“This is a Solina ARP SE-IV String Ensemble Synthesizer. Works. Cool vintage sounds. A knob and shaft from one of the sliders is missing but I can stick a guitar pick in the slot an move the slider 
One of the keys is riding higher than the others but all the keys function. ” Link
“Nach langer Überlegung trenne ich mich schweren Herzens von meinem Solina String. Das Gerät funktioniert einwandfrei und hat lediglich die zu sehenden Gebrauchtspuren. Ich besitze das Gerät seit 1992, und es hat bei mir nie eine Bühne gesehen. Ist aber 3-5mal im Jahr gespielt worden.
Viele Klangbeispiele gibts bei ” you tube” und technische Details bei wikipidia oder amazona.
Das Teil wiegt fast 30kg, also besser abholen.
3 – 2 – 1 …..” Link
“Billiger wirt´s nicht mehr….
Bitte kein PayPal aus Deutschland.
Angeboten wird hier wohl eines der seltensten Keyboards in Topzustand inklusiv Flightcase.
Unverbaut, ohne Modifikationen in originalem Zustand und ohne Beschädigungen.
Praktisch ist das ein String Ensemble mit integriertem ARP Explorer 1 die vielfältig kombiniert werden können.
Anschlüsse sind High und Low Out, Trigger Out und Gate Out und Anschlussmöglichkeiten für ein ( nur originales) Expressionpedal (nicht mit dabei).
Absolut selten, es wurden insgesammt nur 100 Stück produziert und man kann davon ausgehen, das heute nicht mehr alle vorhanden sind, daher auch eine gute Wertanlage.
J.M.Jarre (Oxygene) hatte eins.
Dieses ist aus zweiter ”Hand und wurde in der 17. Woche 1976 hergestellt.” Link
“Angeboten wird hier wohl eines der seltensten Keyboards der Welt in Topzustand inklusiv Flightcase.
Unverbaut, ohne Modifikationen in originalem Zustand und ohne Beschädigungen.
Praktisch ist das ein String Ensemble mit integriertem ARP Explorer 1 die vielfältig kombiniert werden können.
Anschlüsse sind High und Low Out, Trigger Out und Gate Out und Anschlussmöglichkeiten für ein ( nur originales) Expressionpedal (nicht mit dabei).
Absolut selten, es wurden insgesammt nur 100 Stück produziert und man kann davon ausgehen, das heute nicht mehr alle vorhanden sind, daher auch eine gute Wertanlage.
J.M.Jarre (Oxygene) hatte eins.
Dieses ist aus zweiter ”Hand und wurde in der 17. Woche 1976 hergestellt.
Leider Umständehalber zu vekaufen…
Gerne Abholung oder persönliche Lieferung gegen Benzinkosten, ansonsten Versand mit GLS innerhalb von Deutschland kostenfrei aber auf eigenes Risiko.” Link
“Sounds great!!
Needs some work…
Three keys DO NOT sound.
all C#’s (only the top C# works!)
Needs some TLC and cleaning up to get back to its original glory.
Cosmetically, there is a piece of the wood frame damaged under the front right.
The back has some wood problems as well.
Scratch on the top right.
It is missing one slider knob (slider functions properly)” Link
“This listing is for a vintage Solina Arp String Ensemble SE-IV synthesizer It has moderate scuffs and wear from use which are mostly on the top and sides. The seller decided to sell this unit from his collection and said it still seemed to work well when he tested it here with our amp although the “D” keys all sound about the same and he isn’t sure why. Due to the nature of vintage electronics, it’s being sold with no guarantees.” Link
“The Arp Solina String Ensemble synthesizer. The same one used on all sorts of classic albums from The Cure to Gary Wright’s Dream Weaver. One of the keys isn’t working but still sounds great!” Link
“Up for grabs is one of my two amazing Arp Solina String Machines.
Plug ins don’t come any where close to matching the incredible tone and chorus that these beauties produce! Or their ability to sit perfectly in any mix.
