50th Anniversary of the Moog Modular Synthesizer - Details on the Emerson Moog Modular Clone

Published on Oct 11, 2014 Moog Music Inc

"October 12, 2014 marks the 50 Year anniversary of the unveiling of the Moog modular synthesizer at the Audio Engineering Society's (AES) New York convention. On that day in 1964, Dr. Robert Moog introduced the world to a completely new type of instrument that would go on to change the course of music history and influence decades of future instrument design. Told by a Moog engineer, Moog Historian, and Bob Moog himself, this mini-documentary explores Moog Music's quest to resurrect the original methods, materials and designs used in the foundational modular synths. Through recreating Keith Emerson's modular system, Moog Music rediscovers the power, elegance, and enduring legacy of its first instruments.

Find out more at www.moogmusic.com"

"Moog’s 1:1 Recreation of Keith Emerson’s Modular Synthesizer shown at AES ‘14

Asheville, NC, October 11, 2014 — Tomorrow, October 12, 2014, marks the 50 Year anniversary of the unveiling of the Moog modular synthesizer at the Audio Engineering Society's (AES) New York convention. On that day in 1964, Dr. Robert Moog introduced the world to a completely new type of instrument that would go on to change the course of music history and influence decades of future instrument design.

The Moog modular synthesizer was comprised of individual electronic modules, housed in a wooden frame, and it made use of voltage-control as a new way of creating powerful sounds that had never been heard before.

After its debut at AES, the scientific-looking Moog modular instrument that made extraordinary new sounds with rapid alterations and exotic tonal colors, started to gain in popularity. Musicians began to establish the Moog system as the archetype of synthesis. One of the earliest and most famous artists to adopt the new instrument was Keith Emerson, keyboardist for the innovative band Emerson Lake and Palmer. Touring the world for over forty years with this unique instrument, Emerson has made his Moog modular system the most recognizable synthesizer of all time.

The 50th Anniversary of the Moog Modular is a historical landmark for musical instrument design and popular music. In celebration of this momentous occasion, Moog Music has faithfully and painstakingly recreated Keith Emerson’s Moog modular. This new Emerson Moog Modular System (EMMS) utilizes original design material and parts to duplicate each facet of Mr. Emerson’s custom instrument down to the smallest detail. The modules in the EMMS are built exactly as the originals were in the Moog Factory in Trumansburg, NY in the 1960s: by hand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, and using traditional wiring methods. Today, Moog also released a mini-documentary featuring a Moog engineer, a Moog Historian, and Bob Moog himself, that explores Moog Music's quest to resurrect the original methods, materials and designs used in the foundational modular synths.

"It's a dream come true for us to bring back these instruments that our company is so known for, and to make them visually and sonically perfect. It's even more perfect that exactly 50 years after the first Moog synth was shown to the public, people can come to AES 2014 and experience the new Emerson Moog Modular System," said Brian Kehew, Moog’s Historian.

This towering recreation of the world's most recognizable synthesizer will be on display in Moog booth 1028 at the 137th AES convention in Los Angeles, CA through Sunday 10/12/14. It is the first time the Emerson Moog Modular System has been shown to the public since it’s unveiling at Moogfest 2014.

Of the 5 Emerson Moog Modular Systems Moog will build, only 1 remains available for sale. The price is $150,000 USD. To inquire about purchasing the last remaining Emerson Moog Modular System, contact Steve Maass at Moog Music. 828.251.0090 ext. 205 or email steve.m@moogmusic.com. Serious buyers only please."

The New Emerson Moog Modular System Is Real

Remember the April Fools post? Turns out the April Fools joke was that it's actually real.

"Moog Music Announces The New Emerson Modular System

Friday, April 25, 2014 - Moog Music unveils one of its largest engineering undertakings, the new Emerson Moog Modular System.

On the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Moog Modular, the first voltage controlled synthesizer, Moog Music is proud to honor Keith Emerson and his seminal collaboration with Bob Moog. Today, for the first time at Moogfest 2014, Moog Music reveals its three year effort faithfully recreating the iconic Emerson Moog Modular.

In the intervening 50 years since the advent of the first Moog synthesizer, people have steadily come to appreciate the power and flexibility of the early Moog modular systems. Now in 2014, 60 years after Bob Moog started his electronic musical instrument company, with great respect for the tradition, design, and craftsmanship of the original Moog modular systems, Moog Music proudly announces the recreation of arguably the most famous synthesizer in history--Keith Emerson’s Moog Modular System.

Over the last 3 years Moog Music has set out to research and build a faithful recreation of this highly complex, custom instrument. Using the original documentation as well as circuit board and art files for nearly every original Moog module, Moog Engineers have painstakingly recreated the original Emerson Modular System. The new Emerson Moog Modular System is comprised of handcrafted Moog modules built from the original circuit designs and are true recreations of the originals, utilizing the same hand assembly methods used in the Moog Music factory in Trumansburg, NY in 1969. The modules in the new Emerson Moog Modular System are built just as the originals were, by hand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, and using traditional wiring methods. Even the front panels are photo-etched aluminum (a rare process now), which is the classic and durable, look of vintage Moog modules.

Moog Music is proud to partner with Keith Emerson and salute his pioneering artistry with the announcement that Moog will build a handful of these incredible, custom handcrafted Emerson Moog Modular Systems.

To celebrate the introduction of the new Emerson Moog Modular System, Moog Music featured Emerson as a headliner at Moogfest 2014, where he played a special performance last night on Thursday, April 24th and is featuring a live discussion with Emerson today, Friday, April 25th."

A couple of pics of Keith Emerson at Moogfest with the system via John Grabowski's photostream on Flickr. (click through for more).

And via @Moogfest

"Introducing the new Emerson Moog Modular System. … pic.twitter.com/KHSP5dl5W3"

Gene Stopp pictured with the new system.  Gene is a renowned modular tech who worked on Keith's original system.  He and Brian Kehew worked closely together on the new system.  You can see them both pictured here.

Moog Music Pays Tribute to Keith Emerson

Moog Music sent the following out to subscribers of their newsletter. I thought I'd share it with those that aren't subscribed, as well as capturing it in the archives. Keith was legendary.

