Korg ARP 2600 FS $3,899

Having achieved acclaim for their recreation of the ARP Odyssey, Scot Solida is pleased to see that Korg have at last tackled the venerable 2600. But does it live up to the legend?

- Scot Solida

As soon as Korg’s variants on ARP’s venerable Odyssey were released, speculation began: when would the company trundle out a version of the mighty ARP 2600? That was five years ago, but now that dream is a reality and though Korg’s Odyssey is a lovely little thing, it in no way prepares one for the majesty of this modular monolith.

This is no cheap imitation. The original ARP 2600 came built into a Tolex-covered cabinet. So, too, does this. However, that – and its similarly-housed companion keyboard – are tucked into a rugged flight case. Be warned: it is extremely heavy. Happily, casters are included.

Once removed from its protective shell, this new ARP is revealed to be the spitting image of the original, having only the merest differences. There are minor changes to the hardware – sturdier handles, for example – adding to the impression that this is an improved edition, rather than a knock off. For the most part, it looks as if 50 years of technological advancement have all but been ignored, save for the presence of MIDI and USB connections on the left side of the case. Closer inspection reveals that the Cinch Jones connectors used to connect the original main unit to the 3620 keyboards have been replaced by 8-pin DIN jobs. Likewise, the power connector on the right side has been swapped out for a familiar IEC connector. A pair of XLR outputs are also included in addition to the 3.5mm outputs on the front panel.

The only 1/4” output is reserved for headphone use.

Korg tell us that, despite it being nearly identical on the outside, the reissue’s inner workings are made up of a combination of through-hole circuits along with modern surface mount technology.

The unit under review was a prototype version that featured the dark grey panel of the units released between 1971 and 1977. At the time of this writing, this is the only color-scheme planned, but that could change.