Unfortunately, I can no longer justify owning both and as I cant decide which one to keep and which to sell, I thought I’d give you the choice… The winner bidder can choose between either the Mk2 or the Mk4… See below for details:
Both are in 100% full, perfect working order (and have just been given the once over by the technical team at Air Studios, London)
The Mark 2 has a slightly tougher sound, plus has a switchable ON/OFF chorus button. It is in pretty good cosmetic condition for its age (it has a few scuffs / markings on the wood (especially on either end), although nothing more than you would expect from a 40 year old piece of vintage equipment).
The Mark 4 is ever so slightly mellower sonically and was previously owned by Zero 7. It is in virtually mint condition… It looks like it has just left the factory!
The Solina is a true, vintage classic as used by Air, The Eagles, Elton John, Pink Floyd, The Cure, Joy Division, OMD, Josh Wink, STYX, Tangerine Dream, Keane, Japan, and New Order and these particular ones have both been used on a number of hit records.” Link
“The Arp Solina String Ensemble synthesizer. The same one used on all sorts of classic albums from The Cure to Gary Wright’s Dream Weaver. The cabinet is pretty beat up but still sounds amazing and has the modulation switch.” Link
“You are bidding on a Vintage Early Solina Arp String Ensemble Analog Synthesizer. I have lots of photos below, so be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this page to take a better look. If you‘re looking at this listing then you‘re most probably already familiar with the amazing Solina String Ensemble, THE synth keyboard sound of the 1970‘s. Everyone from Elton John on A Funeral For A Friend, to Gary Wright on the mega-hit Dream Weaver, to the Theme from A Clockwork Orange, the Solina‘s haunting sound ruled the decade, and instantly triggers the memory banks as soon as the first key is hit. This particular example is a very early pre-Arp unit, marked “Solina String Ensemble”, and amazingly it’s in great working condition, with all the keys working, all the various sound selections selecting, and the sustain and other adjustments working as they should be. As with any vintage keyboard like this, the keyboard sounds like it could probably use a good internal cleaning and a going through by a competent technician, with some scratchyness and grumbling here and there, but nothing bad and certainly nothing that couldn‘t be taken care of with a thorough internal cleaning. There are two outputs on the back, with output “2” sounding better than output “1“, but both outputs are working. The keyboard shows plenty of cosmetic wear, with a bit of the bottom corner wood cracked, with a previous owner placing duct tape on the side over this area, but the keyboard is still very solid. Also, the small ID plaque that was on the back has come off and been lost. Still, a pretty darn nice example of a rare and historic keyboard. Please see my photos below to have a look at this nice item.” Link
“Up for grabs here is my amazing Solina String Machine made by Arp. (Full photos to follow shortly).
In full, perfect working order (has just been given the once over by the technical team at Air Studios, London) and in excellent cosmetic condition for its age (it has a few scuffs / markings on the wood, but nothing more than you would expect from a 40 year old piece of vintage equipment).
This is a true, vintage classic as used by Air, The Eagles, Elton John, Pink Floyd, The Cure, Joy Division, OMD, Josh Wink, STYX, Tangerine Dream, Keane, Japan, and New Order.
This particular one has been used on countless hit records and always fits perfectly in any mix.
Plug ins don’t come any where close to matching the amazing sounds and chorus that this beauty produces… I love them so much that I own two, but can no longer justify owning both.” Link
“Here we have my ARP SE-IV String Ensemble, a re-labelled Solina (you can even see the Solina badge under the ARP label!). If you’re looking at this you’ll doubtless know what it is, what it does, and why you already want one – THAT sound – so I won’t waffle on…
This example has been owned by me for the last 10 years. It is a US 110v model (transformer supplied). It is the only one I have ever seen in a Tolex-covered case, but this has been to such a high standard I can only assume it is factory original. Functionally it has no issues (occasionally bottom-C is a bit stiff, I suspect from lack of recent use, but that’s it). It was serviced a while back by Ron Lebar at Alphaentek/Hammondhire, at which point Ron replaced two missing slider caps. These have been removed (bizarrely) by my ex-wife… but are readily available from Vintage Vibe at $10 each – http://www.vintagevibe.com/p-510-arp-string-ensemble-knobs.aspx
Elsewhere, a couple of keys have light scratches/the odd chip (does anyone play anything fast on a Solina though??) and the panel legend has oxidised/faded (I’ve seen hardly any Solina’s where this hasn’t happened) but it’s such a simple instrument it hasn’t proved an issue for me, or, I suspect, the majority of other Solina owners. If you insist on perfection, however, custom synth can screenprint the panel – http://www.customsynth.co.uk/” Link
“If you want to hear what it sounds like check out this video http://youtu.be/u5OoDFD3ft4 video is not the one I’m selling but same model and sound” Link
“This is a classic ARP Solina String Ensemble SE-IV.