"Thank you, Keith Emerson

'In general, everything we've ever done has always been in collaboration with musicians... there's constant experimentation. Keith Emerson was the first guy that really, in a professional way, took a large modular system on stage and made it work.' - Bob Moog

The sudden loss of Keith Emerson, a beloved member of the Moog Family, has profoundly impacted us. We were shocked and saddened to lose our hero, friend and collaborator so soon.
Keith discovered the Moog synthesizer with his band The Nice in 1969. Shortly thereafter, he reached out to Bob Moog and acquired one of the first Moog modular synthesizers, which was built for the Museum Of Modern Art's "Jazz In The Garden" public performance. From then on, the names Emerson and Moog were entwined forever. Keith became the most-visible proponent of the synthesizer revolution, using the Moog loyally onstage for almost every show of his career. Emerson became the brightest name in the world of progressive rock music, his influence and creativity rivaled only by Jimi Hendrix. He was a masterful musician in many styles, but also a renowned showman who understood that elaborate theatrics would elevate the experience of the audience to a fever pitch. Part of his "show" was to faithfully include the monstrous wall of modules and cables that his Moog had become over the years, as it had developed an instantly recognizable sound that no other instrument could duplicate.

In 2015, nearly 45 years after the beginning, Moog and Emerson worked to create newly-built exact duplicates of Keith's legendary modular instrument. Matching his original Moog to painstaking details, the new EMMS (Emerson Moog Modular System) was the first artist signature-series Moog synthesizer. It was an honor to recognize the great contribution Keith Emerson has made to the long Moog history, and to his enormous influence felt still today on the world of synthesis.

Through his enduring friendship with Bob Moog, his pioneering use of the Moog Modular and his lifetime of creative collaborations with Moog Music, Keith's fingerprints are on the very DNA of electronic synthesized sound. We can say for certain, that our company would not be where it is today without Keith's prophetic contributions. Our hearts are broken knowing our journey together has come to a close.

Thank you, Keith. Your spirit will live on forever in those electric moments when technical brilliance and unconstrained expression collide."

Bob Moog and Keith Emerson, 1974 (photo credit: Greg Hochman)

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Moog Announces New Modular Systems for 2015 with Back to the Future Sounds Documentary

Back to the Future Sounds Published on Jan 19, 2015

"On January 19, 2015 Moog Music Inc. announced their plans to recommence a limited run manufacturing of three of their most sought after 5U large format modular synthesizers: The System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15. These three modular synthesizer systems were originally created and manufactured by Moog in 1973.

To commemorate the announcement, Moog shot a short film at their factory about the inspiring and multifaceted relationship artists have with modular synthesizers. The video features electronic music pioneers such as Suzanne Ciani, Malcolm Cecil, David Borden, Dick Hyman and Herb Deutsch alongside performances on the new Moog modular systems by Holy Ghost! (DFA Records), Gavin Russom (ECSTATIC/Entropy Trax), Max Ravitz AKA Patricia (L.I.E.S./Opal Tapes/ Spectral Sound), Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (Western Vinyl), Jacques Greene (Vase/LuckyMe) and M. Geddes Gengras (Stones Throw/Leaving). Each artist played a patch on one or more of the new Moog modular synthesizers recorded in one take with no overdubs."

Suzanne Ciani | System 55

Published on Jan 19, 2015

"In this video, electronic music and sound design pioneer Suzanne Ciani explores the Moog modular System 55 for the first time in decades. Ciani came to the Moog factory in Asheville, NC to play the first System 55 newly handcrafted by Moog in over thirty years. The patch, created and performed live, was shot in one take and features a sequence designed on the 960 Sequential Controller that's driving three 921B oscillators into a 904B High Pass filter whose cutoff is being modulated by a 921 oscillator. A second set of 921B oscillators is also being played manually into a 904A Low Pass filter whose cutoff knob is also being modulated by the 921 oscillator. The resulting sound of each is then sent through its own dedicated MF-104M analog delay for ambience. The audio has been captured directly with no eq, compression, or editing applied."

And the press release:

"ASHEVILLE, NC – January 19, 2015 — January 19, 2014 Asheville, NC: 50 years ago, at its first introduction, the Moog modular synthesizer represented as radical a transition as Kandinski’s abstracts or Kodak’s cameras – offering both a break from yesterday and a startling glimpse of tomorrow. And, as with all cultural explosions, the impact of Dr. Bob Moog’s invention was impossible to evaluate from the epicenter. It’s only now, 50 years down the line that we can get some measure of the importance, and the sheer untapped potentiality of the Moog Modular Synthesizer.

Today, it is with great excitement that Moog Music Inc. announces their plans to re-commence the limited run manufacturing of three of their most sought after 5U large format modular synthesizers: The System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15. These three modular synthesizer systems were originally created and manufactured by Moog in 1973.

To commemorate the announcement, Moog shot a short film at their factory about the inspiring and multifaceted relationship artists have with modular synthesizers. The video features electronic music pioneers such as Suzanne Ciani, Malcolm Cecil, David Borden, Dick Hyman and Herb Deutsch alongside performances by contemporary modular artists like Holy Ghost! (DFA), Gavin Russom (ECSTATIC/Entropy Trax), Max Ravitz AKA Patricia (L.I.E.S./Spectral Sound/Opal Tapes), Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (Western Vinyl), Jacques Greene (Vase/LuckyMe) and M. Geddes Gengras (Stones Throw). Each artist played a patch live, in one take, with no overdubs on one or more of the new Moog Modular systems.

The foundation for this announcement was laid last year at Moogfest 2014, when Moog released the Emerson Moog Modular system – a faithful recreation of Keith Emerson’s legendary modular instrument, which was the culmination of three years worth of research and engineering. Now Moog will use the techniques learned recreating the EMMS manufacturing process to once again build these modular systems. Crucially, in deference to the unique character and appeal of the original instruments, these systems will be made entirely to their original product specifications and manufacturing techniques and processes.

Working from the 1970s schematics, the System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15 will be meticulously handcrafted, as a true recreation of the original. The modules are built from the original circuit board films - just as they were in 1973- by hand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, and using traditional wiring methods. The front panels are photo-etched aluminum, a classic process rarely still used in today’s synthesizer manufacturing, to maintain the classic and durable look of vintage Moog modules.

Upon their first release in 1973, the System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15 represented a high watermark for modular synthesis, and their inimitable tones can be heard shaping many much-loved albums. They were fundamental in the development of contemporary soul, RnB, and disco from giving Stevie Wonder’s classic run of 70s LPs their questing, innovative edge, to providing Giorgio Moroder with the pulsating machine melodies that ushered in electronic dance. At the same time, these were the instruments that inspired Brian Eno to push further out into seas of layered tranquillity on his pioneering ambient albums, or provoked bands like Yes and Tangerine Dream to blast their sonic freak outs into the cosmos.

