ARP Solina String Ensemble

$239.00 to $1,300.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (13)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using ARP Solina

6 community setups

26 wishlisted

49 saved

Page last updated Jun 18, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 7, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

$289.00

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5.0 (3)

$1,300.00 8 available Used

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$239.00

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Average Price: $522

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, ARP Solina String Ensemble is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "ARP Solina String Ensemble". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Step into the sonic tapestry of the 1970s with the ARP Solina String Ensemble, a legendary synthesizer that has been meticulously recreated to bring its iconic sound to the modern musician. Known for its rich, lush analog string and brass textures, the Solina String Ensemble invites you to explore a world of orchestral depth and dimensional soundscapes. This versatile module allows you to emulate instruments like violins, violas, trumpets, and more, all through authentic divide-down synthesis.

Central to its charm is the multi-stage Bucket Brigade chorus, which infuses your sound with a swirling, velvety motion. Whether you're aiming for slow, ethereal sweeps or vibrant, animated effects, the chorus enriches the Solina's sound with spaciousness and movement. To further enhance your sonic palette, the Small Stone Phaser adds a layer of vintage animation, offering a spectrum of modulation from subtle undulations to rapid, psychedelic rhythms.

Designed for seamless integration, the ARP Solina String Ensemble features comprehensive MIDI support and is Eurorack compatible, allowing you to effortlessly blend it into your existing setup. Individual tuning, crescendo, bass, and master volume controls give you the precision to craft your perfect sound, making it an indispensable tool for both studio and live performances.

Key Features:

Authentic recreation of the iconic 1970s string synthesizer
Lush, multi-stage Bucket Brigade chorus for rich sound modulation
Small Stone Phaser for vintage modulation effects
Comprehensive MIDI implementation for seamless integration
Eurorack compatible for easy system integration
Individual tuning, crescendo, bass, and master volume controls

Product specs

Brand	ARP
Model	Solina String Ensemble Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	1974 - 1979
Made In	Denmark
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 Solina String Ensemble polyphonic?: Yes, the ARP Solina String Ensemble is fully polyphonic, allowing you to play all 49 keys simultaneously.
What type of sound is the ARP Solina String Ensemble known for?: The ARP Solina String Ensemble is renowned for its lush, rich string sounds, characterized by a warm, ensemble effect that is ideal for creating classic string textures.
Does the ARP Solina String Ensemble have built-in effects?: The ARP Solina String Ensemble features a built-in chorus effect, which contributes to its signature lush sound. Earlier models had a permanent effect, while later versions allowed for the effect to be toggled on or off.
How many keys does the ARP Solina String Ensemble have?: The ARP Solina String Ensemble comes with a 49-key keyboard, offering a full-size key layout with synth action.
What are the main differences between the versions of the ARP Solina String Ensemble?: The ARP Solina String Ensemble had four main versions: SE-I was mono with a permanent chorus, SE-II added a chorus on/off switch, SE-III introduced stereo sound, and SE-IV included LEDs.

Videos

Add video

Behringer

The Magic of the Solina String Ensemble

Behringer

SOLINA / ARP STRING-ENSEMBLE 1973 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

ARP SOLINA STRING-ENSEMBLE 1973 with MINIPOPS 7 | DEMO

AnalogAudio1

Solina String Ensemble

GForce Software

ARP Solina String Ensemble

marcusdolby1

Sleeper Sounds Tour: Solina/ARP String Ensemble

Miloco Studios

Reviews

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PROS

Produces fantastic string sounds reminiscent of 70s jazz/funk/disco
Unique, distinctive sound not replicated by modern synths
Offers a classic, raw, imperfect string-like tone
Iconic for achieving the classic Jean Michel Jarre sound
Durable build, described as a "chunky old slab of wood"

CONS

Lacks modern features like MIDI connectivity
Heavy and bulky at 55 lbs, challenging to move
Limited sound variety with only 4 basic sounds and a mono bass tone
May require restoration and rebuilds, especially for older units

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Solina String Ensemble is renowned for its distinct, fuzzy ensemble effect, made famous in recordings by Jean Michel Jarre and Air.
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The Solina's modulation switch is highlighted as a magical, single-button effect that significantly enhances its sound.
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Solina waveforms differ from traditional saw waves, adding to its unique sound signature and making it challenging to replicate with typical synths.
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Comparisons

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The Solina's ensemble effect uses a triple BBD system, unlike the VC340's dual BBD delay, giving it a richer sound.
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The Solina is compared to the Roland RS-202 and Yamaha SK-30, both of which have appreciated string sections, but the Solina offers a unique raw waveform quality.
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The Solina's ensemble effect is intricately linked to its octave divider system, setting it apart from synthesizers with free-running VCOs.
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Sampling the Solina for polyphonic play can lead to issues, as individual ensemble effects per voice create phase inconsistencies.
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Use cases and applications

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It excels in creating iconic 70s and early 80s string sounds, making it a staple for retro or vintage music production setups.
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Running a vintage Solina through a Small Stone Phaser is recommended for achieving Jean Michel Jarre-like sounds.
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Synth enthusiasts claim that three or more detunable oscillators with filters and LFOs can approximate a Solina sound, emphasizing its ensemble effect as a challenge to recreate.
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Value and pricing

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Original Solina units are costly, often exceeding €2000, making Behringer's version a more accessible option for enthusiasts.
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User experience

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Owners note the Solina is less versatile, serving as a "hole filler" for setups seeking its unique string machine sound.
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The Solina's capacity to sit well in a mix and enhance overall sound quality is a noted benefit from past owners who regret selling their units.
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Build quality

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The vintage Solina String Ensemble is noted for its substantial weight, which can be cumbersome for transportation.
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Mods and upgrades

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Using a Haible Triple Chorus with the Solina can closely emulate sounds from "The Roaring Silence," a feat difficult with digital emulations like Streichfett alone.
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Jurgen Haible's Triple Chorus unit can enhance the Solina sound but only achieves about 90% authenticity when paired with digital synths like the Streichfett.
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Critic Reviews

ARP Solina String Ensemble | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The ARP Solina String Ensemble is a classic from the disco era, celebrated for its lush, ensemble string sounds when layered, despite its individual tones being less realistic. Its hallmark is the rich Chorus effect that adds depth. While its sounds alone may not impress modern ears, its ability to deliver shimmering symphonic textures when combined is a standout. The instrument's history, tracing back to Eminent, adds a vintage allure. However, its limited monophonic range on certain sounds might deter some. Overall, a nostalgic favorite for those chasing retro vibes.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings

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rothhandlestudios

1963

about 10 years ago

ARP Solina

Great classic stringsynth from the 70s. Classic Jean michel jarre sound

Akaba recording the String Ensemble.

https://youtu.be/B5KxtVTv56o

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Pop Indie pop

jimmarchi1

41004

10 years ago about 10 years ago

these old 70s string synths are so underrated, they are really fun and can still be had for reasonable prices... do you find yourself playing the mellotron strings with one hand and the ARP with the other? There's something so awesome about mellotron and string synth together in the mix.

rothhandlestudios

1963

10 years ago about 10 years ago

I dont think you can find the ARP cheap anymore...they are like 700 - 800 dollars. They used to be 100 - 150 in Sweden. I generally overdub everything separately.