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"Solina String Synthesizer (s/n 0136882) 1 of only 100 made, a combination of the their String Ensemble, and ARP's Explorer 1 monosynth. Good physical condition - check photos - but not fully operational. The strings work except there are issues with some G’s and F#’s (probably divider chips). The Synth section VCO is working but the filter has problems, which seems to be a faulty cutoff slider. The LFO is not working. So basically, the solo synth section is not working. 220V version (UK plug)."
"The earliest and best version of the String Ensemble, the archetypal string synth sound. All of the models sound good, but as usual, it's this earliest one (before cost-cutting, bright ideas, and rationalisation kick in) that sounds the best. This is serial number 0088063, made by Eminent before ARP heard how good it was and bought in to a modified design. Cosmetically, like 90% of Solinas, it is not very pretty. The control panel is sadly very faded and messy. But the keys are generally good (two repaired, a few with scuffs), and, most important, the nasty chipboard case, which frequently suffers damage because it is a very heavy instrument, has been replaced with a far better wooden cabinet. Checked and OK'd at VEMIA in March 2024. Packing 25GBP."
"The Solina String Synthesizer is the rare brother of the String Ensemble. Only about 100 were made, so they are very hard to find. The String Synthesizer is basically a combination of the String Ensemble and the Arp Explorer 1. You can select between Preset sounds (trumpets, flutes, and clarinets) or make your own using the added VCO, courtesy of the Explorer. It offered way more sound editing than the String Ensemble, and was capable of more diverse sounds.
The unit is technically flawless, it was serviced about 2 years ago. There is also little to complain about visually."
"Vintage Chorus/Vibrato from the late 70s
- demonstrated with Ableton's Operator (Sine/Squarewave)
- no effects added
- beautiful to warm up your digital synths
- also works great with guitars, vocals..."
Note the video above is not for the listing below and it actually uses a different card. See the update from Ohm Studio below. There were different versions of the PCBs used by Wersi. Read on for details.
"These WV30 rotor/string cards are used and tested from a Wersi Arcus and are suitable for all CD range organs. Not suitable for any DX range organs."
Update: I asked Ohm Studio if this was the same model card used in his custom design. He replied: "It’s not the same pcb I use or used in the Wersivoice FM76 above (the only standalone manufactured model they made). It’s from a more recent design and uses different bucket brigade devices, Panasonic MN3004 instead of the Philips TDA1022 used in the Wersivoice, Bohm and most of the Italian string synths and organs from the late 70s on (the Farfisa effect I built was also designed around those).
Earlier ensemble fx used TCA350 BBDs like the Eminent Solina, Logan string melody, Crumar Stringman etc.
American and Japanese designs tended to use Panasonic (Roland used the MN300x a lot. Like in Juno choruses too).
I never really notice a real difference in sound between those BBDs IF the circuit is more or less similar and based on the Solinas, ie using 3x BBDs modulated by 2 lfos, one at 6hz and one at 0,6hz.
Roland ensemble fx do sound very different than the rest, but IMO it’s not because of the uses of Panasonic BBDs but because of the circuit design that is not based on the classic eminent design.
I do think however that the Bohm Phasing rotor and the Wersivoice are the lushest you can get (except, most probably for Jurgen Haible Triple Chorus, which unfortunately I never had a chance to hear. From what I've read the Bohm was a huge influence in his design).
So to make a long story short: no it’s not the same but I’m quite sure it would sound nice because it looks like it’s the classic design."
"The most sought after version of the legendary Solina String Ensemble.
Fun fact: the solina owned by « The Cure » was sold a few years back on the internet with the serial number (series 30, No. 0096091). This is not the arp model but rather the one manufactured by B.V. Eminent of Bodegraven, Holland.
This unit for sale has the serial number (series 30, No. 0096061). Means that it was basically standing in the production line 30 units before the one owned by the Cure. Nerd detail ;)."
"I bought recently a very nice vintage organ. In a video I had heard that its rhythms section sounded very nice. I prepared a rhythm on it ( by pushing several buttons at the same time, this gives you a new rhythm! ). I wanted to stay in the vintage environment and I searched a nice sound on the Roland SH-2000. Then I choose a phaser wave on my Siel Flying 49 and some stringsounds on my Eminent Solina String-Ensemble. This track will I also make with my Atari/Ableton with vocals of me and Lady Nathalie."
"Sogno di Ossigene.
Instrumental synthesizer music: my original song
inspired by Oxygene 4 of Jean Michel Jarre:
i played the melody backwards.
Instruments i used for this audio:
- EMS synthi 'A' mk1 (1971) : wind and noise fx
- Eminent 310 Unique/theatre (1972) : Chords and strings
- Korg Poly 61 mk 1 (1982) : Melody, bass and arpeggio
- Roland Juno GI: percussion
Recorded on Boss BR1600cd (digital studio) hardware recorder"
"Rare Solina String-Synthesizer, a combination of the classic String-Ensemble and an Arp Explorer monopnonic synthesizer in one box including the ability to route the strings through the filter of the Explorer, very nice.
Not my finest playing but shows working order, this unit was damaged from transport and works again after technical repair a few years ago."
"This is a very rare hybrid version of the Solina String. It is supposed that only 100 units were built by Eminent in Netherland (Bodegraven). It is a combination of the String Ensemble and the Arp Explorer 1. The mix beetween synthetizer filter and the string machine makes really nice possibilities and a so nice athmospheric sounds."
"Just recently got hold of this real classic: The Eminent Solina String Ensemble Mk II from the 70ies.
Additional FX used:
NUX Time Core Ping Pong Delay to get that stereo spread (thanks to Hartmut for that great tip).
Lexicon 300 Large Hall.
Enjoy!'
This is a look at the latest two projects I have been working on for Steve. Once of these units were extremely rusty so sandblasted it and repainted the interface parts. There was also a broken key stop and had been replaced with a stop that was too short to adjust key height as well as would not hold a key bushing. I had a donor polymoog key stop I installed and was able to align key and install all new key bushings.
Bottom unit got a good electronic servicing as well as a keyboard rebuild with new key bushings but cosmetically, it will just be getting a good cleaning.
Here is a link for those that may have missed the video going over the guts:" [posted here]
"Solina String Synthesizer (s/n 0136882) 1 of only 100 made, a combination of the their String Ensemble, and ARP's Explorer 1 monosynth. Good physical condition - check photos - but not fully operational. The strings work except there are issues with some G’s and F#’s (probably divider chips). The Synth section VCO is working but the filter has problems, which seems to be a faulty cutoff slider. The LFO is not working. So basically, the solo synth section is not working. 220V version (UK plug)."
