“Up for sale is a (1) ARP Avatar Guitar Synthesizer with a lot of modifications on it (1/8″ patch points). Notice that the guitar module is been removed, so you can’t use it with the guitar anymore. I think the modifications are installed by C.M.S., but I’m not sure (http://www.discretesynthesizers.com/arptronics/arp2200.htm). It’s just been serviced and in perfect working condition now. Optical it’s in good condition, with only some minor scratches and scuffs (see photo’s). It runs on 220V and the serial number is: 22231554.” Link
“ARP AVATAR AND ARP OMNI
POWER UP NO SOUND.
AVATAR COMES WITH ORIGINAL ARP MANUAL AND PRESET WORK SHEET, ALSO INCLUDED IS THE SERVICE MANUAL FOR THE AVATAR ON CD. GREAT PACKAGE SINCE IT INCLUDES THE GUITAR PICK UP, CABLE AND ONE FOOT SWITCH. ALSO INCLUDED IS A NEW ENGLAND ANALOG “ARP REPLACEMENT KIT/INSTRUCTIONS” THIS KIT ALSO INCLUDES THE BROKEN SLIDERS ON THE ARP TO INCLUDE (2) 1 MEG AUDIO SLIDER AND (1) 100k linear SLIDER, CAPS FOR POWER SUPPLY AND RED SLIDER CAPS.
ARP OMNI, THE POWER SUPPLY IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, MY INTENTION WAS TO RESTORE THE AVATAR WITH SOME PARTS FROM THE OMNI. SO I AM INCLUDING THIS IN THE SALE.” Link
“ARP AVATAR GUITAR SYNTHESIZER. MADE IN 1977. ONLY 300 MADE. VERY RARE, DEFINITE COLLECTORS ITEMS. LOTS OF MUSICIANS/ BANDS USED THIS SYNTHESIZER TO FOR ITS AWESOME ONE OF A KIND VINTAGE SOUNDS, SUCH AS: THE GRATEFUL DEAD TONY BANKS OF GENESIS DAVID BOWIE ELTON JOHN JIMMY PAGE STEVIE WONDER &MANY MORE IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. WORKS GREAT, LIGHTS UP, POWERS ON. MOST PEOPLE WHO HAVE THESE SYNTHESIZER FOR SALE ARE MISSING THE GUITAR PICKUP AND MIDI/CO CONVERTER. I HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT AND THE ALL THE SLIDER CAPS ARE IN TACT. THESE SYNTHESIZERS WHERE THE FIRST COMMERCIAL GUITAR CONTROLLED SYNTHESIZERS. THEY SOLD FOR $3000 IN 1977. ” Link
” Sold as is untested. I pulled this off of a strat a while back. comes with mounting hardware. I never had the synth so I could never have tried the pick up” Link
Relisted.
“Condition: Pretty darn clean for a Unit that is from 1977. Missing most of the slider knobs, but all sliders work and function perfectly. Unit functions perfectly and comes with IEC power cable.” Link
“DATE PRODUCED 1977 – 1978
MISSING SOME FOUNDATIONS OF LEVERS / BUTTONS
MADE IN USA
200-240V ~ (AC ONLY) 50-60Hz
40 WATTS
POLYPHONY – MONOPHONIC
OSCILLATORS – 2 VCO’S: SAWTOOTH, SQUARE, PULSE
LFO – SINE, SQUARE
KEYBOARD: NONE
MEMORY: NONE” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“My son used this Arp Avatar guitar synthesizer in the early “90s, but has long since moved on to other things. It has been stored in my garage ever since and I ran into it (along with a LinnDrum, which I am also listing) while clearing out things that are no longer of use to me.
If you are reading this, I am sure you are aware that the Arp Avatar synthesizer was widely used in 1980s recordings by musicians such as Stevie Wonder; Pete Townsend, Linda McCartney, David Bowie, Jimmy Page, and many others, and that the Arp Avatar is still great for obtaining a true vintage sound.
