MATRIXSYNTH: Friday, August 21, 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009

Remembering Bob Moog

[ Note: This post stays on top for the day. Tons going up below. Originally posted at 8:36 AM PST. ]

Today marks the fourth year of Bob Moog's passing. Play a little something for him today.

Be sure to visit The Bob Moog Foundation, and Moog Music where you'll find this wallpaper free of charge.

Don't forget, the "Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog Museum Exhibit" runs from August 29 - April 30. Keith Emerson and others will be there opening weekend.

Thank you for everything Bob. The synths, the inspiration, the humor, positive vibes and the magic.

Update: Mark Pulver's Moog tattoo. Mark was good friends with Bob Moog. I remember him getting this tattoo after his passing.

BTW, if you have anything Moog specific you'd like to send in, feel free. You can reach me at matrixsynth at gmail. Of course feel free to comment.

Also, I don't ask for a dime to run this site. I've had people suggest I put up a Paypal Donate Here button. I don't because I do have ads on the site and I believe in offering the site for free. But if you do want to donate, even just a few bucks, donate something to The Bob Moog Foundation. Little donations can add up. They are keeping not only Bob Moog's memory alive, but the magic and history of synths.

Update: On the technical side of things, here is a list of patents (creations) from Bob Moog via Jerry on the SDIY list: "well to name a few, "Voltage-Controlled Electronic Music Modules" (R.A. Moog, Journal of the Audio Engineering Society , Vol.13, No. 3, pp 200-206, July 1965...

Update on the Patents via ASSI:
Here's the fulllist of patents where he is named an inventor:
EP000000157821A4 PEPPER WILLIAM JR MOOG ROBERT A [DE] LEITFÄHIGE
ELEKTRODENMATRIX UND MATRIX VON WIDERSTANDSELEMENTEN ... no
EP000000157821A1 PEPPER WILLIAM JR, US MOOG ROBERT A, US [DE] LEITFÄHIGE
ELEKTRODENMATRIX UND MATRIX VON WIDERSTANDSELEMENTEN ... yes
US000004778951A PEPPER JR WILLIAM, US MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Arrays of resistive
elements for use in touch panels and for producing ... yes
US000004280387A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] Frequency following circuit yes
US000004213367A MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Monophonic touch sensitive keyboard
yes
US000004202238A MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Compressor-expander for a musical
instrument yes
US000004180707A MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Distortion sound effects circuit yes
US000004166197A MOOG ROBERT A, US WALBORN RICHARD M, US [EN] PARAMETRIC ADJUSTMENT
CIRCUIT yes
US000004117413A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] AMPLIFIER WITH MULTIFILTER yes
US000004108041A MOOG ROBERT A COX ROGER FLAVIUS [EN] Phase shifting sound effects
circuit yes
US000004050343A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] Electronic music synthesizer yes
US000003475623A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] ELECTRONIC HIGH-PASS AND LOW-PASS FILTERS
EMPLOYING THE BASE TO ... yes
WO001985001375A1 PEPPER WILLIAM JR, US MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] CONDUCTIVE
ELECTRODE ARRAYS AND ARRAYS OF RESISTIVE ELEMENTS FOR ... yes

Other patents listed at the site of Don Tillman are either from employees of Moog
Music or related to some inventions that have been used in Moog products (like the
Bode frequency shifter). This is not to take away from Bob, but I'm sure he would
have been the first to point out that some other guy had invented something. The
patent family he's got together with Mr. Pepper is of course for the touch panel
for the Voyager.
Polyphonic Modes
US 4,778,951: Arrays of Resistive Elements for use in Touch Panels and for Producing Electric Fields"

Update via The Bob Moog Foundation:
"August 21, 2009 -- A Moog Day of Rememberance and Celebration
When August 21st comes around each year, we pause to remember Bob and the remarkable legacy that he left for us all to enjoy. His impact is so widespread that people remember him in all kinds of ways that are meaningful to their particular connection with him. Take a moment today to pay tribute to Bob by:

* Connecting with Bob through your instrument. Lay down a killer lead on your synth or play an ethereal melody on your theremin.

* Listening to some of your favorite Moog tunes. Bob loved working with musicians and fed off their creative drive. He was often astonished at what they could do with his instruments.

