Korg Reissues ARP 2600!

It’s handcrafted in Japan, supervised by the co-founder of ARP Instruments David Friend, as a single run, limited edition reproduction of the original ARP 2600. It even comes in a custom-branded hardshell case running on casters. Wow, what an iconic synthesizer. The ARP 2600 is seen as a bridge between modular synthesis and performance synthesizers. It somehow combines the complexity and sound design of modular with the immediacy of a playable instrument. Korg has completely honoured the original instrument even down to the built-in speakers while adding a couple of enhancements of their own. There’s MIDI of course with both DIN connectors and USB; there are XLR audio outputs; an improved ARP 3620 Duophonic keyboard and an added arpeggiator and sequencer. Otherwise, it’s absolutely the fabulous sounding synthesizer that you imagine it should be! Korg has called it the “Total Package” and by golly have they put this thing together well. I don’t think anyone could have imagined a better reproduction of the ARP 2600. The limited run and the price will disappoint a lot of people but the people who will be preordering this synthesizer will have no such doubts as to its value. Which inevitably brings us to Behringer and their forthcoming 2600 clone. Korg is smart to have announced this before NAMM next week as I imagine Behringer will be wanting to reveal their version at their parallel not-actually-at-NAMM party. And the internet will descend into fevered discussions over why one is better than the other. For me, I can’t afford the Korg so to have something similar at a price I can reach would be excellent – but I’d always wish I had this one. I’m told the price is $3899 or around £3300. Not sure yet how you order one or how many there are but I imagine you should get in touch with Korg if you want to put some money down. Full pricing details should come at NAMM and they plan to ship by the end of the month or early February.