ARP String Ensemble

Solina String Ensemble
Solina String Ensemble
	ARP badged Solina String Ensemble
Manufacturer	Eminent BV
Dates	1974–1981
Technical specifications
Polyphony	Full
Timbrality	Six tones: violin, viola, trumpet, horn, cello, contrabass
Oscillator	Sub-octave divider network
LFO	Two
Synthesis type	Analog Subtractive
Filter	None
Attenuator	AR
Storage memory	None
Effects	Chorus
Input/output
Keyboard	49 keys
Left-hand control	None
External control	Gate out

The Solina String Ensemble, also marketed as the ARP String Ensemble, is a fully polyphonic multi-orchestral string synthesizer with a 49-key keyboard, produced by Eminent BV (known for their Solina brand). It was distributed in the United States by ARP Instruments from 1974 to 1981. The sounds it incorporates are violin, viola, trumpet, horn, cello, and contrabass. The keyboard uses 'organ style' divide-down technology to make it polyphonic. The built-in chorus effect gives the instrument its distinctive sound.

Sound sample

Technology

The core technology is based on the string ensemble section of the Eminent 310 Unique electronic organ in 1972, manufactured by the Dutch company Eminent BV.^[1] The main oscillator consists of twelve discrete tone generators with octave divide-down to provide full polyphony; and the built-in triple chorus effect utilizes bucket-brigade devices (BBDs) controlled by two LFOs to create the characteristic vibrato.

Four versions have been released:^[2]

SE-I: Mono Output with a permanent chorus effect
SE-II: Mono Output with an ON/OFF switch for the chorus effect
SE-III: Stereo Outputs with a redesigned chorus effect
SE-IV: Stereo Outputs with LEDs added on the front panel

Notable users

The Solina String Ensemble was extensively used by pop, rock, jazz and disco artists of the 1970s, including Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, on albums such as Wish You Were Here (most notably on "Shine On You Crazy Diamond") and Animals,^[3] Herbie Hancock, Bernie Worrell, Billy Beck (of Ohio Players), Kerry Livgren (of Kansas), Dennis DeYoung and Eumir Deodato. Parliament used the Solina on several tracks, particularly as a solo instrument on songs such as "Chocolate City", “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)” and "Flash Light". Elton John used a String Ensemble on his hit song "Someone Saved My Life Tonight", the Rolling Stones in their hit "Fool to Cry", KC & the Sunshine Band in their hit "Please Don't Go", the Buggles in "Video Killed the Radio Star", Hall & Oates in their cover version of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", and Rick James in "Mary Jane".

In 1975, George Harrison used the ARP on his song "You", and the same year the Bee Gees played it on their hit "Nights on Broadway". Stevie Wonder played the famous string line on Peter Frampton's 1977 ballad "I'm in You". The Solina string sound has also been used by Kim and Ricky Wilde, Brian Eno, Fun Lovin' Criminals, the Cure, Gorillaz, the Chameleons, Carpenters, Joy Division, Neil Young, Air, Anthony Cedric Vuagniaux and Rikk Agnew. Fleetwood Mac keyboardist Christine McVie used it on the band's Heroes Are Hard to Find album, most notably on her song "Come a Little Bit Closer." Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys used it on 15 Big Ones and The Beach Boys Love You, Charly Garcia on Pequeñas anécdotas sobre las instituciones, Porsuigieco, La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros, and with Serú Girán. Regional Mexican band Grupo Yndio had used a Solina in their Spanish-language cover of Leo Sayer's hit "When I Need You" ("Me Haces Falta").David Stone 1977 Rainbow live in Munich. German Band 1976 - Birth Control -Backdoor Possibilities

Recreations

Various virtual plugins and VSTs of the Solina String Ensemble exists, such the Solina V by Arturia. Behringer has released an analog hardware clone.^[4]

Gallery

"String Ensemble" section of Eminent 310 Theatre organ
Solina String Ensemble, the original version of String Ensemble, derived from Eminent organ
Improvisation with a MC-303, a MicroKorg, a Solina String Ensemble mk1 and a Telecaster electric guitar