Image: Kimi95, CC BY 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
ARP Pro Soloist
| Category | Electronic (preset monosynth) |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | USA |
| Classification | synthesizer, synthesizer model |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q3601145 |
Overview
The ARP Pro Soloist is a preset monophonic synthesizer released by ARP Instruments in 1972. It offered thirty fixed preset voices selected by panel buttons, touch-sensitive aftertouch responding to key pressure, and a small set of performance controls. Aimed squarely at touring stage keyboardists who needed instantly switchable solo voices, the Pro Soloist became one of the defining lead synthesisers of 1970s rock and progressive rock.
Origin & History
ARP introduced the Pro Soloist as a more user-friendly alternative to fully programmable monosynths such as the company’s own 2600 and the Minimoog. The fixed-preset design simplified live operation: a stage player could change voices in one button press without programming. The instrument was a strong commercial success and continued in production until the end of the 1970s, when it was succeeded by the ARP Pro DGX. Together with the Minimoog and ARP Odyssey, the Pro Soloist defined the sound and ergonomics of stage monosynths for nearly a decade.
How It’s Played
The Pro Soloist is played from a 37-key keyboard, with the desired voice — flute, oboe, trumpet, brass, lead, bass, and so on — chosen on the panel. Pressure-sensitive aftertouch lets the player add vibrato, tremolo, brightness changes, or pitch bends to held notes, giving the otherwise fixed presets a strong expressive dimension. The instrument is monophonic, suited to single-line solo work rather than chordal accompaniment.
Cultural Significance
Tony Banks of Genesis used the Pro Soloist extensively across the band’s classic 1970s recordings, including The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and A Trick of the Tail. The instrument’s voicings are central to the texture of much of that catalogue. Other progressive-rock and pop keyboardists adopted the Pro Soloist for similar reasons, and it remains a sought-after instrument in retro production.
Related Instruments
- ARP Pro DGX – immediate successor
- ARP 2600 – ARP’s flagship semi-modular
- ARP Omni – ARP’s polyphonic string machine
- ARP Quadra – ARP’s flagship multi-section instrument
- Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 – contemporary programmable polysynth
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro Soloist programmable?
No — it is preset only, with no user voice memory.
How many presets does it have?
30.
Who is most associated with the instrument?
Tony Banks of Genesis, among others.
