Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $850

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The ARP Quartet is a classic synthesizer that brings the rich, analog warmth of the late 1970s to your fingertips. Known for its versatility and robust sound, this polyphonic synthesizer offers a distinct blend of orchestral voices, including brass, strings, organ, and piano, providing musicians with a broad palette for creative expression. With 49 full-sized keys, it's designed for both studio creators and live performers who value tactile interaction and authentic sound.

While modern synths boast digital precision, the ARP Quartet delivers an unmistakable vintage character that resonates with nostalgia and authenticity. Each voice can be individually manipulated, allowing for unique blends and textures that are perfect for everything from progressive rock to experimental electronic music.

Its straightforward interface makes it accessible for both seasoned players and newcomers, encouraging exploration and spontaneous creativity. The ARP Quartet also features independent outputs for each voice, offering flexible routing options for those who love to tinker with audio paths and effects loops.

Key Features:

  • 49 full-sized keys for a traditional playing experience
  • Polyphonic synthesizer with four orchestral voices: brass, strings, organ, and piano
  • Independent outputs for each voice for customized audio routing
  • Vintage analog sound for authentic and nostalgic tones
  • Intuitive interface suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians

Product specs

Brand ARP
Model Quartet Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
Finish Black / Orange
Year 1979 - 1980
Made In Italy
Categories Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 49 Voices

FAQs

Is the ARP Quartet synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The ARP Quartet is a polyphonic synthesizer, offering 49 voices of polyphony, which allows you to play complex chords and layered sounds.

What kind of sounds can I expect from the ARP Quartet?

The ARP Quartet is known for its lush string, brass, organ, and piano sounds, providing a rich analog texture that is characteristic of late 1970s synthesizers.

How many keys does the ARP Quartet have and what is the key action like?

The ARP Quartet features a 49-key full-size keyboard with synth action, which provides a responsive and smooth playing experience suitable for various styles.

Is the ARP Quartet suitable for live performances?

Yes, the ARP Quartet's polyphonic capabilities and diverse sound palette make it a versatile choice for live performances, especially for those seeking classic analog tones.

PianoVintage

PianoVintage

DEMO ARP QUARTET ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

Video thumbnail for DEMO ARP QUARTET ANALOG SYNTHESIZER by PianoVintage

DEMO ARP QUARTET ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

PianoVintage

PianoVintage

Video thumbnail for 1979 ARP Quartet Polyphonic String Brass Piano Organ Synthesizer by keyboard resource

1979 ARP Quartet Polyphonic String Brass Piano Organ Synthesizer

keyboard resource

keyboard resource

Video thumbnail for ARP QUARTET by Arthur Joly

ARP QUARTET

Arthur Joly

Arthur Joly

Video thumbnail for ARP Quartet functional demo by Erich Izdepski

ARP Quartet functional demo

Erich Izdepski

Erich Izdepski

Video thumbnail for Best sounding ARP Quartet string demo on the internet - Julia (Beatles) by Erich Izdepski

Best sounding ARP Quartet string demo on the internet - Julia (Beatles)

Erich Izdepski

Erich Izdepski

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ARP Quartet.

Comparisons

  • The ARP Quartet is noted as a "cheap" Italian string synth, rebranded by ARP for US import, making it less reliable than more renowned models like the Korg Prologue.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's been used by artists like Portishead and Massive Attack, suggesting its suitability for genres like trip-hop and alternative music.

    Source
  • With a budget around $250, the ARP Quartet can be a cost-effective way to experiment with indie rock, bedroom pop, and alternative hip-hop sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner confirmed that everything works properly upon purchase, which can be a rare find given the age and potential service needs of this synth model.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ARP Quartet Synthesizer (Siel Orchestra) – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Damon Albarn uses ARP Quartet

Damon Albarn

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Photo

You can see his ARP Quartet in between some other synths and effects units.

See how Alex Scally uses ARP Quartet

Alex Scally

Guitarist

Beach House

...
Verified via Reddit

Alex can be seen playing an ARP Quartet in the first few seconds of this video.

See how Brian D'Addario uses ARP Quartet

Brian D'Addario

Guitarist, Bassist

The Lemon Twigs

...
Verified via Audiotechnology

Describing their studio: "It’s pretty much a two-car garage with tons and tons of recording gear, so there isn’t really much room to move around. There’s an upright piano, a drum kit, tons of guitars and several keyboards, like a Wurlitzer, a Minimoog, an ARP Quartet, and a Roland Juno 60."

See how Graham Massey uses ARP Quartet

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

"The cheesy strings on Lift [from Ex:El are a combination of ARP Quartet and FZ sample," says Graham. "The FZ samples seem to have far more character than the Akai. I'm leaning towards that machine nowadays, because of the lack of quality. It's not awful, it's just a difference in quality which we like."

See how Alex Newport uses ARP Quartet

Alex Newport

Singer, Guitarist

Nailbomb

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Alex's Arp Quartet is visible in his studio

See how Sam France uses ARP Quartet

Sam France

Singer, Guitarist

Foxygen

...
Verified via Photo

In this live photo, France can be seen playing an ARP Quartet.

See how Isaiah Ikey Owens uses ARP Quartet

Isaiah Ikey Owens

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Mars Volta

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this August 27, 2013 Instagram post.

#arpquartet #polyphonic

Album Usage

The ARP Quartet has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ARP Quartet, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland RE-201 Space Echo
Roland RE-201 Space Echo Effects Processors
2
ARP Axxe
ARP Axxe Synthesizers
2
Korg MS-10
Korg MS-10 Synthesizers
1
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha HS7
Yamaha HS7 Active & Passive Monitors
1
ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
1
Nord Lead A1
Nord Lead A1 Synthesizers
1
Korg M1
Korg M1 Synthesizers
1
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
1

Community setups

Show yours
can_kutlu

can_kutlu

GearIQ 149

theweekendwarrior

theweekendwarrior

GearIQ 543

More ARP Synthesizers

ARP Omni-2

 

 
Prince Bernard Sumner Jack Antonoff
16 artists using
ARP Quadra

$21.99 - $5,800.00

 
Bernard Sumner Richard Wright Tony Banks
17 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jeromy
    jeromy

    GearIQ 238