcon. They can be used in your own designs – they just need +/- 15 or they can be used in original machines.

**Note, Mill-Max pins will be supplied with ALL of the above “singles” PCBs which is included in the price, unfortunately our arbor press won’t get here in time, so we can’t attach them to the PCBs, you can either solder them, or get a small tool and then attach, then solder. (The chips don’t have the pins included)

**The panel PCBs and submodules are all 4 layers and have screens so they are nicer than what’s available out there. The Mill-Max pin system will be very professional and will help prevent damaging PCBs when you remove submodules. On our panel PCBs and submodules most components will go on the back for easy servicing later on down the road. Jammie has serviced a lot of these so he wanted to make them easier to work on.

We will email a cad file for free for alpha folks and the first few submodule purchasers so you can print a case so you can fill it with silicone, etc. Our submodules work with original machines, the orientation just needs to be flipped. You will also need longer pins than the pins supplied with the module for an original machine.

At Knobcon we can take Cash, Venmo, or Paypal. If you choose Paypal, then add the fee in your payment or pay friends and family.

Email [email protected] if you want to be a part of the alpha ride NOW and we will email you back with details and payment info.

We will take the first folks that email and close it down when we reached the limit until Knobcon. I’ll post when we are out of sets. Shipping will be collected after Knobcon.

You can also email if you are interested in sub modules only (no panel PCBs).

5 thoughts on “Logan Soloman Brings Back Classic ARP 2600 As A Modular Synthesizer

  1. Sounds like an utter madhouse of a project… just the kind those of us who breath diodes and weird samples like best, ha! Its ambitious, but the 2600 is a good mid-ranger between the 2500 and one-osc. Solus. ARP’s original builds were often dubious, to be kind, but I hope this is successful; I want to see people hot-rod the panel graphics!

  2. if you want something added or think we are missing a function let us know as we like to accommodate we are very good at adding things as nothing is in stone until panel is final. so if you have wish lists let us know we will try our best to add the functionality.

  3. I have watched these guys struggle for quite some time and it’s just my personal opinion but their customers are going to get seriously burned.

    If you follow their activities on Facebook you can see what an utter madhouse they are running. First of all one of the guys posts under his wife’s account (linked in the article) for some reason which is super weird. To follow their projects you used to have to make a Facebook friend request to the guy’s wife. They have finally started a proper Facebook group but still have no website or other social media presence.

    Then they got pushback from the new owners of Buchla for trying to clone the Music Easel and release it for a cut-throat price. They were on the verge of releasing it commercially and never bothered to ask for permission. On top of that they were already in hot water after cloning aspects of _someone else’s clone_ of the Music Easel, also without permission.

    They have run into legal issues with the Polyfusion brand as well and they are posting legal documents on their Facebook and talking about lawsuits. Very friendly.

    Now they have been working on their ARP 2600 clone but have been told specifically by Korg that they can’t use the name ARP 2600 for the project, so they are once again pushing against ethical boundaries in their desire to undercut the current owner of the ARP brand and rush a product to market.

    Their whole approach seems highly speculative and they are asking for money without any finished prototypes or other proof that they have a clue what they are doing. It appears to be an epic fail in the making, these guys have taken on way more than they can handle.

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