I bought this unit to fix and I replaced some of the bubbled capacitors but not all of them. There are another 30-50 that should be replaced. I don’t have time for this project anymore.
These synthesizers are unbelievable heavy so the shipping on this unit is high. I will allow local pickup.
It does not power up or make sound. All of the switch caps are original and intact. 4 or 5 keys need to be replaced. The top wood panel needs to be replaced. Once restored this unit can fetch up to $1,500.” Link
“A real rarity here – a Solina String Ensemble (aka Arp Solina String Ensemble).
It’s in perfect working order and pretty good condition. A few corners dinged here and there and the Sustain Length knob is missing, but still operational if you get your fingernail into the groove.
If you’re looking at this you already know the history of these babies and they’ve been used on some classic recordings down the years right up to some fairly contemporary work with Portishead and Massive Attack.
It comes complete with its original, albeit very tatty, coffin case (still, it’s a nice feature to find for a synth of this age) and the original glass music stand in perfect condition.” Link
“In good condition; shows definite signs of use but no abuse, works great!” Link
“Up for auction is a very nice ARP Solina SE-IV String Ensemble.
If you know the String Ensemble, then you truly understand how rare it has become to see one, especially this revision, in the kind of condition this one is in. All controls work great*, keys play very fluidly, sound is awesome and overall this unit is just phenomenal.
*The exceptions are that the Bass volume slider top broke off years ago (very common with these units) but the slider is still movable with something thin such as a screwdriver. This never bothered me at all as I’ve always left the Bass volume up and switched it on and off using the front panel Contra Bass and Cello switches which work brilliantly.
The Viola, Violin, Mod Defeat and Horn switches probably need of a bit of cleaning as they are a bit scratchy, but still function well.
Otherwise this unit has been pampered and kept covered when not in use in a smoke-free studio. Cosmetically there are some scratches, chips and cracks here and there as seen in the photos and some of the lettering and dark paneling appears to have rubbed off over the years by the previous owner – but again this is purely cosmetic and does not affect the functioning of the unit.
Service notes also included.” Link
“Please note that this is American (115v operation). It powers up fine using an isolating transformer at this voltage, however, I could not get a sound out of it. I may be doing something wrong, I really know nothing about these, however sold for spares or repair nevertheless.” Link
“Ohh yeah here it is THE SOLINA STRING SYNTH the king of all solina’s.
I think its safe to say that this would be one of the rarest vintage strings synths on the planet, with only 100 pieces ever to be made in the 70′s.
This is a rare chance to get a 100 % fully functional and in beautifull cosmetic condition Solina string synth.
You wont find a better one this decade!
It will come with its original flightcase and super rare pachoverlays (never been seen on the internet)
Its been send to a tech for cleaning and check up to insure good functional condition.” Link
”
This ver.1 Solina is in truly outstanding shape inside and out. Electronically is it 100% with the exception that the lowest G# key is not triggering. I’ve opened it up, and I can see that there is a tiny bit of corrosion on one of the circuit traces associated with that specific key, and I believe that flowing a little solder across that trace (or adding a centimeter’s worth of jumper wire) will solve that issue. I simply haven’t gotten around to fixing it yet, because it hasn’t really bothered me and I’m sure the next owner can do it easily. Strange thing is that other than that tiny spot of corrosion, everything else inside is super clean! So I don’t know how that anomalous wear happened.
Other than that, all other keys work and trigger the appropriate pitches (so no issues at all with the master oscillator(s) or divide-down circuitry), all front panel buttons function, and importantly the sliders travel smooth as butter and they affect the sound properly.