However, the reintroduction of these instruments is not about reliving the past – while much incredible work has been done with the Moog Modular, there is so much further yet to be explored in this relatively young instrument. Artists had only begun to grasp the vast possibilities of these large format modular synthesizers when they went out of production over thirty years ago. Decades of electronic experimentation have enabled musicians to move on from viewing the Moog Modular as a replacement for traditional instrumentation. Now a new generation of artists, with a greater understanding and more complex tools, will have the opportunity to explore the power of these singular sonic machines. Today, the modular synthesizer is viewed in the manner Bob Moog originally intended: to “discover endless offbeat, unconventional, and even irrational ways of working.”

The dedicated nature of the Moog modular rebuilding process is such that the units will come in extremely limited quantities. There will be 55 units of the System 55, priced at $35,000 per instrument; 35 of units of the System 35, priced at $22,000 per instrument; and 150 units of the Model 15, priced at $10,000 per instrument.

Alongside these Moog Modular Systems will be the Sequencer Complement B Expansion Cabinet, a dual 960 Sequential Controller, an accompaniment to the System 35 and System 55, that has been out of production for over 30 years– as well as an optional 5-Octave duo phonic keyboard."

http://www.moogmusic.com/content/moog-modular-synthesizers

Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog Exibition Updates

"Exhibition features Keith Emerson's Legendary “Monster Moog” Modular Synthesizer through October 18th, 2009

CARSLBAD, CA/ASHEVILLE, NC – The Museum of Making Music (Carlsbad, CA), in partnership with the Bob Moog Foundation, has opened Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog exhibition, to run through April 30, 2010. The exhibit is the first of its kind, marking the first public display of the artifacts from Bob Moog’s archives and an examination of the impact of his work on the world of music.

MONSTER MOOG INSTALLATION
On August 30th, Keith Emerson's (Emerson, Lake and Palmer, The Nice) mammoth “Monster Moog” modular synthesizer was added to the exhibit after it was featured the previous evening in a musical celebration of the exhibit opening by Emerson and Erik Norlander. Emerson used this remarkable instrument on numerous recordings over the past 40 years, including his solo in “Lucky Man” (1969), possibly the most popular synth solo in history. He also used the synthesizer on countless world tours and is generally credited with pioneering the use of the Moog modular as a touring musician.

The “Monster Moog” began as a modest system, but grew over time as Emerson
requested that Moog create custom additions for his touring instrument, including extra modules, custom sample-and-hold, and several pre-sets, an innovative addition for that time. The synthesizer grew into a massive cabinet of five sections and over 75 modules. It stands more than four feet above its special base – almost 8 feet high. Its sound is noticeably clearer and stronger than any other keyboard Emerson plays – it is an instrument of significance and legend, and arguably the most famous synthesizer of all time.

Bob Moog and Keith Emerson enjoyed a special relationship of toolmaker and musician that grew in to a lifelong friendship. Moog is noted for listening to musician's needs and technical specifications which he then used to improve his instruments: This dynamic is explored throughout the Waves exhibit.

KEITH EMERSON

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Keith Emerson Has Passed Away

It has come to my attention that Keith Emerson passed away yesterday in Santa Monica, CA. We all know who he is and his influence in the world of synthesizers. Below are just a handful of videos including Bob Moog introducing Keith Emerson and his mighty Moog modular, Keith going over the system back in 1993, the introduction of Keith's 50th Anniversary Moog Modular reissued by Moog Music, Fanfare for the Common Man featuring the mighty Yamaha GX1, and finally the classic Lucky Man.

Few musicians will have the impact Keith Emerson has in our world of synthesizers. He will be sorely missed.

Pictured left: Emerson performing in Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 2008 (via Wikipedia).

Update: tributes from Moog Music and The Bob Moog Foundation:

Moog Music Pays Tribute to Keith Emerson

A Tribute to Keith Emerson from The Bob Moog Foundation


Keith Emerson at Moogfest in NYC Uploaded on Aug 21, 2007 highbiashiphop

Keith Emerson xplains his Moog Modular and synths rig in ELP 1993 tour.

Uploaded on Apr 19, 2010

"Keith Emerson talks about his giant Moog Modular synth and keyboards rig during the Emerson, Lake & Palmer worldwide 1993/94 tour, here in NYC."

50th Anniversary of the Moog Modular Synthesizer

Published on Oct 11, 2014 Moog Music Inc

Fanfare for the Common Man - Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Olympic Stadium Montreal)

Uploaded on Jan 29, 2012

"IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The music, video and images remain copyright of their respective owners and are strictly used here on YouTube for educational reasons as well as for the artists' promotional purposes only!"


Uploaded on Dec 18, 2007 ProgRockSongs

"Artist: Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Song: Lucky man
Album: Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970)

Keyboards: Keith Emerson
Bass: Greg Lake
Drums: Carl Palmer"

Emerson Modular System & More Coming to Gearfest 2017 This Weekend

via Moog Music:

"This weekend, Moog Music travels to Fort Wayne, Indiana for Gearfest 2017: two days of hands-on music technology demonstrations, workshops from top engineers and artists, amazing musical performances and exclusive on-site deals.

Visit us at Gearfest to see the Emerson Moog Modular System, watch a live build of a limited-edition instrument and explore the outdoor 'synth garden'...

In the summer of 1970, Moog Music shipped a model I-CA synthesizer to Keith Emerson. Over the course of many years, Emerson collaborated with Bob Moog on the commission of dozens of custom modules to complete his megalithic Moog. Using original documentation, circuit board and art files, Moog engineers spent three years rebuilding Keith Emerson's legendary Moog Modular system. Each module is hand-stuffed and hand-soldered using the original parts and processes of the 1970s. We will be demonstrating the Emerson Moog Modular System on the Crescendo Stage at Gearfest 2017 and the final E.M.M.S. (only 2 others exist in the world, excluding Keith's original) will be available for purchase exclusively through Sweetwater."

"Experience Production of a Limited-Edition Instrument

Analog production moves from Asheville, NC to Fort Wayne, IN as we build a limited-edition instrument live at Gearfest 2017. Visit the Moog Pop-Up Factory at the Crescendo Stage to discover the details of the build and experience hands-on instrument production. All instruments built during Gearfest will be available for purchase on-site or exclusively through Sweetwater.com."