This unit powers and lights up, however since I am not a musician, and do not have either the guitar pickup or a midi/cv converter, it is way out of my expertise and I have been unable to test it. The sliders and switches all work, but are not buttery smooth, and as is true of all vintage Arp Avatars, most of the slider caps are long gone. Arp Avatars are quite scarce, and there is a consensus that it is fully worth while to put them back into great working shape and upgrade—indeed, if you can not do this yourself, you can find synthesizer wizards on the internet (one example:
http://discretesynthesizers.com/arptronics/arp2200.htm )
. The guitar pick up and foot pedal were not packed away with the instrument, and got lost in moving, so this auction is for the synthesizer only, however both the guitar pickup and the foot pedal show up on ebay from time to time (usually on ebay.uk). Availability of these accessories can be to a large part tracked on the website:
http://www.synthfind.com/category/arp/avatar/
The Avatar can be readily modified to accept midi by using a midi to CV converter, Such converter shows up regularly on ebay at a reasonable price. You can also build your own from free circuit designs to be found on the internet (see http://www.synhouse.com/Avatar-Notes/Avatar-Notes.html ). Other pre-made Midi-CV converters are also available, although most are overpowered and overpriced for the Arp Avatar.
A(free) service manual is to be found at: http://synthdiy.com/files/2007/ARP_Avatar_Service_Manual.pdf
And a basic explanation of how the Arp Avatar guitar synthesizer works can be found by scrolling down to page 4 of this original Arp Avatar ad brochure:
http://www.studio250.fr/docs/arp/arpavatarbrochure.pdf” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“FINE SPACY 70´S SOUNDZ !! FULLY WORKING !!
INCLUDING HEXAPHONIC GUITAR PICK UP SET, POWER CORD & SERVICE MANUAL (COPY).
115 US VOLTAGE!!!” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Hello, here we have an opportunity to get this rare Arp Avatar Synth. with pickup / brace & screws / power cord . If you are viewing this then you properly know what this is and could potently
can be . This one was bought by me from and estate sale in as is condition and unkown working order and I have no way of checking it because of the other parts needed to have the knowledge
to operate it properly. I can tell you that it powers up and its in fair condition cosmetically and the one or two that I have seen on E bay are quite collectable even as a donor peice for restoring
a unit this could prove to be worth the investment.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“This is a very rare ARP Avatar synthesizer. (only about 300 were made)
It has two oscillators and is very much like the ARP Odyssey in terms of its sounds, programming and interface. Many of the features that make the Odyssey great (oscillator sync, ring modulator, sample and hold, portamento, envelope follower and more) can be found on the Avatar. The Avatar makes a great and more affordable way to get Odyssey sounds. Use it to fatten up you’re current Odyssey or incorporate it into you’re synth studio as an analog synth module via CV/Gate.
Also included is the ARP hexaphonic guitar pickup.
Specifications
Polyphony – Monophonic
Oscillators – 2 VCOs: Sawtooth, Square, Pulse
LFO – Sine, Square
Filter – Model 4075 4-pole, 24dB Low Pass Filter
VCA – Env 1: ADSR, Env 2: AR
Keyboard – None
Memory – None
Control – CV / Gate
Some slider caps are missing.
AR Envelope Generator Attack/Release slider broken” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“A.R.P. Hex Magnetic Guitar Synth Pickup for connection to ARP AVATAR … comes with 6-pin socket , shielded cable and mounting bracket …. designed by Ron Hoag and made in approx 1978 ….. pickup fixes to guitar with double-sided tape or screws ….. connects to ARP AVATAR with 6-pin lead (not included) … in good condition with some scuffs/scratches ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“You are bidding on a 1976 ARP Avatar in perfect working condition. If you’re looking at this listing, I’m assuming
you are familiar with the ARP Avatar, what it is, and how rare they are. The ARP Avatar comes with the a sturdy
case I had made for it after I purchased it, the original guitar pickup and cable, and an owners manual. The original manual
was lost, so I purchased a photocopy of an original online. I am the original owner. I purchased this
in either 1976 or 1977 in Bellevue, Washington along with a Les Paul Custom Guitar. The shop installed the
ARP Avatar pickup on the Les Paul as you see in the picture. I have not used this in probably 35 years. It has
been kept in a case and stored. I have recently taken the ARP Avatar to the original shop to make sure everything
was working before putting it up for sale. I will have more picture coming of the case and details of the ARP
Avatar in the next day or two. It is in the original condition with very minimal wear. The original slider caps have
dissolved away as they were not of very high quality to begin with, so I replaced them with standard red caps.