Cosmetically, I honestly can’t imagine you finding a cleaner Solina regardless of version. Normally the plywood bodies of Solinas show their age with lots of scrapes, gouges, and chunks missing. Now, this particular unit is NOT in mint shape and there are some spots where the veneer has come off (see photo of rear corner by the outputs) and a small piece missing from the lower right corner in the front. But overall the top, sides, and rear are in outstanding shape, and the damaged spots are in locations where you wouldn’t normally see them. Take another look at the photos…this Solina is about as clean an example as you could ever hope to find unless you unearthed a brand new unopened boxed one from 1973.
One aspect of the ver.1 build quality that wasn’t as good as later version seems to be the gold paint that Eminent used to label the front panel controls. I have never seen a ver.1 Solina with the labels still there, and this one is no exception…the letters have worn off. But I have seen ver.2 units with pretty decent labels still readable, and for some reason the paint they used on the ver.3 units seem to resist wear the best. But are you really going to pick a model year of a used car based on its paint job over its reputation? Bottom line is that the front panel of this particular unit is exceptionally clean even though the labels are worn, and there is none of that nasty corroded, flaking paint around the sliders that you often see on Solinas of any model. Would a museum be proud to display this unit? I don’t see why not. Would you be proud to show off this Solina? Absolutely.” Link
“ARP Solina String Ensemble
If you’re here, you probably know what this is. If you don’t know what this is, you’re never gonna wanna pay what it’s worth anyway. so no worries there.
first, the bad:
This example has been rode hard and put away wet many a time. it has many dings and dents etc. the labeling for the controls has completely worn off. the keys are also a bit dirty and could use some TLC. the pictures tell the story pretty much. the controls and pots are all functional, but could use some contact cleaner. biggest bummer of all is that the lower two voices do not work. i forget what they were called, but they were turned on with the two push buttons toward the left of the control panel. also, on first turn on the unit will occasionally give out what i can only decribe as ‘random fart’ sounds. oonce it’s warmed up, those go away. they might be related to the bass voices being out. i have no idea.
the good:
the 4 upper voices work fine and all the other controls work as they should. the outputs work as expected, although i couldn’t test the trigger outs and such seeing as i have no idea what they are supposed to do. every key works as it should and none seem to be broken. i opened the unit up and the original service diagrams are located inside the unit, so if you’ve got electronic skills i have no doubt you could service this thing, bring it back to great shape, and make a mint off it. i’m just not so inclined.” Link
“Solina String Ensemble
DER Streicher Sound der 70-er und 80-er Jahre.
(Phil. Sound / Eurythmics / George Duke / Jean Michelle Jarre / Mike Oldfiled etc…)
Sehr selten zu bekommen.
Alles voll funktionsfähig:
alle 4 Sound Presets (Violine, Cello, etc.) lassen sich mischen
Attack, Release, Volume Regler (zum Direkteingriff) reagieren noch top.
Sehr viel bespielt, also nach 30 Jahren ist die Holzhülle natürlich gebraucht und an einigen Stellen abgegriffen, was aber dem Sound nicht schadet.
Mit 2 Aufkleber (die lassen sich entfernen).
An einer F-Taste ist eine Ecke etwas abgebrochen (Foto), das stört aber beim Spielen nicht.
Einfach mal in Youtube nach Solina suchen.” Link
“Up for sale is one of the rarest of them all!
The Solina string Synthesizer!!!!
Only 100 ever been made!!!!
Pristine technicall and optic condition. ” Link
“YOU ARE BIDDING ON AN ORIGINAL ARP SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE SE-IV VINTAGE SYNTHESIZER IN NEED OF REPAIR. THE UNIT WORKS BUT THE KEYS STICK AND SINCE IT IS VERY OLD WE HAVE PRICED IT SO THE NEW OWNER CAN HAVE IT OVERHAULED AND HAVE IT LIKE NEW AGAIN. COMES EXACTLY AS PICTURED.” Link
“Solina – String Ensemble – Vintage Synthesizer
Wir bieten ihnen hier ein Solina String Ensemble im Kundenauftrag an.
Das Instrument befindet sich im geplfegten Gebrauchtzustand.
Alle Funktionen sind ok.
Antestbereit bei uns im Geschäft” Link
“For Sale is a classic synthesizer that you will love… the ARP Solina String Ensemble! I bought this synthesizer a year ago, and have loved using it the past year! It has gone on a lot of my studio recordings.
