What synths did David Bowie use on Ashes to Ashes?

David Bowie used an ARP Solina String Ensemble for the pad sounds and a Roland Jupiter-4 for the lead melodies and arpeggiated sequences on "Ashes to Ashes." These synths were processed through an Eventide Harmonizer to create the characteristic detuned, spacey effects.

How to get David Bowie Ashes to Ashes synth sound?

Start with string ensemble sounds from an ARP Solina or software emulation, layer with Jupiter-4 style lead sounds using the arpeggiator. Add subtle pitch-shifting or chorus effects to create the slightly detuned quality, and use light reverb for spaciousness.

What is the ARP Solina String Ensemble?

The ARP Solina String Ensemble is a vintage string synthesizer from the 1970s that creates lush orchestral pad sounds using divide-down oscillator technology. It features a built-in chorus effect that gives it a distinctive shimmering character heard on many classic recordings.

Who produced David Bowie Ashes to Ashes?

"Ashes to Ashes" was produced by Tony Visconti, who worked extensively with David Bowie throughout his career. The track was recorded at Good Earth Studios in London during the Scary Monsters sessions.

synth from "ashes to ashes" by david bowie

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Tone Profile

This synth sound has a cold, futuristic vibe with a slightly detuned and chorus-like quality, fitting the song's themes of isolation and introspection. The sound is fairly clean but with a noticeable analog warmth and slight instability.

Shop This Rig

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ARP Solina String Ensemble(instrument)
Roland Jupiter-4(synth)
Eventide Harmonizer(pedal)

The Story

The synth sounds on "Ashes to Ashes" were created using an ARP Solina String Ensemble for the foundational pad sound and a Roland Jupiter-4 for the lead melodies and arpeggiated sequences. The track was recorded at Good Earth Studios in London with producer Tony Visconti. An Eventide Harmonizer was likely used to add the characteristic pitch-shifting and chorus-like effects that give the synths their slightly detuned, spacey quality.

Production Credits

Producer: Tony Visconti

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: Good Earth Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: ARP Solina String EnsembleShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with an ARP Solina String Ensemble or a similar string synthesizer emulation for the base sound.
Introduce a Roland Jupiter-4 or a similar poly synth to create a lead sound and sequences with its arpeggiator.
Use a chorus or a subtle pitch-shifting effect (like an Eventide Harmonizer emulation) to create a slightly detuned and chorus-like quality.
Adjust the filter and resonance on the synth to shape the overall tone, keeping it bright but not harsh.
Consider adding a touch of reverb or delay to enhance the spaciousness of the sound.

Original Gear

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ARP Solina String EnsembleShop on Reverb(synth)
Roland Jupiter-4Shop on Reverb(synth)
Eventide HarmonizerShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia Solina VPlugin Boutique$99-$199

Alternative to: ARP Solina String Ensemble

Faithful software recreation of the original ARP Solina with the exact string ensemble character and built-in chorus

Roland Jupiter-XmShop on Reverb$1,499-$1,799

Alternative to: Roland Jupiter-4

Modern Roland synth with Jupiter-4 modeling and authentic arpeggiator for the lead sequences

Eventide H9Shop on Reverb$529-$629

Alternative to: Eventide Harmonizer

Modern Eventide processor with vintage harmonizer algorithms for authentic pitch-shifting effects

Behringer SolinaShop on Reverb$329-$399

Alternative to: ARP Solina String Ensemble

Budget hardware clone of the original Solina with authentic string ensemble sounds and built-in phaser

Arturia Jupiter-8 VPlugin Boutique$199-$299