"Visit the Outdoor Synth Garden

In addition to the Moog Pop-Up Factory and the Emerson Moog Modular System on display at the indoor Crescendo Stage, you can also enjoy refreshments with the Moog crew and walk in the cool grass of our outdoor "synth garden" located at Booth C4 in the Electronic Music Production Tent."

Moog Recreates Keith Emerson's Monster Moog

"The Synthesizer Genome Project: Moog Reverse Engineers the World's Most Famous Keyboard

Moog Creates a 1:1 Recreation of Keith Emerson's Moog Modular, Using Original Processes and Components

ASHEVILLE, NC – April 1, 2014 – Today, Moog Music announced that over the last three years, its dedicated engineering team has painstakingly reverse engineered and built a 1:1 recreation of the world's most famous keyboard: Keith Emerson's Moog Modular, using original processes and components. When it was created in 1970, the original Emerson Modular included the following:

81 total modules / custom panels

12 unique, custom built modules including: sample and hold, preset programmer, custom LFO's and DRONE VCO Control

Two custom modded modules: 903 Noise Source and 905 Reverb

First synthesizer with performance presets

Shoots rockets

The Emerson System, by Moog Custom Engineering, is to be released later this month and is based on the original Emerson Modular. The Emerson System will include the following:

Every standard module printed from original circuit board films

Original/vintage and NOS (new old stock) components sourced from around the world

All face places are reproduced using original transparencies and techniques

Each module is hand build and soldered with original schematics and service manuals as guides

No longer shoots rockets

More information on the Emerson System, including pricing and availability, will be announced shortly."

Top pic:

EMERSON MODULAR - (b. 1970)

- 81 total modules/custom panels

- 12 unique, custom built modules including: sample and hold, preset programmer, custom LFO's and DRONE VCO Control

- Two custom modded modules: 903 Noise Source and 905 Reverb

- First synthesizer with performance presets

- Shoots rockets

Bottom:

EMERSON SYSTEM
by Moog Custom Engineering - (b. 2014)

- Every standard module printed from original circuit board films

- Original/Vintage and NOS (new old stock) components sourced from around the world

- All face plates reproduced using original transparencies and techniques

- Each module hand built and soldered with original schematics and service manuals as guides

- No longer shoots rockets"

Rare Vintage Moog System 55 & LHC Modular Controller

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

This one is in via a supporting member of the site. You can find the Moog System 55 listed here, and the left hand controller listed here.

Details on each follow:

"Vintage Moog 55 Modular Synthesizer - now being sold separately from the LHC at a ***hugely reduced price*** - seriously tempting for an original machine with known provenance. An all original vintage Moog 55 Modular Synthesizer. (Note: The incredibly rare factory-custom-made LHC “Left Hand Controller” 3 wheel box has been moved to a separate listing) . This is a complete Vintage Moog 55 Modular Synthesizer that was special ordered directly from Moog in 1979 and delivered to the original owner in 1980. The modules inside show they were assembled between 1974-1980. There have only been 3 owners of this 55... we are all good friends and have worked with many of the same recording artists in LA. This modular sounds amazing and huge! There are several advantages to the Vintage Modular Moog including holding its value, and appreciating over time. This 55 was serviced and restored a few years ago (around ‘09) by Keith Emerson’s Moog tech. Every detail was checked and tested including (fresh keyboard bushings/quiet) etc. It’s in very good shape inside and out. Sequencer is perfect. Has original back-panel perforated boards too. Front panels look great. Maybe 5 small scratches, mainly near screws. Cabinet overall very good: Minor wear. Top cabinet has corner chip around the back. I just tested every module this week and they are all good and sound great. It will leave here all working. Should be ready to play and record, but, since it has sat unused recently, you may wish to exercise the pots and use a jack burnisher here and there. This has a nice switchable power supply for use worldwide. System 55 Modules 5 x 902 Voltage-Controlled Amplifiers 1 x 903A Random Signal Generator 1 x 904A Voltage-Controlled Low-Pass Filter 1 x 904B Voltage-Controlled High-Pass Filter 5 x 911 Envelope Generators 1 x 911A Dual Trigger Delay 1 x 914 Fixed Filter Bank 1 x 921 Voltage-Controlled Oscillator 2 x 921A Oscillator Drivers 6 x 921B Oscillators 1 x 960 Sequential Controller 1 x 961 Interface 1 x 962 Sequential Switch 1 x 992 Control Voltage Panel 1 x 993 Trigger and Envelope Voltages Panel 1 x 994 Dual Multiples Panel 1 x 995 Attenuator 1 x CP2 Console Panel 3 x CP3A Console Panels 1 x CP8 Console Panel 1 x 350 Watt 120 VAC or 230 VAC Switch Selectable Power Supply"


"Ultra RARE Factory Custom Original Moog LHC. Left Hand Controller / 3 pitch-wheel box for Moog Modular. Likely only 2 made. The original owner custom ordered a Moog Modular 55 back in 1979. He asked the Moog company directly to custom-make this for him. They delivered it in 1980. It plugs into the back “accessory port” with a multi-pin connector. It can “normal” to most of the modular, and using switches and a patch or two, quickly set up the wheels for pitch-bends, vibrato, filter sweeps, volume swells, etc. It is a joy to use, works great, and really helps make the performance expressive. One other Moog Modular LHC was made for a famous Jazz artist, that is a friend of the original owner. It was told to me, by him, that there may have only been two of these made. This seems likely, since his was also one of the last modulars made during the original period (see other listing) and modular production stopped roughly a year later. There have only been 3 owners of the vintage Moog Modular 55 that this was custom made for (and that is listed separately today). We are all good friends and have worked with many of the same recording artists. I have never seen another... Nor has any other expert that has seen it! The original serial number and Moog “Custom LHC” tag is still attached to the bottom of the unit. Looks great, works great, highly collectible."

Moog Receives Outstanding Technical Achievement Award at 31st Annual TEC Awards

"Moog Receives Outstanding Technical Achievement Award for its Modular Recreation at 31st Annual TEC Awards

Anaheim, Calif. – February 3, 2016 – Moog Music announced that it has won an award for Outstanding Technical Achievement from the NAMM Foundation for its faithful recreation of the Model 15, System 35 and System 55 modular synthesizers. Moog Music CEO and President Mike Adams was on hand to accept the award, which was presented in the Musical Instrument Hardware category at a special recognition ceremony on January 23rd during the 2016 NAMM show.