The original slider caps can be purchase, but they are slighty expensive.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Hello, I am selling a rare Arp Avatar analog Synthesizer. As many who will be looking at this auction know that the Arp Avatar is very similar in sound and function to the Arp Odyssey. This unit cosmetically (as you can see from the pictures) and sound wise is in excellent condition (I have kept it smoke free, and it doesn’t smell of smoke from any previous owners). All sliders work, a few are slightly stiff, while most are fairly smooth. Some of the slider caps are missing (again see the pictures). This unit has a great additional modification, (please see picture w/ the 2 knobs) 2 knobs that control Osc #2. The bottom knob controls Osc #2 as an Octave switch (4 one octave increments), while the top knob controls (minor 3rd, major 3rd,4th (slightly flatted) , augmented 4rth, all by turning the knob 1 click at a time), these mods are really handy and very welcomed! The Avatar has some very cool features which include CV input into both Filter and osc #2. I have used my Euro modular to control these, and it can transform this instrument on to a whole new level. (By the way, the osc.’s track quite well from an external cv/gate/trigger keyboard (I was using my Korg Monopoly) as well as my Future Retro Revolution). You can also send external trigger/gate signals into it and also control it’s LFO…I tried this using a Korg Monotribe, and it tacked beautifully! Of course since it is very similar to the Odyssey, it has that wonderful Arp ring modulator that can really sing! There are many other really cool things about this unit that can be said, these are but a few of it’s highlights. This unit also comes in (and will be shipped in) it’s hard case. The hard case will also be tapped as a seal for protection.
The Arp Avatar can also be modularized through a well known company called CMS…here is the link:
http://www.discretesynthesizers.com/arptronics/arp2200.htm
As you can see from the CMS website, there are many mods that can be done which can transform this classic beast, into a revitalized 2011 analog modular monster!
Just a note: I do not have the guitar interface, so I can not say if that section works, but every thing else does. (Also note that the all stock Avatars have their portamento circuits hardwired to the guitar section. However CMS has a modification which rewires the portamento so that it slews the keyboard CV input.)
So here is your chance to have a bit of Arp history, a less expensive Odyssey-like synthesizer, and a potentially modular monster if you so choose to have it sent to CMS for the modular modifications. Truly a classic!” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Clean Arp Hexaphonic guitar pickup. Comes in original box, sealed installation kit, and instructions. Untested. Great collectors item.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Up for auction:
New Old Stock (NOS) ARP Avatar Hexaphonic Pickup for the Avatar guitar synthesizer. Obtained in the original box from a defunct music store. Original owner. Unit has never been tested to my knowledge and I do not have the synthesizer to do so. Includes original box and outside packing box, paperwork and tools as indicated in the photos.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“In 1977 ARP pushed into designing a synth that could respond to in-coming guitar signals using pitch-to-voltage technology. This gave rise to the Avatar, which in turn, was such a dud it practically sank the whole company before ARP finally sold off it’s last and would-be greatest project – the Chroma – to CBS Musical Instruments. The Avatar was too expesnive for its own good ($3,000). It did seem to work, however; you use a hex pickup for your guitar which allows the guitar to play the synth sounds. Today the Avatar is used more like an expander module (as pictured abowith other ARP and CV/Gate type synthesizers.
It has two oscillators and is very much like the ARP Odyssey in terms of its sounds, programming and interface. Many of the features that make the Odyssey great (oscillator sync, ring modulator, sample and hold, portamento, envelope follower and more) can be found on the Avatar. The Avatar makes a great way to get Odyssey sounds. Use it to fatten up you’re current Odyssey or incorporate it into you’re synth studio as an analog synth module via CV/Gate.
This one comes in it’s original vintage flight case (dig that crazy logo). It also comes with 3 pickups (2 in the original boxes with all original paperwork). It also comes with 5 original pedals (2 with original boxes), 2 connecting cables for the pickups, 2 original sales booklets (1 on the Arp Avatar and 1 on the Avatar, Axxe, Odyssey, 2600, Sequencer, Omni 2, PRO/DGX.
The flight case is in good vintage condition however, the inside foam is rotten and the Avatar will be well-wrapped within the case.
It currently works, but due to the nature of analog synths, it is being sold as is. ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“I am the original owner of this unit, which I purchased in 1979. I have seen these synths sold on e-bay without the original guitar pickup so the unique thing about this one is I am including the original guitar pickup and cable! I am also including the original patch book. (Guitar not included)
It is in good working condition. The pickup triggers the unit but keyboard players buy these to modify as keyboard synths. It has the same guts as the ARP Odyssey and has CV, gate and trigger inputs. There are websites that offer plans for other trigger modifications
It is in good shape cosmetically. (See photo) There are some scratches on the wood sides and the pickup wire has an imperfection in it that does not affect its functionality.
