Siel Orchestra (Arp Quartet)

Reference : 111210

Siel Orchestra (ARP Quartet) – Fully Serviced – 100% Working – Vintage 1979 Analog Polyphonic Ensemble Synthesizer – Made in Italy – Warranty

For sale is a fully serviced and fully tested Siel Orchestra (ARP Quartet), manufactured in Italy in 1979.
The Siel Orchestra is a fully polyphonic analog ensemble synthesizer produced during the late 1970s. Also marketed in North America as the ARP Quartet, it combines strings, brass, reed and piano sections within a straightforward and highly musical performance-oriented design.
Like many of the classic European ensemble keyboards of the era, the Siel Orchestra uses divide-down technology to provide full polyphony across the entire keyboard. Rather than focusing on deep synthesis programming, the instrument was designed to deliver rich, immediately usable sounds with simple and effective controls.

Fully polyphonic analog architecture
Divide-down oscillator technology
Independent Brass, Strings, Reed and Piano sections
Layering capabilities
Analog ensemble circuitry
Vibrato controls
Performance-oriented interface
Made in Italy

The Siel Orchestra is organized into four dedicated instrument sections:
Brass with Trumpet and Trombone
Strings with Violin and Cello
Reed with Accordion and Musette
Piano with Piano and Honky-Tonk

Each section can be played individually, while selected sections may also be combined to create fuller layered sounds.
When sections are activated, dedicated controls become available for shaping the sound, including:
Brass Attack
Brilliance
Attack
Sustain
Vibrato
Vibrato Speed
Mute

Although the Siel Orchestra offers a relatively limited number of sounds compared to programmable synthesizers, its strength lies in the quality and character of those sounds. The string and brass sections in particular possess a distinctive texture that sits naturally in a mix and remains immediately recognizable.
The ensemble circuitry adds movement and depth, while the simple control layout encourages a direct and performance-focused approach.

The Siel Orchestra is particularly well suited for:
vintage string ensemble sounds
warm analog brass textures
electronic music production
soundtrack work
trip-hop and downtempo
retro-inspired arrangements
layered ensemble textures

Over the years, the Siel Orchestra has developed a loyal following among musicians looking for classic ensemble keyboard sounds from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its brass section is especially well known among fans of Bristol's trip-hop scene, where similar sounds became an important part of several influential recordings.

Artists and users include:
Massive Attack, Portishead, Metronomy, Gorillaz, The Horrors, The Lemon Twigs, 808 State and many more.

Condition:
Good cosmetic condition with only minor signs of use and a few marks on the wooden case consistent with age (see photos – actual unit for sale).
Fully serviced, tested and restored in our workshop.

100% fully working
all keys and controls tested
all sound sections verified
ensemble and vibrato circuits tested
audio outputs tested
electronics serviced and calibrated
studio ready
Sold with 3 months warranty for complete peace of mind.

Why Buy a Fully Serviced Siel Orchestra?
Vintage ensemble synthesizers are now more than forty years old and often require servicing to ensure reliable operation.
Compared to unrestored examples, this Siel Orchestra benefits from:
professional servicing and full functional verification
improved long-term reliability
reduced risk of age-related electronic failures
tested keyboard and electronics
immediate studio and stage readiness

The Siel Orchestra remains an interesting instrument for musicians seeking classic ensemble textures, distinctive analog brass sounds and the character of late-1970s Italian electronic instrument design.

A fully serviced and fully working Siel Orchestra (ARP Quartet), ready for studio, stage or collection.

Worldwide Shipping from France to :
France: 44 Euros
Europe(EU): 77 Euros
USA/Canada: 212 Euros
Australia and other country: 212 Euros