I am only selling this item because i need money. I play a lot of live shows, and need to buy more gear for those shows, and travel expenses, etc. —
You will definitely not be disappointed with this item! The sound is amazing, great tone, great condition — it does have some dings and some cosmetic damage, but works great –” Link
” Hi, I’m selling this for a friend and I’ll tell you what I know about it to the best of my abilities. It’s an Arp String Ensemble (SE-IV) vintage synthesizer in good working condition. I had a tech go through it and he said everything works as it should. There is one key that cracked off which was saved and glued back on; the tech told me the bond is so strong that if the key breaks again it will break somewhere else. It comes in a road case with the original legs. The legs are in fair shape. The case is in fair shape, however the foam on the inside needs replacing as old foam does. Some of the foam has become sticky and is stuck to the keyboard. It will take a little tlc getting it off, so know that going in.” Link
“This is a classic Arp Solina SE-IV string synthesizer in need of some repairs, sold as is with no returns. It’s one of the all time classic synths and it can be heard in hit songs like Dream Weaver, She Blinded Me With Science and Just Like Heaven. It’s absolutely one of the fattest analog string sounds you’ll ever hear! I purchased this instrument back in 1984 and it holds a great deal of sentimental value to me. But, it really deserves some love from someone who is willing to put a little money and effort into repairing and restoring it. Obviously, there are three broken keys in the first octave (G,A,B) due to a tragic touring accident. The keys trigger fine, they are just snapped in half. Also, the unit powers up fine and sounds great for a moment or two, but then a gritty sound can be detected in the background. It sounds as if all of the keys are being triggered at once and is most noticeable when the sound is releasing. The noise will go away momentarily if the unit is tapped, but then reappears. In addition, the contra bass and cello voices are not coming on at all, though the violin, viola and horn voices are all working… as are the volume, sustain, crescendo and mod defeat controls. This unit has quite a few scratches and blemishes on the wood and paint chipping on the control panel, plus some of the words are faded. Finally, the plastic cap over the indicator light is missing. There is a control on the front for calibrating pitch and on the back you have two different 1/4″ output jacks, as well as an expression pedal input and 1/8″ trigger/gate jack. This unit was manufactured for Arp by Eminent of Holland and the serial number is 92575. Thanks for looking!” Link
“This is a vintage ARP STRING ENSEMBLE made in the ’70s by Solina. You’ve heard these on tons of your fave records – including Bowie, Floyd, and Air. Kept for the past 15 years in a smoke-free studio and in 100% working condition, with Violin, Viola, Trumpet, and Horn sounds. On the bass end you can add in Contra Bass or Cello. Crescendo, Sustain, and Volume & Bass Volume slider controls, and a pitch control. The Modulation button adds a lot of depth and slight chorusing to your sound. Cosmetically in great shape, with only two slight chips on the one side panel edge, and one scratch on the top. The lettering on the controls has faded over the years and is a little difficult to read.” Link
“This is a great example. In fantastic working condition. Priced to sell. ” Link
“For sale is an ARP Solina SE-IV String Ensemble in very good condition.
All buttons and sliders are in good working order, and the Trumpet, Horn, Violin and Viola all sound great.
The monophonic Bass and Contrabass sounds are not working. But they’re not the sounds you want from this machine anyway.
There is a slight stain on one of the sliders, but it is only a cosmetic issue. The slider (and all sliders) work fine. There are some slight nicks in the woodgrain, but all in all it looks very nice.
I am including the owners manual for the “Arp String Ensemble/Polyphonic System” which includes instructions on how to interface with other ARP instruments of the time (Axxe, 2600, etc.).” Link
“VINTAGE ANOLOG STRING SYNTH
Great condition with all functions working properly.
Sounds great and clean electronics.