It has the usual broken knob problem (these knobs break if you breathe on them) but I am including a bag of broken as well as soon- to- be- broken- when- you- breathe- on- them knobs for your enjoyment.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“This is my Arp Avatar. I realized that this is a really expensive piece of equipment to keep around when I mainly only use it for the sample and hold feature. I already have an arp omni and a minimoog so I dont really NEED this Avatar as much as I needed a polyphonic synthesizer. This Avatar is in perfect working order. The sliders are NOT stiff, like so many Arp Odyssesy and Avatars become. The cosmetic condition of the Avatar is about an 8/10 for its age. Its missing some paint on the front and back, but the top and wood sides look pretty good. All of the inputs and outputs also work. I used to operate the Avatar using my Korg Mono/poly (another monophonic synth that I didnt need!) ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Arp Avatar
SOLD AS IS, NO REFUND.
For more information about the Avatar, click here.
I was going to repair the Avatar, but I do not have the time anymore.
I currently do not have a MIDI to CV converter, so it has been a long time since I checked the CV/Gate ins on the Avatar. Last time I checked it (about eight months ago), I got it to play notes with MIDI to CV converter, but for some reason when the note is off, the Avatar still makes sound. Also, the sliders need cleaning. As you can see in the third picture, the HPF CUTOFF FREQUENCY slider is broken, but the base of the slider is still there. The unit’s metal chassis has lots of scratches and rust.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Hello people, up for auction is a Vintage Arp synthesizer. It looks pretty good for its age…i saw many worse…
it’s always been in smoke free studio, its just the way it should be.
The only reason I am selling this is because I got Arp Odyssey…its the same Synth…so i want something different.
As you see in the picture…In the back…theres a modification..the owner before me.. tried to put an extra plug or something like that but i never used it and i don’t know what it is…some tek told me once that you could make an external device to control the avatar parameters via this plug…but like i said i never used it.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“NOS ARP Hexaphonic Guitar Pickup .41 Pole Spacing. Imagine the fun in panning each individual string in a stereo or a surround sound spread. I listed them as used but they are in NOS condition. Only 2 left: 1 has a box but is not packaged and 1 has no box. I will do my best to include all original packaging and materials. You can change the connector to suit your needs. This auction does not include any cables. I have extra connectors available.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“ARP AVATAR Guitar Pickup
Neu & unbenutzt !!
Worldwide shipping.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Arp Avatar in very good condition,cleaned and serviced….look’s good and works well
Like you could see on the picture there’s like a little modification in the back…the owner before me added like a plug in the back…the technician that serviced the avatar last week told me that with this plug you could fabric an external box plugged into this and you will be able to control other vintage synth…controls like lfo,modulation etc….Just that the owner before me did not continue with this idea…me neither…I did not bother with this and just played this beast…But you could in case you buy it
This modification does not affect the sound……The amazing sound of the Avatar stays the same” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“ARP AVATAR GUITAR INTERFACE
FOR PARTS / REPAIR – UNTESTED !!!” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Arp Avatar in excellent original condition and fully functional, tuned and scaled. I have used this cool analog with cv/gate sequencers and the sounds are phenomenal. There are LOTS of possibilities here, and it is a cool alternative to a 2600. Guitar pickup not included… this is a synthesizer!
The leather sides have little wear on them, and the synth has been well taken care of.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“UP FOR BID ARP AVATAR SYNTHESIZER IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND WORKING CONDITION AND HAS BEEN FULLY OVERHAULED ALL TANTALUM CAPACITORS AND POWER SUPPLY ELECTROLYTIC HAS BEEN REPLACED ALSO INCLUDES THE TIM SMITH FILTER MOD TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM CUTOFF FREQUENCY ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“UP FOR BID ARP AVATAR SYNTHESIZER IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND WORKING CONDITION AND HAS BEEN FULLY OVERHAULED FULL TANTALUM CAPACITORS AND POWER SUPPLY ELECTROLYTIC REPLACEMENT ALSO INCLUDES THE TIM SMITH FILTER MOD TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM CUTOFF FREQUENCY ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“NOS ARP Hexaphonic Guitar Pickup .41 Pole Spacing. You can change the connector to suit your needs. This auction does not include any cables.