'It is an immense honor to be recognized with a TEC award for the Modular Recreation,' said Adams. 'The award is a testament to the genius of Bob Moog’s original designs created over 40 years ago, and the hard work our team at Moog Music has put into faithfully recreating these classic instruments.'

Presented by the NAMM Foundation, the TEC Awards celebrate the best in professional audio technology and sound production. TEC award recipients are selected by a panel of respected industry professionals from the audio and creative disciplines. In addition to its win for the Modular Recreation, Moog Music was also nominated in the Musical Instrument Amplification & Effects category for its MF-Chorus and MF-Flange Minifooger analog effects pedals.

Modular Recreation
Following its recreation of the Emerson Moog Modular system last year, Moog began handcrafting three more modular systems starting in January 2015. These Modular Recreations include the System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15 analog synthesizers. Each system matches the original product specifications, manufacturing techniques and processes from the 1970s. Every module is built just as they were in 1973 - by hand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, and using traditional wiring methods. Even the front panels are photo-etched aluminum, a classic process rarely used today, to maintain the classic and durable look of vintage Moog modules.

For more information on Moog's modular synthesizers, please visit http://www.moogmusic.com/products/modulars/.

About Moog Music:
Moog Music synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments are designed and lovingly handcrafted in the Moog factory in downtown Asheville, N.C. Moog Music and its customers carry on the legacy of Dr. Robert Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer and Founder of Moog Music Inc."

Happy Birthday Keith Emerson!

Today is Keith Emerson's birthday!

He, along with Wendy Carlos, are two of the most important musicians in the world of synthesizers. They are both credited with introducing the use of synthesizers in mainstream music. Wendy brought synthesizers to classical music, and Keith brought synthesizers to band based Rock 'n' Roll. They were the first to bring synthesizers from the realm of the experimental, musique concrete, and educational applications to the main stream.

Keith Emerson's Moog modular is iconic. Not only does Keith still perform with it, but it inspired Moog Music to re-issue the awe inspiring monolith.

Thank you Keith, and Happy Birthday!!!

Left: Keith in St. Petersburg, Russia 2008 via wikipedia.

Below: Keith back in the day via @moogfest.

via wikipedia: "Emerson first heard a Moog when a record shop owner played Switched-On Bach for him. Emerson said: 'My God that's incredible, what is that played on?' The owner then showed him the album cover. So I said, 'What is that?' And he said, 'That's the Moog synthesizer.' My first impression was that it looked a bit like electronic skiffle.'[8]

Without one of his own, Emerson borrowed Mike Vickers' Moog for an upcoming The Nice concert at the Royal Festival Hall, London with the Royal Philharmonic. Mike helped patch the Moog and the concert was a great success. Emerson's performance of Also sprach Zarathustra from the recently released 2001: A Space Odyssey was a show stopper. Emerson: 'I thought this was great. I've got to have one of these.'[8]

With ELP's record deal with Atlantic came funds to buy the Moog. Keith: 'It cost a lot of money and it arrived and I excitedly got it out of the box stuck it on the table and thought, 'Wow That's Great! a Moog synthesizer [pause] How do you switch it on?...There were all these leads and stuff, there was no instruction manual.' Mike Vickers came through by patching it to produce six sounds and those six sounds became the foundation of ELP's sound.[8]

In 1969, Emerson incorporated the Moog modular synthesiser into his battery of keyboards. While other artists such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones had used the Moog in studio recordings, Emerson was the first artist to tour with one. Emerson's use of the Moog was so important to the development of new models that he was given prototypes, such as the Constellation he took on one tour[8] and the Apollo, which had its debut on the opening track of Brain Salad Surgery, 'Jerusalem.'"

Prototype Controller from Bob Moog

via the Bob Moog Foundation blog on the upcoming Museum Exhibit, Waves of Inspiration. The Legacy of Moog. See the link for more. Keith Emerson will be performing.

"The exhibit will also include many artifacts from other private collections including the Moog Modular prototype previously owned by Herb Deutsch, a full Moog Modular IIIC and a working and extremely rare Eaton-Moog Multi-Touch Sensitive Keyboard loaned by avant garde opera composer John Eaton. Of particular note, Keith Emerson’s (Emerson, Lake and Palmer) custom built “Monster Moog” synthesizer will be displayed for the first month of the exhibition along with notes and schematics from Bob’s archives regarding the instrument." Note I gave this post the DIY label, just to make the point that it all starts with DIY. Click on the image.

Update: the following official newsletter came in from the Bob Moog Foundation on the event. I thought I would capture it here for the archives.

Keith Emerson to Perform at Opening of Moog Archives Exhibit
Synth legend Emerson and Erik Norlander will both perform at the Museum of Making Music to celebrate the opening of the first exhibit of Moog Archives!

Who: The Bob Moog Foundation & The Museum of Making Music
What: Waves of Inspiration. The Legacy of Moog. An exhibit, interactive engagement and opening weekend of performances including Keith Emerson and Erik Norlander.
When: August 28-30, 2009
Where: The Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad, CA

Interested in purchasing a ticket? Email to request details.

Visit our blog for details on the exhibit and "sneak preview" pictures of Bob Moog's archives, including a schematic drawing Bob drafted for Emerson's "Master Module".

See the pictures.

The Museum of Making Music, a division of the NAMM Foundation, is a small museum located 35 miles north of San Diego. The museum is dedicated to the exploration of the multifaceted history of the American music products industry from its beginnings in the 1890s to today. The Bob Moog Foundation has been planning this exhibit over a year and a half ago with the museum’s Executive Director, Carolyn Grant and Curator, Tatiana Sezinenko. Moog historian Brian Kehew has been involved as the consultant for the exhibit and is responsible for introducing the two parties at Winter NAMM 2008.

Here at the Foundation we regard Bob’s archives as a fascinating testament to history, innovation, and a lifetime of perseverance. Since retrieving the archives from unstable storage conditions in January of 2006, we have worked to preserve and protect this priceless collection that traces the 50 year career of a dedicated pioneer. With this exhibit, we are delighted to be sharing an extensive part of the archives with the public for the first time.

A special thanks to Carolyn Grant and Tatiana Sezinenko for their generous energy and thoughtful attention to telling a rich, fascinating story with an emphasis on accurately portraying Bob Moog as the toolmaker he so often described himself to be while giving careful consideration to the many people who make up the Moog Legacy. Thanks also to Brian Kehew who has worked (and will be working over the next six weeks!) tirelessly to help bring this exhibit to fruition. Finally, our deepest thanks to Douglas Babb, who made the trek from Indiana to North Carolina five times (on his own dime) to help us sort out and understand Bob’s archives.