Ready to play in nice cosmetic condition as shown
The Arp String Ensemble Solina
was made in Holland
SN# 0096991
The homemade flight case is on wheels and weighs 23 lb.’s by itself. The foam is old but still holding…the sheet metal case will only be shipped in the USA” Link
“IM SELLING MY ARP SOLINA STING ENSEMBLE SYNTHESIZER. I PURCHASED A YEAR AGO FROM THE EBAY AND I WANTED TO FIX IT BUT I JUST HAVE NO TIME FOR WORKING ON IT. THE SYNTH HAS ALREADY THE MISSING, BROKEN KEY WHAT I ORDERED. ITS INCLUDED. ALL OF THE PAPERWORK COMING WITH IT.I MEAN IF YOU WANNA FIX IT OR IN THE FUTURE YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT THAT A TREASURE TO HAVE THE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS. ACTUALLY THE KEYBOARD HAS ALL OF THE PARTS, NOTHING IS MISSING. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE POWER CORD AND AROUND THE PANEL…I WAS ABLE TO TURN IT ON BUT NEEDS TO GET FIX” Link
“I am the original owner of this “pampered” mid 1970′s SOLINA ARP String Ensemble PE-IV
It has been gig-ed, and has been kept in dry storage over the past 25 years.
No modifications have been made to this vintage instrument or it’s circuitry.
It has been tested and it plays and sounds just as good as the first day I took it out of the box!
Keyboard and all electronic sliders and switches are in perfect shape!
It is in very good over-all cosmetic condition, considering it’s vintage age.
(see pictures)
There are some light scratches on the wood,
and some of the foam from inside the ANVIL flight case has marred the back and bottom wood finish a bit,
but otherwise, this instrument looks and sounds great.
The original 25 pages OWNERS MANUAL is included.
(see picture)
The vintage 1970′s “sponge foam” lining the inside the ANVIL Fleight Case has disintigrated over time.
The inside of the case has been cleaned of all debris.
ANVIL Flight Case dimensions: 17″D x 10″H x 41″L
If the case inside were re-lined by the buyer, it would be as good as new.
The instrument will be carefully packed and shipped inside the ANVIL fleight case.
(which is designed specifically for this purpose)” Link
“Up for auction is this beautiful ARP String Ensemble. Electronically, this thing works perfectly. There’s some minor cosmetic issues that happened when I carried this to countless gigs in the 90s, but they only enhance the look of a classic vintage synth like this one. The red light cover is missing, and the bass volume tab is missing too, but is still perfectly functional. There’s a few scratches on the cabinet too, as you’ll see in the photos. All it really needs is a good cleaning. Some of the contacts are probably a little dusty, but overall, this is in great condition for a 35 year old keyboard. There will be no returns on this item, but trust me, you’ll love it! It has the classic string-synth sound we all know. My favorite use of this instrument is on the Residents “Not Available” album, but countless other people in the mid to late 70s played this synth. ” Link
“SELLING 1 VINTAGE ARP-SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE SYNTHESIZER, #PE-IV, SOUNDS GREAT, FULLY FUNCTIONAL, FEW SCUFFS AND SCRATCHES FROM NORMAL USE,(CONSIDER THE AGE, MID 70′s) SHIPPING IS POSSIBLE, I ASK THAT BIDDERS CONTACT ME FIRST, IT WILL BE UP TO THE BIDDER TO MAKE SHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS, THE ARP IS HEAVY 50LBS, 38″ LONG 15″WIDE AND 8″ TALL.” Link
“in vendita una bellissima tastiera violini ARP SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE originale vintage.
Modello classico usato dalle bands più famose rock e progressive negli anni 70 ed 80.
In condizioni davvero molto buone: elettronicamente tutto funziona bene, ed il mobile è stato conservato con cura.
Ci sono dei piccoli segni qui e là dovuti ad un normale
utilizzo da studio, ma non essendo mai stata adoperata live o in locali il legno è ancora ben preservato, e dopo un’eventuale
trattamento e lucidatura potrà risultare ancora migliore.
