ARP 2600 Repair Suggestions?

saul2600 · Joined: Jul 13, 2006 Posts: 14 Location: variable

Until just a few days ago(*), i was thinking that i'd like to send my 2600 out to get it overhauled (sliders cleaned, jacks replaced, audio upgrade, etc). I'd only let the real 2600 gurus do this. I've been a synth tech for a long time, and it was my only business for years. Now its different. I work in a different industry, 6 days a week, 60+ hours per week, and live in temporary housing - so this really needs to go to someone who i can respect. Someone who has done this before, and preferably, better than i could do it.

Someone like Tim Smith (sadly deceased), Kevin Lightner (ill and not taking in repairs), Phil Cirocco (hasn't returned my phone or emails for a month), or.... WHO?

Are any 2600 repair gurus left that are working right now? If i can get a repair into Phil, how? Or who else?

Again, i'm sure that most decent technicians could figure it out. That's not what i want. I am willing to pay someone who will take the time to help restore the machine - not concentrating on cosmetics, but things like slider feel, noise level reduction, etc...

Thanks for any advice!

(*) = i started this post before i actually pulled the ARP out of it's moving box. It has a smashed corner, and something is rattling inside. The screws holding the handle into the case are bent, and were difficult to remove. This machine needs even more help now. And the moving company needs to expect a certain liability here. (another issue entirely)

saul2600 · Joined: Jul 13, 2006 Posts: 14 Location: variable

Looks like i jumped the gun a little bit - Phil called today, and everything will probably work out just fine.

Still, i'm surprised that no one else really came to mind to anyone as far as expert / top tier electronics technicians for these instruments. Kinda scary for the future...

EdisonRex · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:34 am Post subject:

I wonder whatever happened to Ron Rivera. He was a stalwart in the northeast US for 2600 modifications back in the late 70s/early 80s. His brother Paul built a lot of Aries modules, went into making high end guitar amps, and I think he retired, but I don't know what happened to either of them. They were both affiliated with ARP and Aries.

In the UK, Kent Spong is better known for restoring Yamaha CS80s but he can restore just about anything. He's not cheap, but he is good.

We did have this discussion recently although I think it was about restoring something else, someone on the West Coast can do a creditable job restoring old ARPs. I'll have to go look up the post.

And there's Phil, of course.

dugernaut · Joined: Jul 24, 2009 Posts: 50 Location: New Jersey

I have worked on a couple 2600s in my time. Maybe I can help out. I'm Synthetic Sound Labs in Central NJ. Was an ARP, Moog, EML, Crumar, etc, etc service centerin the 70's & early 80's.

Let me know if I can help.

numbertalk · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 6:32 am Post subject:

bbbodie · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:47 am Post subject:

I had my 2600 rebuilt with several new "options" and until this morning I'd used it twice successfully. As of now, no sound, although I can see filter triggered when I press keys...so not sure what happened, and will open it up to find out.

Anyone available that does this on the West Coast?

Thanks guys,

Bodie

Bananalogue · Joined: Jul 20, 2007 Posts: 22 Location: Earth

Switched On! located in Austin TX accepts items shipped in. they employ several techs and i help out with some of the larger vintage pieces like Aries, E-mu, Serge, Wavemakers modulars, etc etc

http://switchedonaustin.com/repair