ARP Quadra (USA/1978-1981) 220V from Klassic Keys GB, England. << REDUCED!!>>

                                                  ARP QUADRA SYNTHESIZER (USA/1978-1981)

The Quadra is pretty much a hybrid version of ARP's OMNI ll, ODYSSEY and SOLUS synths. It's a four-section synthesizer consisting of a Bass synth, Poly synth, Lead synth, and String synth. It is quite good at emulating each of these sounds and can function in any of its four modes at a time with the ability of layering the different sections! Sounds you create in any of the four sections are instantly recalled from memory by the push of a button! There are 16 program patches for storing your sounds. Other major features are the incredible phase shifter, tons of balanced audio outputs for each section, dual portamento controls and a superior arpeggiator...that's pretty good for 1978! 

The Bass synth section is monophonic and can be programmed to occupy the lower two octaves of the Quadra's 5-octave 61-note keyboard. The bass sounds pretty good and has 16' and 8' presets each for Electric and String Bass sections. There is a resonance fader, so a really cool synth bass sound is at your fingertips.

The string section is based on the Omni ll String synth. It sounds excellent and implements a phase-shift effect that is sort-of like a chorusing effect that thickens its already great string sound.

 The Polyphonic synth does have limitations. ..."a Chroma it aint..." is a relevant quote. There is just a single filter, which does restrict playing style. Nevertheless, plenty of powerful patches can be found.  There are more effects available such as sample-n-hold and the phase-shifter. String and Poly Synth sections have 8' and 4' Polyphonic Waveform Generators each along with a preset called Hollow Waveform. Note the 4075 4-pole 24db low-pass filter!

In Lead synth mode the Quadra becomes a TWO voice screamer with aftertouch sensitivity in the upper octaves of the keyboard, duophonic, just like an Odyssey!

 The Quadra is a synthesizer well suited to live performance use and has been used by 808 State, ELO, Genesis, The Human League, Pink Floyd, New Order, Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran), Joe Zawinul, and film-maker John Carpenter. 

                                        SPECIFICATIONSPolyphony - Mono(Bass) / Duo(Lead) / Polyphonic(String)Sections - Bass synth, Poly synth, Lead synth, and String synthFilter - Model 4075 4-pole, 24dB/oct VCF (different parameters for each mode)VCA - One ADSR VCAArpeg/Seq - Sequencer (with no external sync)Keyboard - 61 keysMemory - 16 patchesControl - CV/GATE inputs and ARP system interfaceDate Produced - 1978 - 1981
Dimensions - 104 x 48 x 13cms
Weight 23Kgs (estimated).

This instrument is in an amazing condition, considering it is 45 years old. Copy owner's manual (76 pages) is supplied <> a vital asset, as this synth does a LOT! Most renowned user in UK was Tony Banks of Genesis; well used on many albums......

                Klassic Keys GB have had the synthesizer TOTALLY refurbed/serviced/calibrated :-

1) NEW(expensive) Mylar front panel has been fitted. That is the front section with the blue and green switches. The failure of the membrane push-button switches is always a likely occurrence.  Any existing Quadra will inevitably succumb to this. It is impossible to repair them. This new panel is good for many years, if treated with normal care.

2) LEDs have been fitted to all faders. Synth just looks SO cool. The photos show it all.....

3) All electronics (especially the power supply) have been fastidiously attended to. Connectors, sockets, batteries, chips etc etc. Photos clearly show the general internal condition. It is immaculate! Synth runs @ 220Vac, via standard IEC/kettle mains cord (supplied). Klassic Keys GB will offer a 2-year guarantee to all UK customers, collection/return at our expense. Overseas customers will have a special arrangement customised to suit them; more details available on request. 

4) The keys all function 100%. They are all in good condition, with only a few eeny smears and the slightest of colour mismatching, where some keys have been replaced at some point. Regulation is not perfect (if really scrutinised), but pretty good considering the age of the instrument. All contacts/bushings have been cleaned/lubed.

Sounds like? Quadra is capable of really fat sounds/splits. Its analogue! Check out YouTube videos/demos. Some show how fantastic the synth can sound, with the arpeggio/S & H features being implemented. KKGB attached video is primarily to prove that the Quadra exists, and is fully working. It was created in KKGBs scruffy workshop, in mono (only), and is not designed to impress on anybody how wonderful Doug's playing skills are! There IS a GREAT demo on YouTube by Mr Firechild, however: multitrack recordings, all using a Quadra.....now, do you get the message that this synth deserves great admiration?

History:- Was owned by UK private collector for many years. Stashed away in a box for posterity/NOT actually played very much at all. Was imported from the USA 1998. Previous history is unknown.

Price:- UK price is now reduced to £8000. KKGB consider this unit to be the best example in the world of such a wondrous synthesizer, particularly with a new front panel (never mind the LEDs)...and a 12 month guarantee! Sale is being made via HMRC VAT margin scheme. This simply means that no VAT can be reclaimed by registered entities. Private buyers are unaffected. It can be double-boxed and/or delivered direct to your door via KKGB van, FREE as far north as Dundee/Scotland. EXPORT price is £7999. Tell us where you are, and a speedy send-quote will appear. KKGB despatch (nearly) world-wide. We know how to do this. Look at our feedback and web site  .

ARP QUADRAs are now extremely rare <>especially ones that actually work 100%. This one is a true collectors item, no mistake. KKGB are open to discussion re part-exchanging and buying price. Only decent synths/keyboards, please....no junk!