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Side view of the new Buchla Electric Music Box
WINTER NAMM, ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, January 24th, 2013 - Korg's MS-20 monophonic synthesizer, first introduced in 1978, is still coveted to this day for its thick, robust sound, powerful, iconic analog filter, and versatile patching options. It has now been reborn as the new MS-20 mini. The same engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced it in a body that's been shrunk to 86% of the original size, yet retains the distinctive look of the original. 
The MS-20 Mini offers the same distinctive synthesis that made the original MS-20 popular: two oscillators with ring modulation, and envelope generators with delay and hold. The VCA (Voltage Controlled Amp) maintains the original basic design, but it's been modified to produce less noise. Particular attention has also been paid to delivering smooth parameter adjustments, which are a distinctive feature of analog synthesizers. Special care was also taken to completely reproduce the original specifications of the MS-20, to deliver the same powerful sound, from deep, growling basses to crisp, rounded leads.
One of the most well-known - and still most sought after - characteristics of the original MS-20 was its powerful filters, which provided both high-pass and low-pass with peak/resonance. Maximizing the peak/resonance would cause the filter to self-oscillate; producing a distinctive and dramatic tonal change that was acclaimed as inimitable, and was used many years later on Korg's monotron and monotribe. The filter circuit was changed mid-way through the production lifecycle of the MS-20; the MS-20 mini uses the earlier filter, which was felt to be superior due to its more radical sound.
"This new Moog Little Phatty Stage II synthesizer in limited edition red has been signed by over 50 artists that participated in Jam Cruise 11 (2013). All of the proceeds from the auction of this one of a kind instrument go to support the Bob Moog Foundation, and their hallmark project Dr. Bob's SoundSchool. 
Brock Butler of Perpetual Groove
Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, a 10-week nationally standardized curriculum, teaches children the science of sound through the magic of music. Using electronic musical instruments such as theremins, synthesizers and effect pedals, as well as oscilloscopes and other teaching aides, the innovative program engages children in the basic physics of sound through music. Dr. Bob's SoundSchool recently completed its pilot year with resounding success, and is currently in 32 classrooms reaching over 600 students in Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools. As part of Jam Cruise's Positive Legacy Program the Bob Moog Foundation brought Dr. Bob's Workshop to children in the Grand Turks along with Bernie Worell and Rich Vogel. The Bob Moog Foundation is looking forward to regional and national expansion in coming years.
The Little Phatty® synthesizer was donated to the Bob Moog Foundation by our friends at Moog Music, Inc. The Little Phatty Stage II is a monophonic analog synthesizer manufactured by Moog Music, Inc. since 2006. It puts the performer in control of 100% analog signal path, two Voltage Controlled Oscillators and the Voltage Controlled Filter. Other versatile features include external audio input, CV and KB gate input, full MIDI controller, MIDI over USB, MIDI Clock Sync, an arpeggiator and Tap Tempo. The Little Phatty Stage II brings true analog synthesis to contemporary performance and production, making it modern music powerhouse.accuLAG from Juno Ju-X on Vimeo.
http://www.robpapen.comNAMM 2013: Moog Sub Phatty Demonstration (20130123) from ICON on Vimeo.
NAMM 2013: Moog Sub Phatty Demonstration (20130123)
