ARP AXXE Vintage Synthesizer with Manual, Patch Sheets & Foot Pedal

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"You are bidding on an early production run, vintage ARP AXXE synthesizer complete with original manual, footswitch and overlay panels.

This synth works properly--all the keys play, and all controls and sliders function correctly. However, due to its age, it is being sold "as is."

A couple quotes from the manual in case you're not familiar with the Axxe:
"The controls on your AXXE have been 'human engineered' to feel right in your hands. Controls are grouped logically and are electrically scaled to respond easily to musical demands. ... The musicians and engineers who are responsible for the AXXE labored over the placement of each control, the color-coding, panel graphics and countless other details."

I can vouch for that. More than 30 years ago, when I bought this I had no idea how to create sounds. The manual and layout of this synth taught me an incredible amount about how to do so, and how to use a synth.

"The AXXE belongs to the class of Variable synthesizers. A variable synthesizer, as opposed to a Preset synthesizer, allows you to shape every aspect of a sound, from the attack and decay to the harmonic structure."

This means that there is no preset for a particular sound. To generate a sound you adjust the controls for a source, filter and amplifier to get the sound you want. (Although the included Owner's Manual and Overlays will give you suggestions--see below.)

This is a working musical instrument, a collector's item and a valuable teaching tool. The early production is distinguished by a knob for pitch bend and by the multi-colored front you see in these pictures. Later models changed the pitch bend to a pressure-sensitive device and then changed the color schemed of the instrument. One big advantage of the pitch bend knob is that it gives you an extra octave at either end of the scale that is not easily set up using a pressure pad.

Please be aware that there is no form of memory storage and external control (predating MIDI) is limited to CV/Gate only. Included in this auction is the original Owner's Manual which talks about sound and music synthesis, the controls on the AXXE, and several pages of suggested settings to obtain specific sounds. The manual even gives instruction on how to slave one AXXE to another should you be collector enough to have more than one! The manual is in good shape, no tears, no liquid damages, just a little to-be-expected wear. Included is a complete set of overlays. These are cardboard flats that fit over the control panel and show suggested settings for desired sound effects. The overlays are in good shape. The worst of the lot is on top in the picture above. All the rest are in better shape.

Also included is the original footswitch which also is in good working order. All in all, this setup is complete except for the original factory box! (Sorry about that.)"

Looks like a little miniature in these pics. See the miniature label at the bottom of this post for more.