* Going out and hear some live music tonight. Bob believed deeply in live music as a force that brings people together in community.

* Reading about Bob's life, work, and legacy. Visit the CaringBridge site and read Ileana Grams-Moog's reflection on today's significance.

* Supporting the Bob Moog Foundation. We carry Bob's legacy forward by inspiring and educating people through electronic music. Donate here so that we can continue our important work.

Today we also celebrate the Bob Moog Foundation's third anniversary of making waves. Next week we head to the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA for the opening of the first exhibit featuring Bob's archives. The exhibit, Waves of Inspiration. The Legacy of Moog, pays tribute to Bob's impact and celebrates his legacy, just as we are doing at the foundation today.

The Bob Moog Foundation

Make Waves by donating to the Bob Moog Foundation"

Update via Richard Lainhart in the comments:
"Here's a link to Part 1 of Jordan Rudess and Richard Lainhart's Moog Birthday Space Jam, from May 23, 2004, featuring an introduction by Bob Moog:

http://www.otownmedia.com/Polaris_Part_1.mp3 [link updated]

"50 years ago, American maverick inventor Robert Moog began developing electronic instruments that altered the course of modern music for all time and have since become an integral part of our musical culture. Jordan Rudess, keyboard virtuoso, and Richard Lainhart, synthesist extraordinaire, will be performing live online on Sunday, May 23, at 1 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time, to honor Bob Moog on his 70th birthday, and on the 50th anniversary of his company Moog Music. We'll be using old and new Moog instruments exclusively, including a vintage Mini-Moog, a modern Moog Voyager Mini-Moog, Arturia's Moog Modular V software, and a Moog Etherwave Theremin, in a classic electronic space improvisation streaming live on the Internet from O-Town Live."

Bob was a great man, and a good friend, and we still miss him."

Update: new flickr images in today

Vintage analog synthesizer - Moog

flickr by nra24

Below: moog hockey
Hmm...
flickr by theres no way home

Update: the Moog hockey table has been verified as real. You might remember the Moog phone. Note these were made by Moog in the 80s long after Bob Moog left the company.

Update via NOISECOLLECTIVE
Saint image below with Moog and Roland and: "Here are some pictures of my moog prodigy exposed @the past 'TORINO SYNTH CLINIC'"

Update on the hockey game via brian in the comments: "It's not called Moog hockey, but "Super Chexx" hockey. Sadly, the Super Chexx game has ALWAYS been collectible in the arcade world anyway, due to it's clear plastic bubble look and the sound effects.

With "sound by Moog" written up there at the top as I recall. It sounds REALLY bad, but grainy as hell in a good way. I'd be surprised if it was 8-bit. More like 4..."

VStream Samples

click here

some good Numan Polymoog samples

via vstream in the comments of this post

Sequential Circuits T8 restoration

flickr set by r_j_d_2.phila
(click for more)

be sure to see r_j_d_2.phila's shots for more.

SQ80 ROM Waveforms for the Terretec KOMPLEXER

You can find them here via ASSI.

"Rocking Boat Clock"

"Rocking Boat Clock" from Peter Speer on Vimeo.

"Our Wogglebug arrived yesterday and it's hardly been switched off since!

Here's the patch:

A-143-1 Mix Out --> Wogglebug Chaos/Clock Control In

Wogglebug Clock Out --> A-140 Gate In
A-140 Out --> A-132-3 CV In

Wogglebug Stepped CV Out --> Frostwave Resonator HP Frequency CV In
Wogglebug Smooth CV Out --> Resonator LP Frequency CV In

Resonator Out --> Frostwave Blue Ringer Signal In
Blue Ringer Out --> A-132-3 Signal In
A-132-3 Signal Out to computer

(The Resonator is set to self-oscillate)

theshamblers.blogspot.com"

CLICK FOR MORE »

"Choir" II

YouTube via Korgator
Pad:Korg Triton (Combi A 018-"Sailing")
Chor:Polymorph ("Mellotron")
Solo:Roland JP8080(P1:75 "GR-300")

"Relax Pad"

Korg Triton Le;Combi Bank A 117 Relax Pad

Korg Mono/Poly Arpeggiator Part 4

YouTube via Korgator
"Arpeggiator allow to run in, and then on the buttons turn ...!"