Imagine the fun in panning each individual string in a stereo or a surround sound spread. Only 4 left: 2 are NOS, 1 has a box but is not packaged and 1 has no box. I will do my best to include all original packaging.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“There is one big difference between this ARP Avatar and others that have been offered on EB, which is: it works! In fact we just spent $492.68 with Advanced Musical Electronics, LA’s premier synth repair service, to insure it is fully functional. If you don’t believe us, here’s a copy of the receipt! IMO this synth is best used as an adjunct to a 2600 or other ARP of the same vintage. However we also include a NOS guitar pick-up – never been used. The Avatar is legendary as the synth ARP spent a ton of money working on but then never really sold or marketed it properly. Opinions vary on the effectiveness of using it as a guitar synth and your mileage may vary. This particular synth is in G+ condition – probably as good as you’ll find. There is a light scratch across the upper right-hand corner. The ARP logo in the lower right-hand corner is slightly chipped. There is some light paint chipping around the edges of the case and the wood side-panels are slightly scratched. A previous owner’s name and address are stenciled on the bottom (we do not show this picture but it is a typical white block stencil lettering about 1″ high). We have tried to describe this synth as accurately as possible. As with all vintage synths we are selling it on an as-is, no return basis.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“For sale is a very rare Arp Avatar synthesizer. There were only a few hundred of them made. This was made to use with guitar but works really well as a CV controlled synth. It’s basically an Arp Odyssey without the keyboard. I have 2 Odysseys so I’m reluctantly parting with this collectors item.
It was recently serviced by Arp repair guru Phil Cirocco and mechanically is working as it should. Servicing cost me about $1000 so I will start bidding there. See the .jpg of my invoice for the servicing for a complete list of fixes and modifications or go here for a more complete explanation of the upgrades and repair Phil does on Avatars http://www.discretesynthesizers.com/arptronics/arp2200.htm
Also included is the Arp hexaphonic pickup that would be installed on your guitar. I do not have the cable that goes from the guitar to the Avatar however. I will include the Arp Avatar service manual and you should be able to make the cable yourself.
All of the sliders work properly but there are some missing slider caps unfortunately. They can be found here: http://www.discretesynthesizers.com/arptronics/arp2200.htm (look at the bottom of the web page).” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Bonjour, je me sépare de mon ARP AVATAR en très bon état révisé et midifié par JL Dierstein.
Comme vous pouvez le voir sur les photos il est dans un état proche du neuf.
Techniquement il est parfait, tous les sliders fonctionnent et ne font aucun bruit quand ils sont bougés.
Hello, Sell ARP AVATAR in pristin condition, just serviced and midifed by JL Dierstein from Paris.
It’s working 100% and all sliders are working great too and don’t make any noise when moving.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“Hi all,
Bought this guitar synth, New, from Rock City, Newcastle upon tyne, in the late 70`s. Used it as a guitar synth untill mid 80`s. Then I used it as a sound module, ran from a Roland MC202 sequencer till late 90`s.
At this point in time, it stopped working. The red power light comes on, but no sound is produced. Years ago a friend who repairs tv`s, tested the power supply and said it was`nt putting out the correct voltage. Since then it has been in my computer/music room, on the wall, just looking cool. I have recently downloaded and printed off the service manual , meaning to have a look, and see if I could find the trouble. As ever, I never got round to it.
Included in the auction is :- Avatar Synth, Guitar Pickup, Original lead, Manual, Patch Sheets( in rind binder ), Service Manual and Avatar Cassette Tape (explaining setup ).
As you can see in the photos, a few scratches and scuffs ( it`s old you know ) and there is a socket on the front. This was linked to the foot switch jacks, so I had one cable, instead of four, going to the foot switches.
All sliders are there, but only 4 caps are left ( very brittle, started breaking one by one as soon as I bought it ).” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“This auction is for this RARE VINTAGE ARP AVATAR GUITAR SYNTHESIZER model # 2223 Comes with custom padded hard case, power cord and guitar hookup cord. In case this weighs 47lbs case measures approx. 30″ x 20″ x 8″ Condition looks good for age No major damage to see, has some expexted age wear, some of the tiny little plastic ends on the levers or missing, I pluged this in and the red power light goes on but I have no idea or means of being able to test this any futher so it will be sold as is untested, Case has some dings but still strong and works Also padding on inside of case is getting brittle.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
“NOS ARP Hexaphonic Guitar Pickup .41 Pole Spacing. You can change theconnector to suit your needs. This auction does not include any cables.
Imagine the fun in panning each individual string in a stereo or or surround sound spread.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.
” I personally own the avatar since 1989 and use it as a synthesizer module, and was controlled by the Odyssey.
The last 10 years, he was no longer used by me. Since I do not own odyssey more I can try out the avatar is no longer correct.
I switched it on and connected at the mixing board and could get only a sample and hold sound. The sliders are stiff.
I can not Defetkte ausschlieslich times and he would have to be overhauled. Therefore, they should know that if they bid for the avatar,
Repairs are needed. SINCE it is constructed entirely analogous electronic repairs should be no problem.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay. 
