1968 RA Moog Modular IIIC

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via this Reverb listing


"A 3-cabinet authentic, period correct all RA Moog modules system that dates from 1968.

This instrument forms a part of the RL Music Vintage Synthesizer Collection. We have managed to keep some of the very best examples of Vintage Synthesizers that have come through our business over the last 22 years which we kept for our pleasure and interest. Whilst having a privileged position as a specialist dealer in this genre of equipment, we managed to hang on to particular instruments that were interesting and inspiring. The RA Moog Modular IIIC is one of 40 instruments we have, but is the oldest and most historically important.

Due to the nature of such a rare and historic instrument, certain aspects of the sale will be unique, so we have tried our best here to fully represent the instrument with all the information we have available and honestly and acutely describe it. We encourage any prospective buyer to ensure you have all you need to make an informed decision to purchase it, so we are available to field any enquiry you may have, but we hope the following information covers all the pertinent details on this very special instrument.

Provenance:

We purchased this system via a VEMIA auction in November 2014 and collected it from the seller directly in the UK. The owner at that time of the sale had renowned synth-tech, James Walker, carry out a health check. After we collected it from the seller in December 2014, we set it up and fully tested it and it was all working perfectly, but it has been in storage since so will need servicing.

We were told by the seller that they purchased it directly from Martin Newcomb’s Synthesiser Museum in 1999, so this RA Moog is featured in the Analog Heaven video production. We have the original VHS cassette from this, but you can now find that on YouTube, link below:

The VEMIA Auction details for this RA Moog did highlight a modification carried out by Moog themselves, which we noted, so here are the details:

Moog (in the USA) updated some control components in the 901A Oscillator Controllers (not the Oscillators themselves) so that the 901A Oscillators can now tune to scale across the full 5 Octaves.

This modification does not of course alter the Oscillator tone. James Walker then replicated this modification to the other 2 x 901A Oscillator Controllers. Before this update, the RA Moog only accurately scaled across a single Octave, which is typical for these very early Moog instruments.

The other item of note from the VEMIA Auction in November 2014 on this system was that many of the yellow labels on the modules are no longer attached. The seller in 2014 did not know why these labels had been removed but it’s something that had been done during the lifetime of the instrument. Some modules have their yellow tags still attached, so you can see these from the photos of the reader of the cabinets below, but these are all 100% genuine RA Moog modules.

System Configuration:

Top Cabinet

1 960 - Sequential Controller

1 962 - Sequential Switch

1 Dual Quad Multiple w/Power Switch

1 961 - Interface

1 960 - Sequential Controller

1 962 - Sequential Switch

Mid Cabinet

1 914 - Extended Range Fixed Filter Bank

1 905 - Reverberation Unit

1 992 - Control Voltages Panel

1 904-B - Voltage Controller High Pass Filter

1 904-C - Filter Coupler

1 904-A - Voltage Controller Low Pass Filter

3 902 - Voltage Controlled Amplifiers

1 993 - Trigger & Envelope Voltages Panel

3 911 - Envelope Generators

1 911A - Dual Trigger Delay

1 912 - Envelope Follower

Bottom Cabinet:

1 901A - Oscillator Controller

3 901-B - Oscillators

1 901A - Oscillator Controller

3 901-B - Oscillators

1 901A - Oscillator Controller

3 901-B - Oscillators

1 901 - Voltage Controlled Oscillator

1 903 - White Sound Source

1 984 - Four Channel Mixer

4 Control Voltages Mixer Modules

1 Pitch/Trigger Control Module

Lower Console Power Supply Module

Controllers:

1 951 - Keyboard Controller

1 952 - Keyboard Controller

Historical Context:

The RA Moog Modular synthesizer, designed by Robert Arthur Moog in the 1960s, holds a seminal place in the history of music technology and electronic sound design. This essay explores its historical significance, cultural impact, technical innovations, and enduring legacy in detail.

Introduction

The advent of the RA Moog Modular marked a transformative moment in music. By making electronic sound synthesis accessible, flexible, and expressive, it catalysed the growth of electronic music and shaped numerous genres. Robert Moog’s groundbreaking work not only redefined how music could be produced but also introduced entirely new auditory experiences that resonated across artistic and scientific domains.