We encourage all of you who are in the San Diego area to attend this unique exhibit. It will be an excellent opportunity to share in the life and work of Bob Moog – and for all you gearheads out there, it will be a chance to see many rare, if not one-of-a-kind pieces. Come share in the legacy that continues to inspire!

Continue to check our blog and the museum’s website for updates.

The Bob Moog Foundation
Make Waves by donating to the Bob Moog Foundation"

Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog Museum Exhibit

"Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog Museum Exhibit Features Electronic Music Pioneer's Archives for the First Time

Carlsbad, CA/Asheville, NC – The Museum of Making Music and The Bob Moog Foundation announce Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog exhibition to run from August 29, 2009 – April 30, 2010 at the Museum’s facilities in Carlsbad, California. The exhibit is the first of its kind, marking the first public display of the artifacts from Bob Moog’s archives.

Bob Moog (1934-2005) was a pioneer in the field of electronic music, inventing the Moog synthesizer in 1964. His invention made synthesis accessible to musicians for the first time and in doing so provided them with new realms of sonic expression. The instrument revolutionized the face of music and was used by such early synthesists as Wendy Carlos, Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Jan Hammer, and more.

“The Moog synthesizer defined the sounds of progressive rock and was regarded as the best sound in synthesizers. ” – Keith Emerson(Emerson, Lake and Palmer)

The Moog synthesizer is widely used today in almost every genre of music and continues to be coveted for its rich, warm analog sound and high level of expressiveness.

“Bob Moog was one of the great visionaries of our time. His ideas far transcend just music, and to this day continue to have impact on everything from rock to rap to quantum physics” – Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins)

Moog's career spanned over 50 years and his work left an indelible impact on music, musicians and music-lovers alike. Bob Moog's unique legacy is one of expanding musical expression through innovation and inspiring musicians to explore the boundaries of sonic reality. Tens of thousands of musicians worldwide were, and continue to be, inspired by Moog's work, and the sonic palette it provides.

Bob Moog was awarded two GRAMMYs for his work: the NARAS Trustee's Award in 1970 and Award for Technical Achievement in 2002. He also won the Polar Music prize in 2001 from the King of Sweden and numerous other awards that recognized his contributions.

The exhibition, which highlights the inventor's career and the impact that it had on the world of music, will feature rare vintage synthesizers and other related Moog instruments and memorabilia from the Bob Moog Archives and from various private collections. A custom video presentation created by Moog historian and exhibit consultant Brian Kehew will form a central part of the exhibit. The exhibit will explore the numerous musicians, engineers and colleagues who played a vital role in the evolution of the Moog sound and the relationship between and the inventor/toolmaker and the musician, as well as the genesis of a variety of musical interfaces.

The instruments featured in the exhibit will trace the history of Moog’s work. The exhibit begins with vintage theremins and a prototype of the first modular synthesizer which originally belonged to Herb Deutsch, an experimental music composer from Long Island whose 1963 meeting with Dr. Bob Moog would help define the synthesizer as a musical instrument, and set a course for the future of electronic music. Other excellent examples of modular instruments from the late 1960s and early 1970s will be on exhibit, most notably Keith Emerson’s famous “Monster Moog” will be featured for the first time as a part of the museum display.

The exhibition will highlight and explore crucial steps that were taken in the advancement of the Moog synthesizer during the years following the development of the modular system. The display will showcase a sequence of models that led to the emergence of more compact instruments, such as the Minimoog. The main impetus behind this tremendous work was Moog’s vision to create a portable electronic music studio on which musicians could compose and perform.

The opening weekend (August 29 -31) will kick off with a launch of the Moog exhibition featuring an intimate musical performances by Keith Emerson and Erik Norlander and talks by Larry Fast and Brian Kehew.

Tickets for the opening weekend events can be purchased on the Museum's website beginning August 3, 2009. The Museum is planning an array of exciting programming throughout the seven month exhibition with panel discussions featuring people who collaborated with Moog throughout his lifetime, and concerts featuring top synthesists. The ultimate goal of this exhibition and its programs is to highlight Moog's career while celebrating synthesis as a whole.

This exhibition is funded in part by The Norris Foundation.

-------------

The Museum of Making Music is a division of the NAMM Foundation.

Founded in 1998 under NAMM’s organizational umbrella and with its sponsorship, the Museum of Making Music explores the multifaceted history of the American music products industry from its beginnings in the 1890s to today. Housed at NAMM Headquarters in Carlsbad, California (north San Diego county), the Museum tells stories of hard work, challenge, inspiration and pioneering innovation, and reveals the profound relationship between the industry, popular music, and global culture. For more information see www.museumofmakingmusic.org.

The Bob Moog Foundation is a non-profit organization founded upon Moog's passing in August 2005. The mission of the foundation is to educate and inspire children and adults through the power and possibilities of electronic music and through the intersection of science, music and innovation. The foundation has three main projects: preserving and protecting Bob Moog's archives, creating a Student Outreach Program that brings electronic music into the schools, and its hallmark project, the creation of a Moogseum in Asheville, NC, for which it was recently awarded a $600,000 lead grant by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. The Moogseum is planned to open late 2012.

For more information see www.moogfoundation.org."

Moog Emerson Modular Synthesizer System Review

Published on Jul 20, 2017 SweetwaterSound

"Daniel Fisher, Sweetwater’s maven of modular madness, gives a quick run-through of the Emerson Moog Modular synthesizer. Sweetwater is proud to be chosen to sell the final unit (third of three) that Moog Music will build of this historic synthesizer.

Because it was built using only ’60s-era technology and techniques, the Emerson Moog Modular doesn’t ring out with crystal-clear digital perfection. Subtle distortions and noise of every kind assault every note, and that is the secret of the clone’s success."

Erik Norlander and Galactic Collective Help Celebrate Bob Moog's Birthday

You saw the videos posted here and here, as well as the announcement here and the rare Moog Apollo prototype & modular system.  The following are some official pics of the event and the press release from The Bob Moog Foundation.

"Asheville, NC - May 2014... Synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog's upcoming 80th birthday was commemorated in grand fashion on May 8th with a "Tribute to Dr. Bob" concert by virtuoso synthesist Erik Norlander and his band The Galactic Collective to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation.