La tastiera è visibile e provabile (solo in cuffia, non ho più amplificatori disponibili) a Vanzago, in provincia di Milano, raggiungibile molto facilmente
attraverso la Statale del Sempione.” Link
” I have just had this unit completely and meticulously checked out by one of the best Electronic Techs in the Country who specializes in keyboards. All systems, sliders, buttons, and sounds work Perfectly and quietly. All keys function and respond properly and are in very nice and shinny condition for the most part. The last key on the right side appears to have had a slight glue repair, and the 5th white key up from the bottom left, has some slight residue of something on the lower part, but it does not appear to have been repaired. It is very minimal and is hardly picked up by the camera, but is visible in some of the overhead pictures. This is cosmetic only and does Not affect the functionality of the key whatsoever. All Function and Control writing is Very readable. Cosmetically the unit is in Very Nice to near Beautiful condition in some sections. There are normal light scrapes and scratches here and there on the Cabinet and one apparent cigarette burn on the back edge. The right end bottom edge has some wood missing (see pictures) and very slightly on another edge, and some corner edges, but the Original finish still has a nice shine to it most everywhere. It appears to be structurally sound and solid. The back outputs function properly with one being slightly louder than the other, as it is supposed to be. The modulation sounds fabulous, and as I understand it, this is one of the reasons why this Unit was used on so many Hit records. The on-off light works properly but the colored lens is gone. The bottom rubber feet are still in place and the unit comes from a non smoking house. The unit is clean and has been pretty well taken care of. All in all, this is a Very Nice Example of this Classic Synth from the 70′s. I have posted a number of pictures, to try and show as much detail and information as possible, about this Sonic Jewel.” Link
“The ARP String Ensemble, produced by Solina from 1974 to 1981, is a fully polyphonic multi-orchestral synthesizer with a 49-key keyboard. The sounds it incorporates are violin, viola, trumpet, horn, cello and contrabass. The keyboard uses ‘organ style’ divide-down technology to make it polyphonic. The built-in chorus effect gives the instrument its famous sound. Mine comes with a sturdy, professional flight case and the strings machine is in perfect working condition, cosmetically is in good condition.” Link
“This ARP Solina String Ensemble SE-IV was purchased last month from a recording studio that’s been around since the 1950′s and is currently downsizing. This keyboard sounds beautiful. I can detect no problem at all with its sound and functionality; it’s pretty simple to put through its paces as there are only a few buttons/sliders/knobs. Cosmetically it is also beautiful although there is a ding on the back corner and a slight scratch on the top of the housing as pictured. Please see the pictures below and judge for yourself.
Serial number is: 0089666 (Series 15).” Link
“Having had a closer look, there a few little issues: Keys F4, G4, B4, C5 …the end section…are sticking a bit. It is a very simple fix, just new springs are needed on the board. I think it has had a thud in its past (it was purchased from spain/portugal a while ago, the plug has been changed though). If you can’t fix it, I am sure there are companies that will fix this issue, for not a lot of money. All tones works and all presets work perfectly also…” Link
“Arp String Ensemble…I am the original owner…for the most part used in a recording studio for the last 35 years. Everything works and it sounds great! Some of the words on the front panel have worn off a bit, but it is reasonably good condition.” Link
” This synthesizer is in perfect working condition and very good cosmetic condition as well. There are a couple nicks and scratches but nothing at all major. The 7th key from the left has a crack which has been reinforced with glue. I tried to zero in as much as I could so you could see this. I am actually selling this for a customer, so if you have a question, please feel free to ask, and I will direct it to him for the answer. As always, anyone who wishes to view this item before bidding needs only to set up a time with me to come see it!” Link
“Up for auction is an awesome ARP Solina String Ensemble synthesizer from ~1976. If you’re reading this you know the power of the amazing, lush chorus circuit which gave these things that famous sound. If ”Dream Weaver”, ”Just Like Heaven”, ”Come Sail Away” etc. are in your head and you want that sound, this is the synth you need.
I’m selling some things to make room for recording equipment in the limited space I have devoted to music. I’m not really a keyboard player, and I just haven’t had the time to mess around with keyboards much in recent years, so my loss is your gain. In a perfect world, I would NEVER part with this thing. I still had a month’s worth of second thoughts after I was checking it all out and shooting a video of it for selling purposes…but I finally came around after coming back to studio space and financial reality. That swirling chorus sound is really indescribable and I really enjoyed playing this keyboard again and blasting it through my PA for the first time in a few years.
