Arp String Ensemble
The Arp String Ensemble is a string synthesiser used by Prince on For You and Prince. It is mentioned in the liner notes to For You. It was also marketed as the "Solina String Ensemble".
It is a paraphonic string synthesizer, with a few preset string sounds and limited sound shaping and effects. Despite its limitations, it became the primary string synthesizer of the 1970s, appearing on many disco and funk records.
It appears on the songs "In Love" and "Just As Long As We’re Together" from For You. It probably appears on the Prince album too, although around this time it was phased out in favour of the Arp Omni. Possible songs featuring the Arp String Ensemble include "I Wanna Be Your Lover", "Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad" and "Sexy Dancer".
It was also used live by Dr Fink.
Specifications
| Synthesis | Analog subtractive |
|---|---|
| Polyphony | 49 note |
| Oscillators | 12 divide-down oscillators |
| LFOs | Two |
| Filter | None |
| Envelope | AR |
| Keyboard | 49 keys |
| Controls | None |
| Memory | 6 presets - contrabass, cello, viola, violin, horn, trumpet |
| Effects | Chorus |