The concert, held at Asheville's Isis Music Hall, featured Norlander, accompanied by bandmates Jeff Kollman on guitar, Mark Matthews on bass, and Nick Le Par on drums. Norlander's onstage rig included three very special, fully restored vintage synthesizers from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, including a 1967 Moog modular, an early Minimoog Model D, and an extremely rare Moog Apollo.

"The convergence of the Moog modular, the Minimoog, and the Moog Apollo in one performance is nearly unprecedented," notes Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation. "Not since Keith Emerson toured with a prototype Apollo in the early '70s have they been heard together in live performance, making this "Tribute to Dr. Bob" concert a truly historic occasion."

The 1967 R. A. Moog Co. modular is an iconic synthesizer on permanent loan from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It was built for the first electronic music studio in the state, and hand delivered by Bob Moog.

The 1973 Minimoog was donated to the Foundation by Asheville composer and arranger Tom Coppola, who used it to record the signature three-note "Duracell sound", among many other commercial and musical applications. The Minimoog was the first mass-produced commercially available synthesizer that the working musician could afford. It is considered by many to be the most iconic synthesizer of all times.

Norlander used the Foundation's Minimoog and modular for giant bass sweeps and drones, adding weight and atmosphere to his tracks, "Arrival," "Sky Full of Stars" and "The Dark Water."

The priceless Moog Apollo is one of the few of its kind in the world. This 1973 instrument, newly and fully restored by the Bob Moog Foundation, served as a prototype for the production model Polymoog. The Apollo is one of the earliest polyphonic synths, synthesizers that could play more than one note at a time.

Norlander brought the Apollo alive in a stunning solo during his signature piece, "Dreamcurrents," using the harpsichord program to conjure the early days of polysynth performance art with classic, vintage tones. He reprised the harpsichord again in the waltz section of "After the Revolution," normally played on acoustic piano. Norlander later employed famous "Vox Humana" program in his bombastic choral opening of "Neurosaur" and used the Apollo soft analog brass sound for his gentler introductory theme on "Fanfare for Absent Friends."

"Bob Moog brought a new voice to the musical landscape, and our musical vernacular would be very different without his enduring contribution," Norlander remarked. "The name 'Moog' is synonymous with art, science and innovation, and as a keyboardist and synthesist, I can think of no greater tribute than using Bob's timeless inventions as the core instruments in my own craft."

Drew Heller, guitarist for the African fusion band Toubab Krewe, opened the show for the Galactic Collective, joined by his father, Grammy award winning producer/composer Steven Heller. Bob Moog had a close musical relationship with Toubab Krewe; Steven Heller was long-time friend and musical collaborator. Their acoustic set was marked by stories about Moog's generosity, fearless pursuit of the unknown, and his sense of humor."

A Tribute to Keith Emerson from The Bob Moog Foundation

A Tribute: Thank you, Keith Emerson

Published on Mar 15, 2016 moogfoundation

Be sure to read Michelle Moog-Koussa's tribute to Keith as well.

"Keith Noel Emerson (November 2, 1944 - March 10, 2016). Remembered with the highest respect and gratitude for his formidable musicianship and his unparalleled contributions to bringing modular synthesis to the fore of rock music, a combination that changed the sonic landscape.

Rare archival photos by Mark Hockman, courtesy of the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.

'Close to Home', written and performed by Keith Emerson, available on iTunes."

via Michelle's tribute:

"And herein lies the weight of writing about Keith Emerson’s passing. My connection to him, our connection, is multifaceted, rooted in his musical relationship to my father and in my personal and professional bond to my father and his powerful legacy. When asked on several occasions by interviewers if my father were a musician, he would firmly reply no, that he was a toolmaker, and “I make tools for musicians.” This was an inherent acknowledgement that his technological creations were but silent machines unless musicians released their vast capabilities to the listener. The best musicians, starting with experimental jazz composer Herb Deutsch, astonished him with their pioneering efforts to weave early modular synthesizers into their music. Although Wendy Carlos was the first to bring the vastly expressive but technically complex Moog modular synthesizer to the popular consciousness (thanks to her musical prowess and painstaking technical achievements), it was Keith Emerson who dared to not only perform live with the instrument in front of tens of thousands of people each night, but to do so while using it as a featured voice. Keith pioneered the use of the Moog modular in a live rock context while fearlessly bringing it and other electronic keyboards to the fore of the genre."

MOOG SYSTEM 55 MODULAR for Sale

via this auction

Tons of pics at the auction, including the inside.

Update1 via 3P in the comments: "That's not a stock 55--the FFB should be a 914, not a 907. Some other modules are out of place as well."

Update2 via eben in the comments: "it looks like this has been relisted [link], and is $15000 at the moment. it appears to be kieth emmerson's 'spare' modular system! also i just noticed they have used my picture of ms peel in the auction... "

Update3: Correction via the auction: "This particular 55 was purchased from Will Alexander, the famous (Keith Emerson's) synth tech."

Some details from the new listing: "For your consideration is this 1976 Moog System 55 modular synthesizer. This complete unit (every module and keyboard) recently underwent an extensive $7,000+ service, and has been used less than 2 hours since. This particular 55 was owned by Keith Emerson, and was acquired from his good friend and personal synth tech, who has worked with Emerson both on the road and in the studio for over 30 years.