Blofeld multi arp session

Blofeld multi arp session by g64
"This track contains no sequencing besides that of the internal arpeggiator.
I recorded this on only one track, no layering was used
I used the pitch bend to transpose the arps up and down ±2
this is a demonstration of how you can use multi mode without sequencers and just any cheap midi controller to trigger notes"

Synth Poem by Zeroc001

Our first synth poem via Zeroc001 in the comments of The Crazy Ass Auction Contest.

BTW, if anyone knows how to help with this feel free to comment or email me.

"Native Instruments, dear friend!
I got gripe your way to send
I just paid almost half grand
For Maschine that's not so grand.

Windows 7 doesn't know it
USB port - it don't show it
I installed, installed again
Not a peep heard in the end.

Here I sit all broken hearted
Sweating, angry, eyes are parted
Up all night and up all day
Screaming, muttering I pray.

Should I wipe my drive again?
Reinstall OS in vain?
Cross my fingers, hope and pray
That Maschine will play some day?

Native Instruments, do tell -
Why I paid so much for hell?
Why I get no simple joy
Mashing pads on this cool toy?

Native Instruments, please HELP!
Crash, install, and crash again!
To be honest, in hind-sight,
That's not "crash" I had in mind.

I wish it was oh so simple
Hit a button, hear a cymball
Plug a cable, off I go
Making beats in orange glow.

But alas, I am despaired
My Maschine has not been spared
By the demons of OS
Microsoft to blame, I guess...

Sigh, my dear NI Maschine
Bought you stupidly, once seen
And untested, I might add...
Should have bought blue synth instead.

Anyway, my poem's done
So much vested, money gone.
Guitar Center, those bastards
Told me to just play some records

Spin CDs, or play guitar
Here's a used MIDI Fatar
Here's a Kaoss pad instead
Burry it, Maschine is dead.

I give up. I'm very sad
My Maschine could be my friend
Gary Numan, man eccentric
Once inquired, "Are friends electric?"

If the answer is a "yes"
This "friend" - unresponsive mess
Black and orange, oh so tempting
But our friendship is at ending.

I will place you on ebay
Let someone try (and complain)
Maybe Matrix, seen my ditty
Will send Audio/DJ in pitty.

Maybe I'll have better luck
With it causing cacophonic muck.
Hey Maschine - YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!
Still no answer. No "tick tock"."

ANALOG SYNTH DUAL VCO FRAC RACK MODULE

via this auction
video at the auction
and previously posted here
"Here is a Dual RED VCO on a Frac Rack American Panel. The Panel Dimension is 5.25" inches High and 6" inches wide.
The panel is 0.125" inches thick 6061 ALUMINUM. The jacks are 3.5mm type.

Wires are nicely wrapped with Aerospace grade aluminum shielding.

There are (2) Red VCO's that I was recently selling as a Kit. They have LM394 on sockets as the Dual Matched Pair. The vco's have been calibrated under a 15v Bi-polar Supply for the 1v/oct standard.

The pots are 6mm Knurled type for those that want to get there own knobs. Pot spacing is 1". There is a good amount of room to turn the dial compared to the 0.75" inch space commonly used.

here are each vco specs:
-(4)wave types: Ramp/saw/square/triangle
-(1)1v/oct CV direct input
-(1) linear FM direct input
-(1)1v/oct CV attenuated input (has knob)
-(1) pwm attenuated input (has knob)
-(1) sync input"
Update: this one sold, but another is coming per the comments below. You see all listings here.

Mods and Synth Repair by Ramiro

You can find him at the following links:
www.myspace.com/staccatodumal
www.myspace.com/opusfinis
www.myspace.com/fleshgraeydisplay
He has built the following:
"Staccato 1 mechanical gate sequencer: 16 steps x 10 channels(my baby)
Staccato A expander:- voltage multiplier/multi swith/voltage inverter/wave to pulse converter/pulse cleaner
Staccato trig box: voltage inverter (+)-(-), (-)- (+) / pulse booster
Staccato H/TV" tranposer for hz/v with trigger in for assigned channel (also has a jack to transpose main osc for eml 200)"
Update: see the vid below.

