ARP Foundation ARP 2500 Now Available for Public Use

The first ARP 2500 available for public use, previously posted here, is now available.

via The Alan R. Pearl Foundation

KINGSTON, NY, MAY 24, 2024– The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation proudly announces that their recently-acquired ARP 2500 synthesizer has been restored, fitted with upgrades, and is now available tom the general public at The Record Co. in Boston, MA. This ARP 2500 is the first and only publicly-accessible example of its kind in the USA.

Thanks to generous funding from donors and benefactors, and in line with the Foundation’s mission, this exceedingly rare 2508 Wing Cabinet is now available to everyone. Part of the expansive 2500 system, the 2508 is a self-contained synthesizer including original oscillator, filter, sequencer, envelope and mix-sequencer modules, interlinked by the 2500’s flexible patch matrix system. It also contains a unique new oscillator designed for the Foundation by Phil Cirocco of Cirocco Music Systems, who also restored the 2508 to pristine working condition. The synthesizer has been further enhanced with a protective cover as well as a new custom-made keyboard from synthesizer.com.

"The day has finally arrived," said Dina Alcalay Pearlman-Ifil, founder and Executive Director of the ARP Foundation and daughter of Alan R. Pearlman. "Thanks to our generous donors, colleagues, and friends, our 2500 got the TLC it needed to make it feel and sound brand new again. It’s ready to inspire the next generation of musical explorers, just as my father intended. We hope this will be the first of many.”

The 2500 is available by appointment. Users seeking to schedule hands-on time must contact The Record Co. at therecordco.org/reserve-space. Previous modular synthesizer experience is strongly encouraged, however, users will receive an email with resources designed to familiarize them with the 2500’s workflow, empowering them to make the most of their time with this legendary synthesizer.

The ARP Foundation continues its work with contributors, collaborators, vendors, manufacturers, venues, and synthesizer owners to provide musicians with access to vintage ARP synthesizers to explore the endless possibilities of electronic music. The Foundation relies on donors to continue its mission, and encourages everyone who understands the importance of music education to visit alanrpearlmanfoundation.org to learn more and pledge their support."