List of Modules :
1) 921 VCO (12/9/76, 12/10/76, 12/23/76)
2) 907 Fixed Filter Bank (RA Moog, '69)
3) 904-A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter (RA Moog, 08/01/70)
4) 992 Control Voltages (09/14/77, 09/23/77)
5) 911 Envelope Generator (10/13/76, 10/16/76)
6) 902 Voltage Controlled Generator (01/17/77, 01/17/77)
7) 911 Envelope Generator (10/14/76)
8) 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (06/13/69)
9) 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (01/14/77, 01/17/77)
10) 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (11/11/76, 11/22/76)
11) 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (11/12/76)
12) 993 Trigger and Envelope Voltages (06/22/77)
13) 911 Envelope Generator (10/09/74, 10/10/74, 12/27/74)
14) 911A Dual Trigger Delay (06/21/77, 06/22/77)
15) 911 Envelope Generator (10/14/76)
16) 911 Envelope Generator (01/07/77, 01/12/77)
17) 921A Oscillator Drive (01/03/77, 01/06/77, 01/06/77)
18) 921B Oscillator (01/14/77, 01/21/77, 02/03/77)
19) 921B Oscillator (12/27/76, 12/28/76, 12/28/76)
20) 921B Oscillator (01/13/77, 01/17/77, 01/18/77)
21) 921A Oscillator (11/16/73, 11/17/73, 12/5/73)
22) 921B Oscillator (11/21/73, 12/06/73, 12/13/73)
23) 921B Oscillator (01/14/77, 01/18/77, 01/19/77)
24) 904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter (09/10/76)
25) 903A Random Signal Generator (10/04/76)
26) 994 Multiples (Difficult to read test production/test dates)
27) 960 Sequential Controller (03/23/77, 04/30/77, 11/17/77)
28) 962 Sequential Switch (07/22/77, 08/30/77)
29) 930 Power Supply (--/--/76)
30) 995 Attenuators (no tag)
31) CP2
32) CP8A
33) 961CP Interface
34) CP3A
35) CP3A (with locking pot mod)
36) CP3A (with locking pot mod)
37) Blank Moog Panel
38) 950 Keyboard Controller (RA Moog, 07/06/68)

The reason for some modules being RA Moog, some being from '73, and others dating from '76-'77, is because as Emerson would service his monster Moog's modules one at a time, he would swap between units. Although at one point this was an intact '76/'77 System, it has since been serviced and repaired, as Emerson's demanding touring schedule dictated.

The auction includes both original cabinets, (although the smaller top cabinet is in rough shape due to tour abuse), a reissue 22-space top cabinet, a reissue keyboard garage/stand, an original 950 RA Moog controller, and a variety of cables. Everything one needs to fully use this synth will be included.

As explained, this synth works perfectly and sounds amazing. We encourage local interest to come view, inspect, and hear the unit in person."

Update3: It looks like this may not be Keith Emerson's after all. The following is via an email from "Keith Emerson Business Office" forwarded to me by Michelle Moog-Koussa of the Bob Moog Foundation.

"Dear All,

Please post/forward this everywhere. Keith does not wish anyone to fall victim of fraud, especially for $15100 or potentially much more.

This item sold on ebay is claimed to have been owned by Keith Emerson.
It is either
1) constructed with stolen parts, or
2) complete misrepresentation (It was never owned by Keith).

Keith does own a small back-up unit that is supposed to be in a storage unit, but it looks nothing like the photos on this page. He has NEVER sold or given any MOOG units to anyone.

Keith asked the seller to disclose the name of the person who sold it to him, but he refused to disclose the info. (Keith has a very good idea who that is, and I'm sure you do too)

Keith requested the seller to remove the listing, and has reported the fraudulent listing to eBay."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Happy New Year From MATRIXSYNTH! - A Look Back at 2014

Happy New Year everyone!

I want to start by thanking everyone that comes to MATRIXSYNTH and helps make it what it is - the readers, the supporters, and of course all the sponsors on the right.

THANK YOU and have a GREAT 2015!!!

This site is a labor of love and a ton of work. This site is ultimately meant to be an testament to everything synth in the making. We have over nine years of daily synth history captured here, 119,983 published posts. I can't wait to see what the future brings us in 2015!

That said, here are a few interesting bits from 2014 in the longest post of the year. ;)

CLICK FOR MORE »

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..."

Arturia Memorialises Moog’s Birthday with Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack Promotion

"GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware company Arturia is introducing a timely time- limited pricing promotion for its limited-edition Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack produced in collaboration with — and in aid of — The Bob Moog Foundation as a tribute to synthesizer pioneer Dr. Bob Moog who would have been 79 on May 23...

Arturia’s Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack pricing promotion starts on May 23 and runs for one week only. During this time, Moog fans, musicians, and producers worldwide wishing to pay tribute to the inventive individual responsible for singlehandedly revolutionising the sound of modern music production with his namesake 1965-patented Moog Ladder Filter design — which featured in the breakthrough voltage-controlled Moog modular synthesizer and its game-changing 1971-vintage compact MinimoogTM monosynth followup (for which Dr. Bob Moog was posthumously inducted into the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office National Inventors Hall of Fame) — can purchase Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack from the Arturia website at a reduced rate of €129.00 EUR/$129.00 USD (instead of €249.00 EUR/$299.00 USD). As always, a percentage of the sales proceeds will be donated by Arturia to The Bob Moog Foundation. In turn, this supports the dream of building the MoogseumTM (Bob Moog Museum), the convergence of The Bob Moog Foundation’s goals of inspiring and educating people through electronic music.

Moog fans, musicians, and producers will take delight in the beautifully produced and carefully curated package that is Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack on many levels — be it factual, historical, and, of course, musical. First up, the latest versions of two award-winning soft synths from Arturia successfully showcase the company’s ear-opening TAE® (True Analog Emulation) synthesis technology: Mini V 2.5.4 meticulously models the distinctive tones and analogue nuances of the legendary MinimoogTM Model D monosynth; after all, Dr. Bob Moog changed the musical world with the MinimoogTM and Arturia helped change the music software world with the Mini V! Similarly, Modular V 2.6.3 gives Dr. Bob Moog’s monstrous Moog modular synthesizer concept a software makeover fit for 21st Century composition and recording workflow — virtual analogue nirvana, indeed! (The use of trademarks is only meant as a reference to clarify the instruments whose sound was modelled and does not imply any endorsement.)

But that’s not all: the included Moog DVD documentary film by Hans Fjellestad — Best Documentary award winner at the Barcelona Inedit Film Festival — takes viewers on a compelling journey inside the imaginative mind of its illustrious namesake, alongside admiring interviews with and performances from the likes of DJ Spooky, Keith Emerson, Money Mark, Stereolab, and Rick Wakeman. Curated and prefaced by Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director at The Bob Moog Foundation, the limited-edition From Bob Moog’s Private Archives book fascinatingly features never-before-seen photographs and rare documents from the archives of Dr. Bob Moog himself.

And last, but by no means least, the official Bob Moog Foundation button badge is a great way of showing support for The Bob Moog Foundation by buying Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack — wear it with pride! So let’s collectively celebrate a legacy in honour of Dr. Bob Moog’s 79th birthday and help inspire the future.

The Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack pricing promotion runs for one week from May 23 during which it can be bought from the Arturia online store (http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/buy/online-shop.html) for the reduced rate of €129.00 EUR/$129.00 USD (returning to €249.00 EUR/$299.00 USD thereafter)."