Come Hither - Opus Finis. YouTube via WIERDrecords. synth punk.
"you can see a live improvisation of Opus Finis in NY last year. nothing complex/ quick simple stuff reall... I was using the gate sequencer with the 770 and 800dv/and a jx3p for leads."

JH Son of Storm Tide Flanger

via JH:
"1V/Oct input for Physical Modelling applications. Two BBD lines, so you can choose short/long for L channel, R channel and Resonance Loop independendly. All Pass filter for appromiation of Thru-Zero-Flanging" JH website. Click the image for the full size shot.

City Skies 2009

"City Skies Electronic Music Events are held in Decatur, GA on the 2nd Saturday of each month at Kavarna in Oakhurst. The list of performers includes musicians from around the U.S. heard on Music From the Hearts of Space, Echoes, Star's End, Soma FM, StillStream, Galactic Travels, and more.

Musical styles range from ambient to downtempo chillout to Berlin school to electro-pop to space rock to experimental.

See www.cityskies.com for more details"

via Facebook

Rechner7's modded EHX Stereo Memory Man

samples and more info at navs.modular.lab

αJUNO editor1

flickr by Fading Sky
(click for more)

"Roland alpha JUNO-2 editor. Logic Pro environment. MIDI CC edit OK!."

also see this editor for the Mac.

New CGS VCS and Ringmodulator

CGS67 Active Real Ring Modulator
"The Real Ring modulator now has buffered inputs and outputs, and a pre-amp stuitable for guitar use."

CGS75 Voltage Controlled Slope
"Adapted from on the Serge DUSG, this is a general purpose version of the VCS made popular by Bananalogue. Produced under licence from Serge."

via dego on this electro-music.com thread

Blofeld Guitar Harmonics

Blofeld Guitar Harmonics by DonPetersen
"I sampled harmonics from my Framus Diablo Custom (the Duncan JB pickup in the bridge is perfect for that), loaded them with SPECTRE into the Blofeld. What you hear is one Osc, no filters. All I do is tweak the Amp Envelope."

Serge M-Class

Serge M-Class from HexEnduction on Vimeo.

"Serge M-Class modular system: Quadslope, Creature, SQP and Gator M-odules. Delay provided by 2 Malekko 600 Bright pedals. Shot on Kodak Zi6 in macro."

Crazy Ass Auction Update

The contest is almost over! The Oberheim Cyclone is currently at $80 US with just over 11 hours left. If you sent in your guess, good luck! The deadline for guesses has passed and only your votes will be considered. I will put up a new post announcing the winner tomorrow.

Desktop Juno-106

via this auction
sent in via Justin

Note the bender control.

Blo - 2 Umm-Tss

Blo - 2 Umm-Tss by DonPetersen
"blo-2-umm-tss

Waldorf Blofeld - Single Mode - no samples;
just one key - press and hold - 2 presets;
I was going for a Electribe ER-1 type sound - and I came pretty close. ;)"

Franck Vigroux - Laboratorium Intuicji - 23.V.2009, Krakow

YouTube via tomtei1. sent in via franck. "here is a video of Franck Vigroux improvising live with a kaoss pad 2" Note this one almost went up on MATRIXYSNTH-C but I thought it showcased and individual piece of gear.

video description:
"Fragment z koncertu z cyklu Laboratorium Intuicji (23.V.2009). Franck Vigroux - electronics, Rafal Drewniany - electronics, Mietek Gorka - drums, percussion, Rafal Mazur - acoustic bass guitar"

Nigerian Vespucci Modular Synthesizer

via this NY craigslist post

description:
"Hey guys, I am selling a custom Nigerian Vespucci synthesizer that was built in nigeria by Dr. Philip Emeagwali. I bought it last year from a collector in NYC. It has worked great ever since and everything is functional. It has the most unique sound I have ever heard. If you are interested you are welcome to try it before you buy."

Anyone know more about this one? If anyone checks it out, post back.

via Tim

Update via Metasonix:
"It's a Heathkit H-1 analog computer.
http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/vs-heathkit-h-1-analog-computer.html#Photo"