An ARP Omni MK-1 synthesizer (Model 2483, serial #24831406, manufactured circa 1977) owned, stage-used and studio-used by Greg Hawkes of The Cars from the band’s debut through the Shake It Up era (1978[x=#8211/]1982) — confirmed by Hawkes in his own video testimony as his instrument for the first four Cars tours. The instrument retains the original and final Shake It Up tour setlist taped to its top panel, white chalk stage-position marks on every control, and Hawkes’ signature in white marker.
Video Documentation
Historical Context
The Cars were a Boston-based new wave and rock band comprising Ric Ocasek (vocals, guitar), Ben Orr (vocals, bass), Elliot Easton (guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards, synthesizers), and David Robinson (drums). The band released six studio albums between 1978 and 1987, and their synthesis of new wave aesthetics with melodic rock songwriting placed them at the commercial and critical forefront of American rock for a decade.
Greg Hawkes was the primary synthesist in The Cars, and the ARP Omni was a central element of his keyboard rig during the band’s foundational years. The ARP Omni MK-1, produced by ARP Instruments of Newton, Massachusetts from 1975 to 1977, is a 49-key polyphonic analog instrument combining string ensemble, synthesizer, and bass voices — known for its lush, layered textures. Its distinctive string and ensemble sounds are audible throughout The Cars’ early recordings and are a defining component of the band’s sonic character in their debut and Candy-O eras.
Studio & Stage Use
Hawkes has described this instrument’s history in full in his own video testimony: “This is an ARP Omni. It was used on Cars tours. It still has the set list from the Shake It Up tour. We started with ‘Since You’re Gone.’ Kind of ended the regular set with ‘Shake It Up,’ but then came back out and did a couple more songs. But that’s been taped on since the Shake It Up tour. And I probably used this for the first four Cars tours, through Shake It Up, and then probably retired it.”
The instrument was accordingly part of Hawkes’ live rig across the tours supporting The Cars (1978), Candy-O (1979), Panorama (1980), and Shake It Up (1981[x=#8211/]82). The ARP Omni is visible in multiple documented live performances from this period, including the US Festival appearance of September 4, 1982. The City of Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety electrical approval sticker (AT 357073) on the instrument’s rear panel confirms its use at commercial venues in Los Angeles during this period — such stickers were issued to electrical equipment used at LA venues as a standard compliance requirement.
Stage Configuration
Every control on this instrument retains white chalk tick marks indicating the exact stage position settings Hawkes used during performances — an unaltered record of the instrument’s working configuration from its touring years. The original Shake It Up tour setlist remains taped to the top panel in its original position, listing the full show sequence: Since Ya Gone / Bye Bye / Touch + Go / Cruiser / Good Times / Candy O / Stereo / Misfit / Let’s Go / Best Friend’s Girl / Dangerous Type / Just What I Need / Shake It Up — with encore: Think It Over / You’re All I Got.
Specifications
· ARP Omni MK-1, Model 2483, circa 1977
· Serial: 24831406 — late MK-1 production range; MK-1 produced 1975[x=#8211/]1977 by ARP Instruments Inc., Newton, Massachusetts
· 49-key keyboard (C[x=#8211/]C)
· String ensemble section: polyphonic violin, viola, cello, and bass voices with selectable footages (16′, 8′, 4′); attack/release sliders
· Synthesizer bass section: VCF (filter) with cutoff control; ADSR envelope sliders
· Controls: Master volume; bass volume; mix (synth/string balance); LFO speed; mode switches (Multi/Single/Norm/Split); chorus/phaser and waveform enhancement
· Rear panel: Main outputs (high and low level); system interfacing (trigger/gate out); VCF control inputs; accessory/pedal jacks; AC power inlet (100-130V, 40 watts, USA only)
· Walnut side panels
· Signed by Greg Hawkes in white marker on top panel
· Original power cable present — prongs show heavy oxidation consistent with years of road use
· City of Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety electrical approval sticker (AT 357073) on rear panel — issued to electrical equipment used at commercial LA venues
· FCN0011 field change notice (November 1977) applied
Condition
Not fully functional. Offered as-is with minor modifications. The instrument retains its original stage configuration marks and setlist. Surface shows wear consistent with professional touring use. Original power cable present.
Provenance
From the personal collection of Greg Hawkes. Offered as Lot 724 at Weiss Auctions, Sale 378 (Historical Memorabilia, Rock N Roll, Hollywood, Advertising), November 20, 2020, Lynbrook, NY, cataloged as “owned and used by Greg on The Cars Recordings and Live in Concert.”
Nostalgia Bandit Letter of Provenance
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Shipping & Measurements
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» Item: 37.5 x 16.25 x 5″ · 33.20 lbs.