I was told by the guy I bought this from in 1995 that he was the second owner (making you the fourth!). In mine and that guy’s possession, it has been smoke free for at least 30 years…if not all its life. For an instrument–or any item–from 1976, it is in very good condition. Sound and function-wise, it works perfectly and I can’t find anything wrong with it as far as I understand synthesizers. The usual scuffs and not-too-deep scratches are there on the wood laminate exterior surface. I worked hard taking pictures to show their extent as much as possible. Some blemishes actually appear worse in pictures than they do in person because the flash and lighting are always tough to get right for showing surface (and scratch) depth and texture. Also, there are a few little marks on a couple of the keys which may be able to be buffed out, but I figured I’d leave that experimentation to the new owner (you) so I don’t accidentally mess them up in the process just to make the synth even more spic and span for picture purposes. And finally, the keys themselves are quite level for a synth this old as compared to some others I’ve seen. The blacks are perfect. The only white key that is a bit out of flat is the 2nd D, which you can see in the pictures as being just a hair high or ”tall” from the others. Again, rather than messing things up in the process of trying to make it perfect, I’ll leave any attempt to modify the key to the new owner if it seems necessary. It is not an issue as is and you’ll notice this in the video I put on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPZbNjuCJ-A Also, I just don’t know enough about this kind of a tweak so I elected not to open the synth up and try to poke around to adjust this. Nevertheless, I’d rather mention it here than have you receive it and be disappointed that I didn’t point it out properly in this ad. ” Link
“This unit was sitting up in a church for a long time. It has cosmetic imperfections, but structurally it is solid, and it sounds Great. All the function sliders work properly, except for the Volume slider. (it has no affect on the sound). All of the sound production buttons work properly as well, they bring in the Viola, Violin, Trumpet, etc, as they should. The rotary Pitch adjustment knob works perfectly. All of the keys work properly, except for the 25th up from the bottom left. It plays the string sound ok, but does not play the low fundamental sound like the other keys. The Bass section plays the Bass notes properly and the buttons work fine. The modulation sounds fabulous, and as I understand it, this is one of the reasons why this Unit was used on so many Hit records. As the pictures show, some of the Keys are not at the same level as the others. I would guess there is probably a way to correct this, though as I said, they all play fine. Also, there is surface discoloration and slight rusting on the front panel, though most of the control writing can still be made out. The on-off light does comes on, but it is very dim. Also as far as cosmetics, apparently at some time in the past, the veneer covering the edges of left side, end piece, came off on the bottom sides, and someone put duct tape around them. I have posted many pictures to try and show all major areas. As far as the output, it is accessed at the “expression pedal” output. The “gate outputs” work properly as far as I can tell. I am not a keyboard player, but I will try to answer any questions I may have left out.” Link
“This listing is for an ARP String Ensemble vintage analog synthesizer. The unit is 100% functional and it is in nice cosmetic shape as well. Well maintained in a smoke free studio. I just had it serviced. All the key contacts were cleaned and the power supply was recapped. ” Link
“ABOUT THIS ITEM
- Good working condition, and looks pretty good considering it is from the 70′s. Everything is apparently working very well.
- I have owned this Solina for one year.
- Alas, previous owners did not have the original name plate with serial number. I made a blank nameplate to complete the look.
- The ends and rear of the wood case is imperfect where I had to clean tape residue from owners past. But that doesn’t take away from the sound one bit.
SALE INCLUDES
- Comes with the original service documentation.
- Power cord is in good condition and is hard-wired thru the case.” Link
“Das zum Verkauf stehende Gerät ist aus prominentem Vorbesitz.
Es weist einige Gebrauchsspren auf, Taste F hat Brandloch, aberAlles funktioniert, wie es soll.
Das Gerät wird mirt Netzteil, ohne Anleitung geliefert.(gibts im Internet)
DAS GERÄT WURDE VON FACHMANN GEPRÜFT, UND IST TECHNISCH IN ORDNUNG !
The unit offered is in used good condition, with dings and dongs,
Key F has a fire damage, but everything works as it should,
it was used by a well known music producer from germany
the moog comes with power supply, without manual ( you find this in the www)
THE UNIT WAS CHECKT RECENTLY; AND IS TECHNICALLY WORKING !” Link
“Up for sale is my ARP Solina String Ensemble, ARP SE-IV. Everything is fully functional and this synth sounds beautiful. It is missing 3 slider knobs, and has normal wear for a 30+ year old keyboard.” Link