The Pre-Moog Era: Setting the Stage

Before the Moog Modular, electronic sound generation was largely confined to academic institutions and cumbersome, experimental devices such as the RCA Mark II Sound Synthesizer. These early machines were complex, immobile, and lacked the intuitive interfaces necessary for broader adoption. The idea of a portable and modular synthesizer—something that musicians could use in real-time performances or studio sessions—was virtually non-existent. The RA Moog Modular emerged as a response to these limitations, building upon the pioneering ideas of early electronic music visionaries like Pierre Schaeffer, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Raymond Scott.


Technical Innovations

1. Modular Design

The RA Moog Modular’s most groundbreaking feature was its modular architecture. Musicians could assemble a system tailored to their needs by connecting individual modules, such as oscillators, filters, and envelope generators. This flexibility revolutionised the approach to sound synthesis.

2. Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs)

Voltage-controlled oscillators allowed precise and dynamic control of pitch, a cornerstone of analogue synthesis. The RA Moog Modular’s VCOs provided stability and tunability unmatched by earlier technologies.

3. Voltage-Controlled Filters (VCFs)

The ladder filter design, patented by Robert Moog, became iconic for its warm, musical tone. This filter’s ability to sculpt harmonic content with resonance was a defining characteristic of the Moog sound.

4. Envelope Generators and Amplifiers

The inclusion of envelope generators (ADSR—Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) enabled nuanced articulation of sounds. Paired with voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCAs), these tools gave musicians unprecedented expressive capabilities.

5. Patch Cables and Signal Routing

The use of patch cables to connect modules offered an intuitive, hands-on approach to sound design. This method inspired creativity and experimentation, making the instrument a powerful tool for composers and performers.

Cultural and Artistic Impact

1. Adoption by Pioneering Musicians

The RA Moog Modular quickly found its way into the hands of forward-thinking musicians and composers. Wendy Carlos’s 1968 album *Switched-On Bach* demonstrated the potential of the synthesizer as a legitimate musical instrument, bridging classical music and modern technology. Similarly, artists like Keith Emerson, Isao Tomita, and Sun Ra pushed the boundaries of what the synthesizer could achieve in various genres.

2. Integration into Popular Music

The Moog Modular became a staple in the emerging psychedelic and progressive rock scenes of the late 1960s and 1970s. Bands like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Yes incorporated its distinctive sounds into their recordings, helping to propel the synthesizer into mainstream popularity.

3. Influence on Electronic and Experimental Genres

Beyond popular music, the RA Moog Modular catalysed the evolution of electronic genres. Early pioneers of ambient, techno, and industrial music used the instrument to explore new sonic landscapes, laying the groundwork for countless sub-genres.

Educational and Scientific Contributions

1. Tools for Academia

Universities and research institutions adopted the RA Moog Modular for teaching and experimental purposes. Its versatility made it an invaluable resource for studying acoustics, psychoacoustics, and sound synthesis.

2. Inspiration for Future Innovators

The RA Moog Modular’s design principles inspired subsequent generations of synthesizer engineers. Its modular approach influenced the development of Eurorack systems and software synthesizers, ensuring its legacy in both hardware and digital domains.

Enduring Legacy

1. Vintage Appeal and Collectibility

Today, original RA Moog Modular systems are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. Their iconic status and historical value make them prized artefacts in the world of music technology.

2. Reissues and Modern Adaptations

Modern reissues and software emulations continue to honour the RA Moog Modular’s legacy. These products enable contemporary musicians to experience the instrument’s capabilities while benefiting from advances in technology.

3. Influence on Modern Synthesis

The concepts pioneered by the RA Moog Modular—modularity, voltage control, and user-centric design—remain foundational in modern synthesizer design. From analogue revival instruments to digital workstations, the Moog ethos endures.

Conclusion

The RA Moog Modular synthesizer is more than an instrument; it is a cornerstone of modern music history. Its technical innovations, cultural impact, and enduring influence on music and technology underscore its importance as a transformative force. By bridging the gap between experimental sound and mainstream music, Robert Moog’s creation empowered generations of musicians to redefine the boundaries of sonic expression. As a symbol of creativity and innovation, the RA Moog Modular continues to inspire, proving its relevance more than half a century after its inception."