ARP SOLOIST Owned by "Night of the Living Dead" Producer Karl Hardman

images via this auction

"This extremely rare and functioning 1971 ARP Soloist synthesizer was one of the first synthesizers originally designed for the live performer and is considered the first preset mono synthesizer ever manufactured.

The ARP Soloist was one of the first synths ARP ever produced and is the precursor to the more common, somewhat similar ARP Pro-Soloist. The Soloist was designed to have presets that provide the live musician with immediate access to cool patches and sounds and is smaller and lighter, making it more portable, than most synthesizers of the time. The presets can be modified by using the various effects, portamento, filters and aftertouch features on the top, front and back of this unit.

This synth was checked and serviced last week by a former ARP-licensed professional technician with previous experience working with this rare model. The original oscillator in this unit died and has been replaced with a brand new (same model) oscillator. All its other parts were checked and subsequently ok’d. As far as we know this synth is fully functioning. However, we are aware that the aftertouch in these models generally stops working over time. We have been unable to satisfactorily conclude that the aftertouch function on this particular synth is indeed functioning as it should. Therefore, while the aftertouch effects seem to work on certain patches and settings, we are selling this synth with an 'as is' disclaimer on the aftertouch functions.

Adding further interest to this particular synth is that it was previously owned and used by Karl Hardman, the man who produced and starred in cult horror film classic Night of the Living Dead. Hardman was a radio, TV, movie producer, and co-founder (together with life-long partner Marylin Eastman, who also starred in Night of the Living Dead) of Hardman Eastman Associates- one of Pittsburgh's major film and sound production companies. This ARP, which comes from their studio, appears to have been well maintained and is currently in wonderful condition.

The keyboard features 37 keys, aftertouch volume sensitivity, brilliance (resonance), vibrato, wow, bend effects, portamento, a repeat (early arpeggiator type) switch which can be controlled with the top sliders, envelope and LFO controls. On the back of the keyboard is a fine tune knob and two knobs which control the threshold and sensitivity for the effects and aftertouch. Also on the back is a 1/4 “ output jack for low level output and an RCA output for high level output.

The Soloist used the same potted main 4012 or “Moog” filter as used in the all the ARP 2600s made up until 1976 and featured a noteworthy and highly expressive aftertouch system. The aftertouch could be controlled and adjusted allowing the performer to add complex expression and alter various aspects of the sounds based on how hard, fast or long the keys are pressed combined with the various settings.

Condition and Description:
34.5" x 10" x 3.5" inches in size. Plastic slider knob for Volume and Portamento Speed missing but sliders are still easily adjustable; one small rubber foot missing from bottom; overall very light wear with a few faint scuff marks."


1971 ARP Soloist short demonstration
YouTube via LarsWigren

"A short demonstration of an original 1971 ARP Soloist synthesizer which I am currently selling on ebay. I recorded this for the ebay listing the day I got it back from the repair shop. The audio comes from the camera recording the sounds coming out from my stereo."
via Jeremy